Business Details
Trusted Jewelry Store in Louisville Since 1832
MK Jewelers has been a trusted name in fine jewelry since 1832, serving Louisville families with unwavering commitment to quality and personalized service. Founded by William and James Kendrick, our legacy spans nearly two centuries, evolving through four families and nine generations while maintaining a focus on timeless craftsmanship. As the second-oldest independently owned jewelry store in the United States, we combine historical expertise with modern innovation to meet contemporary needs. Our team of GIA-certified gemologists and skilled artisans specializes in appraisals, custom designs, and jewelry restoration, ensuring each piece reflects its owner's unique story. We prioritize client relationships over transactions, offering educational guidance to help customers make informed decisions about their jewelry investments.Our services extend beyond sales to include meticulous appraisal documentation, permanent jewelry welding, and Rolex-certified watch repairs, all backed by generations of accumulated expertise. With a family-owned tradition continued by Brian Merkley and Nanette Merkley Vale, we maintain our founding principle of creating meaningful connections through jewelry. Our St. Matthews location houses a curated collection of engagement rings, heirloom-quality pieces, and bespoke options, all crafted to commemorate life's most significant moments. From the initial consultation to final delivery, we emphasize transparency, ethical practices, and exceptional customer care. This enduring approach has earned us recognition as both a local treasure and national institution in the jewelry industry.
Services
Engagement Rings
Custom Design
Appraisals
Jewelry Repair
Rolex Servicing
Permanent Jewelry
Watch Repair
Diamond Certification
Heirloom Restoration
Estate Jewelry
Highlights and features
- We offer 192 years of continuous jewelry expertise and heritage craftsmanship
- Our team includes GIA Certified Gemologists with over 30 years of appraisal experience
- We provide custom design services with direct collaboration from master jewelers
- Our appraisal process includes diamond fingerprint documentation for client security
- We maintain family-owned tradition while embracing modern jewelry innovations
Associations and certifications
- American Gem Society (AGS)
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Services
Engagement Rings
Our engagement ring collection features hand-selected diamonds and gemstones set in custom-designed mountings. Each piece undergoes rigorous quality checks by GIA-certified gemologists to ensure proper grading and craftsmanship standards. We offer both pre-designed options and complete customization through our in-house design studio.
Custom Design
Our custom design process transforms personal visions into wearable art through collaborative consultations with master jewelers. Using traditional wax modeling and modern CAD technology, we create one-of-a-kind pieces from existing heirlooms or original concepts while maintaining strict quality control throughout production.
Appraisals
Certified gemologists provide detailed appraisal reports documenting gemstone characteristics, metal purity, and market value estimates. Our process includes diamond fingerprinting technology for permanent identification and insurance documentation that meets industry certification standards for accuracy and reliability.
Jewelry Repair
Skilled artisans perform precision repairs ranging from simple resizing to complex restoration of antique pieces. Our Rolex-certified watchmakers service mechanical and quartz timepieces using genuine replacement parts while maintaining original functionality and aesthetic integrity through specialized repair techniques.
Permanent Jewelry
We offer custom-fitted 14k gold chains and bracelets welded closed for continuous wear. The non-invasive process uses arc welding technology to create seamless connections that can be professionally removed and reattached as needed while maintaining structural integrity through proper care instructions.
People
Brian Merkley
President & CEO
Third-generation family member leading with 30+ years industry experience, maintaining legacy while implementing modern innovations in jewelry craftsmanship and customer service practices.
Nanette Merkley Vale
Chief Operating Officer
Overseeing daily operations with strategic focus on maintaining family business values while expanding service offerings to meet contemporary jewelry market demands through operational excellence.
Mark Redmon
Certified Gemologist Appraiser
GIA-certified professional with specialized training in diamond grading and jewelry valuation, providing accurate appraisal services supported by advanced documentation technologies for client security.
Ryan Shoultz
Watchmaker
Rolex-certified technician specializing in precision timepiece restoration, combining traditional horology techniques with modern servicing protocols to maintain original functionality of luxury watches.
Shannon Kelly
Director of Sales
Leading sales team with expertise in guiding clients through jewelry selection processes, emphasizing educational approach to help customers understand quality factors and investment value.
Questions
What services does Merkley Kendrick Jewelers offer?
We provide engagement rings, custom design, appraisals, jewelry/watch repairs, Rolex servicing, and permanent jewelry solutions with expert craftsmanship.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Book online through our website or contact us directly at 502-895-6124 for in-store consultations and service scheduling.
Do you work with existing jewelry pieces?
Yes, we specialize in transforming heirloom jewelry into new designs while preserving sentimental value through our custom design process.
What makes your appraisal service unique?
Our GIA-certified gemologists use diamond fingerprinting technology for permanent identification, providing enhanced security and accurate insurance documentation.
Are repairs done on-site?
Most jewelry and watch repairs are completed in our Louisville store by certified technicians using genuine replacement parts for quality assurance.
Can permanent jewelry be removed?
Yes, our welded pieces can be professionally removed and reattached for $20 service fee while maintaining structural integrity of the original design.
