Longtime Grinnell jewelry business changes ownership

GRINNELL — A longtime Main Street Grinnell business has a new name and a new owner in the new year, all while keeping it in the family.

Deb Shearer, who has owned Bill’s Jewelry Shop at 903 Main St. for nine years, announced recently that her daughter and longtime employee, Amy Shepard, has purchased the business and will carry on the family tradition as of Jan. 1.

The name of the business is changing to Amy & Co. Fine Jewelry.

Shepard brings with her 15-years of experience working at Bill’s Jewelry Shop. She also holds her Gemological Institute of America Degree certification and is currently working toward receiving her Gemologist certification, which will take two more years.

Shearer first worked for Bill and Jeanne Hamman, founders and longtime owners of Bill’s Jewelry Shop and Hamman’s Jewelry, for a brief stint in 1994.

Bill, who purchased the jewelry store from Kenny Kramer in 1986, was changing gears and asked Shearer to help him with closing the shop, which at the time was called Hamman Jewelry.

In 2002, Bill reopened the retail jewelry business as Bill’s Jewelry Shop and asked Shearer to join him again.

“I was working at Westside Diner as a waitress, and Bill called and asked me to come back and manage his new jewelry shop,” recalled Shearer.

In those early days, Shearer served as a bill collector, worked the sales floor, ordered supplies and managed employees.

Bill retired in December 2015, and Shearer took over the business.

Shearer said her most enjoyable part of the business through the years was helping the customers.

“They make me fulfilled,” she said.

She said the longtime jewelry shop is a Grinnell staple with clients within an hour and as far away as North Carolina, Arizona, Hawaii and Germany (a Grinnell family in the military).

“We really reach out beyond Grinnell through family connections,” said Shearer. “That is how we reach so far.”

When asked if she has sold a wedding ring and then been invited to the wedding, Shearer said it’s not uncommon to be invited to customer’s weddings.

“She actually officiated a wedding once,” said Shepard.

Shearer said the key to her success in the jewelry business has been customer service.

“We let our customers know they are family,” said Shearer. “It all comes back to trust and being honest with them.

“This has been such a fun, exciting, emotional, fascinating ride I have had,” said Shearer. “I love all of our customers. You have turned into extended family to me. Each and every one of you have made this a memorable experience.”

As for the future, Shearer will stay in Grinnell and enjoy gentle mornings, slow afternoons and some light travel, she said.

“I now am at a new chapter in my life, and boy did it come quick,” said Shearer who’s been in the jewelry business 23 years. “It’s my turn to say goodbye and hand the reins over to my daughter, Amy.”

Shearer said that Amy has worked hard to get her certification and she is proud of her accomplishments and knows she will do well in this new venture.

Shepard first joined the jewelry business at age 20, first filing paperwork and eventually moving to the sales floor part-time as the business grew.

“I found a home here,” said Shepard.

According to Shepard, the hours will remain the same, and Vince Wallerich, a 25-year goldsmith, will continue serving customers under the new ownership. Also remaining on staff is Lindsey Eakins, sales associate.

The business specializes in fine jewelry, rings, bracelets, charms, pennants, necklaces, baby and corporate gifts, anniversary and wedding gifts and watches. It builds custom jewelry and also offers appraisals, repairs, restorations and a host of other jewelry services.

Stores hours are Tuesday — Friday, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. — 2 p.m. The business is closed on Sunday and Monday.

The business can be reached at 641-236-1008.