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

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.


The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.