Independents

Fourth Generation of Wesdorp Family Ushered in as New Jewel-Craft Owners

IndependentsApr 14, 2023

Fourth Generation of Wesdorp Family Ushered in as New Jewel-Craft Owners

The collective six children of the previous owners have inherited the Kentucky business.

20230414_Jewel Craft facility.jpg
The Jewel-Craft Inc. facility in Erlanger, Kentucky. The company is now in its fourth generation of family ownership.
Erlanger, Ky.—After more than three decades at the helm, Jewel-Craft Inc. owners and brothers Gary and Benet Wesdorp are passing the torch to their children: Nick, Stefanie, Ross, Jerah, Walker and Karlan. 

They will be the fourth generation of the Wesdorp family to hold ownership of the Kentucky-based company.

The next generation is taking over per an agreement that was finalized at the end of 2022, but made retroactive to January 2022, and recently made public.  

Although they officially are retired now, Gary and Benet said they will continue to offer their support. 

For Ross Wesdorp, Gary’s son, Jewel-Craft has been part of his life since he was born.

“Taking on the next step to continue what my father, uncle, grandparents and great-grandfather built is such an incredible honor,” Ross said. “We are very excited for the next steps and cannot put into words how much it means to us.”

Jewel-Craft is a full-service business, providing comprehensive jewelry services to retail stores and shops nationwide. All stages of design, manufacturing, repair, and restoration are performed on site at its Kentucky location. 

It was originally founded in a garage attic in 1947 by Earl Wesdorp. In 1950, Earl’s son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Dot Wesdorp, came alongside him and solidified the foundation of the business. 

Bob and Dot’s two sons, Gary and Benet, became an integral part of Jewel-Craft at an early age. The brothers received mentorship from their parents in their teen and young adult years, honing their skills and principles as craftsmen and leaders. In 1985, they received ownership of the company.

 Related stories will be right here … 
 
The company flourished under Gary and Benet’s leadership.

In 1990, the company moved to its current home in Erlanger, Kentucky. Under the direction of Gary and Benet, the site has undergone major expansions.

Jewel-Craft eventually grew to employ 265 dedicated members lovingly referred to as the “Pit Crew.” The company has been named RJO “Vendor of the Year” four times.

“This is a tremendous time for the company and our family,” Gary said. “Jewel-Craft has grown in so many amazing ways and our family has grown along with it. Our success all comes down to a lot of hard work and dedication. We also owe so much to our remarkable Pit Crew and loyal customers.”

“Absolutely,” Benet added. “It’s incredible to see our children continuing the family legacy. Passing the company on to them, just as it was taken up by us, is an indescribable feeling.”

The fourth generation of the Wesdorp family is deeply grateful for everything that Gary and Benet built over the years, said the company, and are excited to lead Jewel-Craft into the future. 

Going forward, Jewel-Craft said it will continue to distinguish itself as the industry’s leader in repair and manufacturing, doing this through their fantastic support and service, which it is always striving to improve.

To learn more about Jewel-Craft, visit the company’s website or email ross@jewel-craft.com.

The Latest

Jacquie Aiche Lizzie Bracelet
CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure Hunt

One lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.

Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program logo
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
JA, BIJC Now Accepting EJAP Applications for 2025

The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide retail jewelry entrepreneurs through an eight-month educational curriculum.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CDFA Announce Design Award Finalists

Ten chosen designers will receive mentorship and participate in a design contest for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Dana J. Lorberg
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its Board

Dana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.

Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
FBI robbery surveillance photo
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing Robbers

The suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.

Models wearing Black Sand Pebble ring and Surf bracelet
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into Diamonds

The new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Artist Reena Ahluwalia “Pristine” painting
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJA

The artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.

Gunderson’s Jewelers in Omaha, Nebraska
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Nebraska

The new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.

Sydney Evan x Wicked “Spell Book” coin charm
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’

Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq Delisting

The retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional Selling

Whether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.

Annie E. Doresca, Grant Mobley, Alexis Padis, Terry Chandler
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ Gala

The gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”

Instore show 2025
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago Area

The trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Peggy Grosz
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is Sold

Grosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.

CD Peacock Love and Celebration Rings
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection

“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.

Hands pushing a shopping cart
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in October

A more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.

Mejuri store
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design Students

The funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Jewelers’ Security Alliance President Jennifer Mulvihill
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security Alliance

Jennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.

20241030_NYCJW.jpg
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry Week

This year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.

Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2M

The GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.

Pandora ambassadors Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, and Pamela Anderson
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and Love

The ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.

Stock image of a diamond engagement ring
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains Sluggish

The company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.

Monica Rich Kosann
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years

The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy