Whether it is your great-grandfather’s pocket watch or your diamond pendant given to you on your 16th birthday, your jewelry holds value beyond measure.
“We see a lot of sentimental pieces that have been passed down from generation to generation,” explains senior CAD designer at Peter Franklin, David Konkle. “A lot of times people will want to revitalize a special piece of jewelry or embellish it. We have the unique ability to keep that sentimental value while adding to the piece.”
Konkle points out that Peter Franklin has a state-of-the-art facility at its Fort Wayne location off of Dupont Road allowing them to do any kind of customization that customers want.
“We do everything from the concept to the finished piece,” says Konkle. “Less than five percent of jewelers in the United States can actually make a ring the way we do on location. That’s how rare and unique our services are (here at Peter Franklin.)” Konkle continues, “most places will take a customer’s request but then send it out to be completed at a manufacturing company.”
“We will walk you through the entire process,” reveals Master Goldsmith Jerry Kissner. “Sales associates sit down with you to talk about the piece and what you would like to do; whether you’re creating an entirely new piece or (restoring) an existing one. Next, we do a wax mold so the customer can view it. There’s a lot of back and forth as we tweak the item. We can email customers pictures and show them how the piece would look with different colors, such as white or yellow gold. By the time all is said and done, they love the finished piece because they’ve been involved in the designing process.”
Peter Franklin Sales Associate Donald Reese states that customers tend to shy away from customizing their pieces because they fear the price will be too high.
“The cost is actually comparable to buying a new piece we carry in our stores,” explains Reese.
In addition to their Fort Wayne store, Peter Franklin has a store in Angola and New Haven as well. Established in 1988, the company has developed a reputation for quality items, excellent service, and above all else, unmatched expertise.
“We treat all of our customers with respect,” says Reese. “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get superior service with us. We just want to make sure you get exactly what you want.”
1111 E. Dupont Road
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825
(260) 489-8984
507 Broadway St.
New Haven, Indiana 46774
(260) 749-4315
2101 N. Wayne St.
Angola, Indiana 46703
(260) 665-3715
Peterfranklin.com
Owners: Peter Ball & James Ball
Number of employees: 30
Years in business: 31
Products and Services: Jewelry sales and service, including custom design, repair and appraisals
