Since 1993, Dave Kendall has operated Day’s Fine Jewelry with this philosophy: “Anything we can do for our customers, regardless of price, we’ll do.”

Example: The time a man came in looking for a watch pin. Kendall declined to charge him the two cents, instead telling him, “Stop in sometime when you need something.” The man did return and became a great customer – he once bought two rings for $13,000, although that’s not the reason Kendall does that.

That kind of service won’t change when Kendall hands the reins to his friend, Lorin Jones. And Jones will bring fine custom jewelry to Day’s.

For those who didn’t know, Dave is selling his store to Lorin and Ginger Jones, whom he has known for 25 years – and who worked together for three years 17 years ago. Jones, an accomplished designer with 32 years of experience, managed other jewelry stores but has never owned one.

“With bittersweet feelings, after 47 years in the jewelry business, including 25 at Day’s Fine Jewelry, I have decided to retire,” Kendall said, adding the Jones’ take over Jan. 1. But before that, the two will work together, Kendall introducing the Jones’ to all his customers and helping with the transition into the new year. Jones, in turn, will introduce all his customers to a more centralized location; he previously has driven as many as 50 miles to reach his customers.

Speaking of Kendall, “He literally has love and respect for his customers,” Jones said. “He’s always been willing to go the extra mile to give customers what they want.”

Actually, the two complement each other well. Jones is an accomplished, award-winning designer and jeweler, something that impresses Kendall. He recalls a time a customer wanted a ring with 22 diamonds placed just so. Jones drew it and created it exactly as the customer envisioned.

“Some people think they’re good,” Kendall said, “but Lorin is the real deal.”

Jones, in turn, appreciates the extensive repair side to Day’s Fine Jewelry. “It’s going to be a nice marriage,” he said. “We’ll have more of both services put together.”

This works for Jones, 54, who long wanted to own his own jewelry store. Many years ago, a jeweler he looked up to asked him what kind of jeweler he wanted to be. “I told him I want to do everything: custom design, build and service anything our customers want,” Jones said. “I want (customers) to be able to hand (jewelry) to me and I can say, ‘I can do that.’ ”

Nothing’s going to change, they insist. Customers will still be treated well, but now will have more options. It will just be a different person treating them well.

“I think he’ll do well here,” Kendall said..

DAY’S FINE JEWELRY
1849 E. Guadalupe Rd. #103
Tempe, AZ 85283

480.831.6086