Worthington Jewelers: Where Custom Really Does Mean One-of-a-Kind

When Joe Davis and Bob Caprace opened Worthington Jewelers in 2000, their mission was simple: to give Central Ohio customers a source for high-quality yet affordable one-of-a-kind jewelry. Twelve years later, custom jewelry sales account for about 90 percent of their gross business. "We made most of what you see in the store," says Davis. "We have no boundaries on what we can do." For this reason, Davis says his average customer consultation is about two hours long. "We have to spend more time with the customer because we pick everything right here," he explains. "In order to make an educated judgment, our customers need enough information to know what they are doing."

In addition to custom jewelry, the experts at Worthington Jewelers also do a great deal of repair work and cleanings, and especially noteworthy this time of year, Worthington Jewelers has the largest selection of engagement rings and wedding bands in one store in Central Ohio.

Davis and Caprace decided to open Worthington Jewelers after the jewelry store where they worked closed down. "We really felt like we knew what could have been done really well," Davis says. "And there aren't many times when you don't have much to lose." Today they not only have a successful business, but they are proud to be business owners in the City of Worthington. "This is one of those towns where people want to go to local businesses and be loyal to the people who are downtown," says Davis, who is also a Worthington city councilmen. "People pay attention, they have opinions, and they want to talk about it. They want to be downtown supporting the businesses."

Last November Davis and Caprace added about 3,400 square feet to the original 800-foot shop. They transformed the store's atmosphere from traditional to lively, welcoming, casual and comfortable--and with no coats and ties. The remodeled shop features large windows that overlook Downtown Worthington. And, to retain some of the history, the exterior wall of the old building is now one of the shop's interior walls.

Annual Girls Night and Guys Night Events

Now a much-anticipated yearly event, Guys Night started because Davis and Caprace never got to see their friends during the busy season of November and December. The first year they invited about 20 guys to the store for an evening get-together. Many of the guys, realizing they were in a jewelry store, said they wished they knew what their wives wanted for Christmas. Davis and Caprace saw this as a business opportunity, and they created Girls Night, a time of wine and hors d'oeuvres and a chance for the wives to create their very own wish list. Guys Night takes place several days later--after the wish lists are complete. "These are our two biggest events of the year," says Davis. "Last week about 280 women attended."

This year's Guys Night, which is scheduled for Thursday, December 13 from 6 to 9 p.m., will also feature some great incentives, including iPods, iPads, TVs and more. That means you can buy something for your significant other--and take home a little something special for yourself as well.

For more information about Worthington Jewelers, visit http://www.worthingtonjewelers.com/ or www.visitworthingtonohio.com.