Events & AwardsApr 13, 2023
AGS, GIA Award Beatrice Shipley Scholarship to Second-Gen JewelerIndependentsApr 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.
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 …
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.
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.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
