Tradition of fine jewelry alive in Milwaukee

WARM UP WINTER

with the perfect gift

IF YOU’RE looking for that special piece of jewelry, Milwaukee is the place to be.

The city’s heritage of Old World craftsmanship and a growing number of talented new jewelry artists combine here, fostering a vibrant group of independent jewelry retailers.

A visit to any of the three retailers in our cover feature offers the personal service and unique jewelry design that is seldom available from nationwide chains or Internet retailers. At each of these respected women-owned businesses, you’ll find the expertise to simplify the search for the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion.

KLOIBER JEWELERS

“Experience” is available in quantity at Kloiber Jewelers, currently celebrating its 80th year in downtown Milwaukee.

Founded in 1926 by Frank O. Kloiber, the independent retailer quickly became known as the place Milwaukee’s business leaders and professionals turned to for answers for gift-giving needs. Like jewelers in other urban centers, Kloiber Jewelers had such a loyal following that it needed no street presence until 2002 when it moved to 411 W. Wisconsin Ave., just across Wisconsin Avenue from the Pfister Hotel.

Now owned by long-time employee Karin Volz, Kloiber Jewelers continues the Old World tradition of providing jewelry and watch repair, appraisals and engraving, but the emphasis today is on unique jewelry. Karin and her associates do more than simply sell pieces like the diamond pendant on this month’s cover. They provide a range of options and designs, tailoring each gift to the recipient.

Stop at Kloiber’s this year to see its Journey Collection, created in celebration of its 80th year in business. Kloiber Jewelers is open from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Fridays and from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturdays. Complimentary parking is available in the adjacent parking structure.

If you have a special request, call 414-276-2457 for an appointment or visit Kloiber Jewelers on the Web at www.kloiberjewelers.com.

STARFIRE JEWELRY

Starfire Jewelry, serving residents and visitors in the western suburb of Brookfield for 22 years, now is located in the Brookfield Towne Centre, a growing collection of upscale, locally owned retail stores, eateries, and even a gourmet grocery store.

Starfire Jewelry moved to the Centre location two years ago. Stroll into the store’s large, airy display area and discover one of the widest selections of original jewelry designs in the area.

Starfire Jewelry features works by more than 100 artisans in rare and exclusive colored gemstones, diamonds and pearls. Many designs are one-of-a-kind, and the contemporary styling means a ring, pendant or bracelet can be worn with jeans or that “little black dress.”

With owner Sue Kay’s daughter, Lana, now part of the business, Starfire Jewelry includes a third generation. The business was founded by Sue’s parents at the former Stonewood Village location just east of the present location. Continuing the emphasis on original design, the knowledgeable, friendly staff here is eager to help you “express your style.”

Starfire Jewelry at 18905 W. Capitol Dr. (corner of Capitol Dr. and Brookfield Rd.) is open seven days a week. Phone 262-781-1601 or visit www.starfirejewelry.net

OUT OF SOLITUDE JEWELRY

Close to downtown Milwaukee on the east side’s eclectic Brady Street is Out of Solitude, located amidst upscale boutiques, trendy wine bars and ethnic restaurants.

For more than a decade, Out of Solitude at 918 E. Brady St. has built a reputation for creating custom engagement rings, wedding bands and commitment rings. These are rings that commemorate the special moments we all cherish, and are tomorrow’s heirlooms.

Renee Shah describes Out of Solitude’s tradition of custom design in an informal, relaxed environment. In addition, she emphasizes “constant evolution in product development and customer satisfaction.”

Visit www.outofsolitude.com. This extensive Web site guides you through basic information such as “How to buy a diamond” as well as sample designs, and how to order custom designs online.

We recommend taking advantage of a “hands-on” experience working with the design staff. Clients with an inspiration are welcomed. Through sketches and renderings, an idea can be shaped into a unique ring.

Out of Solitude also can show clients a vast electronic portfolio of designs that can be customized by kind, size, or cut of stones; type of metal; scale; or finish. And, while custom design is the specialty here, Out of Solitude also has an array of jewelry to suit every budget available for immediate purchase. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday (phone 414-223-3101).