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
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2023
HardRock Summit Organizers Gear Up for Third Annual ShowMore than 250 gem, jewelry, and mineral companies are expected to exhibit, including the American Gem Trade Association.
TrendsJun 02, 2023
Take a Peek at Couture’s Newest Design Talents This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.
CollectionsJun 02, 2023
Piece of the Week: Saboo Fine Jewels’ Emerald EarringsThey’re a testament to the power of excellent design.
Brought to you by
The Next Step for GIA Diamond ReportsThe most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.
TrendsJun 01, 2023
See 50+ Jewels Debuting at Couture in Las VegasThe industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.
Weekly QuizJun 02, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Lab-GrownJun 01, 2023
35-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Going on Display in VegasCreated by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.
MajorsJun 01, 2023
Bottom Line Marketing Announces Restructured Leadership, New Service OfferingsThe marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.
Brought to you by
Beyond Borders: Crucial Factors in Colored Stone Origin DeterminationNavigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote SpeakerThe jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.
TrendsMay 31, 2023
Here’s a Sneak Peek of New Jewelry to Check Out at JCKLuxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.
CollectionsMay 31, 2023
Verragio’s Debut Fine Jewelry Collections Honor Company HeritageOne of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Signet Jewelers Names New Head of Investor RelationsRob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Launches App for Retailers, Introduces New BrokerageWith the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.
Lab-GrownMay 30, 2023
Lightbox Is Testing Out a Trendy Concept Shop in BrooklynIt is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
These Are the Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education SessionsFrom consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.
AuctionsMay 30, 2023
Sotheby’s to Auction Mellon Family JewelrySignature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
24 Karat Club of Southern California Recognizes 3 HonoreesThey will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.
GradingMay 26, 2023
State of the Diamond Industry: AI and the Future of Diamond GradingGemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Watch: Diamond Cut Quality: The Final Frontier Part 2Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What It’s Like to Sell Both Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.
FinancialsMay 26, 2023
Movado Sales Slip in Q1 Amid Inflation Woes, Tough CompsThe company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.
AuctionsMay 26, 2023
Piece of the Week: A Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond NecklaceSet with a 118-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, it just sold for $3.4 million at Phillips jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
Supplier BulletinMay 25, 2023
RAE Fine Jewelry Collection Debuting at JCK Luxury 2023Sponsored by Noam Carver
TechnologyMay 25, 2023
State of Retail: Why Jewelers Need to Invest in Cybersecurity NowAs cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.
SourcingMay 25, 2023
David Yurman Unveils Quartz Exhibition at AMNH The Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is inside the museum’s brand-new Richard Gilder Center.
MajorsMay 25, 2023
Stanley Zale Joins Hill & Co. as Principal Consultant Zale has more than 40 years’ experience in the diamond industry, including 17 years as Stuller’s VP of diamonds and gemstones procurement.
Events & AwardsMay 24, 2023
New To-Dos in Las Vegas During Jewelry Market Week 2023The Strip is full of new restaurant and entertainment offerings.
