Wisconsin Jewelry Store Owners to Retire After 35 Years
Their son will take over Barnes Diamonds and Designs this summer.

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.
The Latest

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.


“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.

Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.

The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.

In honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.

The trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.























