Calhoun’s Jewelers has been a trusted name in Topeka for over two decades. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, personalized service, and stunning collections. Calhoun’s specializes in creating timeless pieces for every occasion. Their expert team ensures every customer feels valued and heard. We asked four of those team members to choose a favorite piece to share. On the next few pages, read why these pieces – and Calhoun’s – are special to them.
Deb Tenpenny, Sales Associate, chose to feature an 18k gold freeform diamond ring from Calhoun’s collection.
“I have had my eye on this ring for quite some time,” Deb says. “I love the solid gold, contemporary style of the ring. It would be stunning with a casual outfit or dressed up.”
18k gold conveys quality and exclusivity while also being durable enough for most people to wear daily. There are four factors to consider when choosing a diamond: cut, color, clarity, and carat. This ring’s .75 carat, stunning diamond helps it stand out as a truly special piece.
Manny Hernandez, Sales Associate, modeled the Rolex Submariner Bluesy. In fact, it was a Rolex that inspired Manny’s love for fine watches and jewelry. This timeless, pre-owned Rolex features a vibrant blue dial with matching ceramic bezel and two-tone 18k yellow gold and steel band.
“I had a friend whose dad had that watch,” Manny recalls. “My friend and I both saved up all our money and told each other we were going to buy a Rolex and share it. We both worked really hard and saved enough money to each get one. That was special.”
Tonya Schreiber, Designer/Jeweler, chose a 14K yellow gold ring with Alexandrites and diamonds. Alexandrites are unique gemstones that appear to change color in different lighting. In natural light, they look purple or red. In incandescent light, they appear more teal or deep green. The Alexandrites in this specific ring are all natural, creating a mesmerizing color variation from stone to stone.
“Even though I know a lot of thought went into the layout of the stones, it feels very natural,” Tonya says, “like something that grew in a garden or washed up on some gorgeous beach.”
Opals are a favorite of Hartley Reynolds, Sales Associate, so it’s no wonder she chose this unique opal pendant to feature.
“I believe the opal was found at a gem show. Tonya created the piece after a vote on Facebook as to what it should be made into,” Hartley said, noting that she likes the abstract look of the one-of-a-kind piece.
Opals are a type of precious gemstone that are typically transparent, which allows for small points of shifting color. The birthstone for those born in October, Opals are primarily sourced from Australia and Ethiopia.
Visit Calhoun’s Jewelers online at calhounsjewelers.com or in person at 1801 SW Gage Blvd.
Deb worked with high fashion jewelry for 23 years before joining the Calhoun’s team.
“I ran my own business putting together clothing ensembles and jewelry combinations for clients,” she says. After that, her friend, Debbie, called Deb to see if she would work for her at Calhoun’s.
“I enjoy working with the other employees and seeing familiar faces when they come into the store,” Deb shares. “Calhoun’s is a special place because of its local ownership, personal touch, and excellent craftsmanship.”
Manny’s childhood love for watches and jewelry never dissipated. He decided to pursue that passion in adulthood, making the move from a job in real estate to a career at Calhoun’s.
“For every sale you have, you meet someone new and get at least one good laugh,” Manny says of the job. “I feel like it’s a big family.”
Manny says the experience and personal service Calhoun’s gives its customers is special. “The first thing we want to do is get to know them and how we can help,” he says. “We get to know their story.”
Tonya joined Calhoun’s after working for a small regional chain of jewelry stores in the Pacific Northwest. Having grown up in Kansas, Tonya knew it was time to return home to pursue a more hands-on, creative role in the jewelry industry.
“Everyone here listens to and supports each other,” Tonya says of the Calhoun’s team. “We're different in personality and background, but instead of that being a barrier, it allows us to do and make much cooler creations than we could alone.”
Hartley’s family has been long-time customers of Calhoun’s, which inspired her to apply for a job at the store when she was looking for work. She says one of her favorite things about the job is the people she works with. As for what makes Calhoun’s special, she echoes the sentiments of her co-workers.
“It’s a family business,” she says, “so they treat you like family, whether you’re an employee or a customer.”