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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
