Founded by George and Dee Gunderson, Gunderson’s Jewelers has been bringing smiles and beauty into people’s lives for over 75 years. Still family-owned and operated, its high standards of customer service, selection, quality, and integrity have been passed down from generation to generation.
Today, their grandson, Brian Gunderson, is the owner and CEO, taking over from his father, Gary, in 1999. “I know there are other family-owned businesses in town, but you don't see that a lot anymore,” says Wayzata store manager, Samantha Bergmann, who has been with the company for 10 years. “It's not a rare occurrence to have Brian or Breanne, our president, walk into the store and hang out with us for a day or two.”
Whether celebrating a marriage, birth, graduation, or other happy occasion, many families love honoring a milestone with a special piece of jewelry or a stately timepiece. “We have all these special moments and it’s very exciting to mark those with a piece of jewelry or a watch that can be passed down to family members,” she says. “It’s just one of those things that can last a lifetime.”
Of course, Valentine’s Day is one of these occasions where people want to delight and surprise their loved ones with a special gift. It’s a busy time of year for the store with customers looking for just the right thing to express their love and appreciation for the important person or people in their lives.
“We definitely have a great assortment of pieces and something that would hit everybody’s price point,” says Samantha. “Some of my favorites would be from our newer line called Messika. It’s all about how diamonds move and how the light plays with the different diamonds. It’s just a really fun and unique look.” With its array of delicate and lovely rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, customers can buy one piece or mix and match to make their own collections.
“And for men, we have a very extensive line of watches,” she says. “We carry some that are only offered by us in the Twin Cities like IWC Schaffhausen and ORIS. They make some really fantastic timepieces for men. We also carry William Henry, which has some fun gifts and unique bracelets for men.”
If a customer doesn’t want to choose from all that’s available in the store or has a particular image in mind, Gunderson’s can make a custom piece and turn their vision into reality. Whether it’s an image in someone’s mind or on a piece of paper, the master jewelers and designers can create exactly what’s desired.
“Our team here is very capable and willing to help with a custom piece,” says Samantha. “We do tons of them as a company and especially here in the Twin Cities.”
Another option is to repair or remake a piece of beloved jewelry. “We have an in-house jeweler who’s absolutely fantastic and very talented with coming up with ideas for revitalizing pieces that might not be someone’s current style.”
Of course, Valentine's Day is not just for romantic partners. Often, customers want to buy something for their parents or other family members. For this, Gunderson’s is a one-stop shop. There are wonderful home items including pretty heart-shaped crystal bowls and culinary options. “We have very nice kitchen knives,” she says. “They also come with a beautiful wooden display.”
One of Samantha’s personal favorite offerings are the Mova Globes. “They are interesting and beautiful pieces that can go on any desk or bookshelf. They’re self-moving globes, so they will spin by themselves.” There are a handful that are sports-related, and some that depict a map of the world and other intricate motifs.
If customers aren’t sure what to get that special person in their lives, the staff at Gunderson’s, with their years of experience, can make it easy. “Our customers become part of our family,” she says. “Our entire staff takes the time to listen to exactly what a customer is looking for and makes sure they’re getting what is perfect for their wants and needs.”
The company also strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which it does business. Some of the ways it does this is by holding special fundraisers and donating funds to the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, Boys & Girls Clubs, the Masonic Children’s Hospital, and many more.
What started out as one man mastering watchmaking many years ago, and then opening a store in Sioux City, IA, while expanding into diamonds, precious gems, other luxury jewelry and amazing gifts, now has multiple locations and is still growing. In addition to the Sioux City and Wayzata store, Gunderson’s can be found in Sioux Falls; SD, Omaha; NE, Fargo; ND, and coming soon, a 25,000-square-foot store in Omaha’s Heartwood Preserve.
To find an unforgettable and special gift for that amazing someone in your life, visit a store or see all they have to offer on their website and on Instagram. Bring smiles and joy not only for the holiday, but all year round.
300 Superior Blvd, Wayzata | Gundersons.com | 612-338-5950
