AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying DirectorNatalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
