IndependentsApr 17, 2023
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Wisconsin Jewelry Store Owners to Retire After 35 Years
Their son will take over Barnes Diamonds and Designs this summer.
After 35 years in business, Barnes Diamonds and Designs owners John Sr. and Corinne Barnes are retiring and passing down the business to their son John Jr.
Oconomowoc, Wisc.—Barnes Diamonds and Designs owners John Sr. and Corinne Barnes are retiring after 35 years, handing down the business to their son John Jr.
The Wisconsin family-owned business said John Jr. is set to take over this summer. It said the transition will continue to uphold the same quality standards, values and reputation that Barnes has become known for while also bringing some exciting surprises, including new designer brands and fresh styles.
In honor of the Barnes’ retirement, the store will host a special sale on April 18 today where the entire inventory will be marked up to 70 percent off. The retirement celebration is a way to say thank you to their customers for their love and support over the years, it said.
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The Wisconsin family-owned business said John Jr. is set to take over this summer. It said the transition will continue to uphold the same quality standards, values and reputation that Barnes has become known for while also bringing some exciting surprises, including new designer brands and fresh styles.
In honor of the Barnes’ retirement, the store will host a special sale on April 18 today where the entire inventory will be marked up to 70 percent off. The retirement celebration is a way to say thank you to their customers for their love and support over the years, it said.
Before Barnes Diamonds and Designs, John Sr. was working as a watchmaker in the 1970s. He later learned goldsmithing and became a Certified Gemologist Appraiser.
In 1986, he and his wife started their small jewelry business. As the company grew, the couple found themselves upgrading locations for more space.
Their love of fine jewelry was passed to their sons.
Up front, owner-to-be John Jr. could be found helping, while his brother Joe was often doing the goldsmithing, designing, and working the repair bench in the back.
Just breaking up these paragraphs a bit.
The Barnes family is active in their church and passionate about donating to those in need, having hosted Make-A-Wish in their store. Giving back to their community is an important value that will remain as John Jr. takes over, the store said.
Barnes Diamonds and Designs is grateful for its great and loyal customers, who responded to the store’s unique jewelry designs, including antique and vintage jewelry in the store, the store said. They have multi-generational customers, which it says is a testament to the family and the growth of the business.
“We are so blessed to have an absolutely amazing team. While we’re truly a family store, all of our employees are like family,” the Barnes family said. “We cannot say thank you enough to our loyal customers for making the last 37 years so enjoyable. It has been a sincere joy to serve you all.”
The Barnes Diamonds and Designs retirement celebration sale will take place at their store at 1370 Pabst Farms Circle #310 in Oconomowoc.
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