EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
SurveysAug 02, 2017
50 Jewelers/50 States: Missouri
For Kansas City-based Tivol, the opportunities lie in the areas others see as obstacles.
“Know who you are, and be confident with that choice. Do not be afraid if you have made a mistake; learn from it and move on quickly,” said Hunter Tivol McGrath of Kansas City, Missouri-based retailer Tivol.
Kansas City, Mo.--In 50 Jewelers/50 States, National Jeweler interviews one retailer in each of the 50 U.S. states to find out how they are meeting the challenges of the changing retail environment.
Kansas City, Missouri-based Tivol opened in 1910. Charles Tivol, who was a bench jeweler by trade, began creating one-of-a-kind pieces for the customers in the city.
Business grew even more under his son, Harold, who passed away last summer, and the 107-year-old retailer now has two stores--the flagship at Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza and one across the state line in Overland Park, Kansas.
It is helmed by third-generation owner Cathy Tivol and has 55 employees between its two locations.
Hunter Tivol McGrath, fourth-generation Tivol and the company’s vice president, shared with National Jeweler the digital projects they are working on to reach more consumers, building the customer experience and the importance of learning from mistakes.
NJ: What’s the biggest challenge your store is facing?
Hunter Tivol McGrath: I don’t like facing challenges; I like figuring out how to maximize opportunities that others see as obstacles.
Right now, we are actively engaged in new digital endeavors to reach a young, knowledgeable, value proposition-based client who still sees the value in building lasting relationships with experienced professionals.
We are focusing on digital marketing campaigns, with a strong attention to SEO (search engine optimization) and SEM (search engine marketing) while maintaining our brand image.
NJ: What’s the top-selling category and brand at your store?
HTM: We are well diversified in our categories, with a good mix between fine timepieces, fashion and bridal. We do not have one specific category that is leaps and bounds above another.
We are lucky enough to represent many of the finest brands in the world. Some of these brands include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, TAG Heuer, David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Steven Lagos, Penny Preville, Carelle, Rahaminov and Kwiat.
NJ: Describe your regional customer.
HTM: With our rich history, we have clients all over the country and even the world. Our clients are knowledgeable, engaging, savvy individuals who appreciate the value of luxury jewelry and what it represents.
NJ: What’s the most popular style of engagement ring with your clientele now?
HTM: Our clients’ style ranges from fashion-forward to traditional. We see quite a few solitaires and halo style rings right now.
The exterior of the store
An interior shot of the Tivol store located at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City
NJ: Which social media accounts are important to your business?
HTM: We are highly focused on social media and
the outlet it provides us to reach our clients directly. We are active on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, and, to a lesser extent, on Snapchat and Twitter.
NJ: Do you have e-commerce? If so, how does it compare to in-store sales?
HTM: We do provide e-commerce through our website. We are striving to add more and more product every day to continue to compete in the online environment.
Because we are so focused on the client experience and customer service, we still are primarily focused on in-store sales. We are always working to find new and creative ways to take that experience to a digital platform.
NJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to other independent jewelry stores?
HTM: Know who you are, and be confident with that choice. Do not be afraid if you have made a mistake; learn from it and move on quickly.
NJ: What’s a fun fact about you we can share with our readers?
HTM: My mother, Cathy Tivol, is a foodie, and one of her dreams is to own a diner and flip burgers.
NJ: Do you have e-commerce? If so, how does it compare to in-store sales?
HTM: We do provide e-commerce through our website. We are striving to add more and more product every day to continue to compete in the online environment.
Because we are so focused on the client experience and customer service, we still are primarily focused on in-store sales. We are always working to find new and creative ways to take that experience to a digital platform.
NJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to other independent jewelry stores?
HTM: Know who you are, and be confident with that choice. Do not be afraid if you have made a mistake; learn from it and move on quickly.
NJ: What’s a fun fact about you we can share with our readers?
HTM: My mother, Cathy Tivol, is a foodie, and one of her dreams is to own a diner and flip burgers.
More on Surveys
The Latest
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
