When you walk into Croft & Stern Jewelry Designs in Maple Grove, the first thing you notice is a genuine sense of belonging. Yes, the cases sparkle, and yes, the gemstones catch the light in every direction, but what stands out most is the atmosphere. The thankful season reminds us how powerful memories are, and jewelry has a way of keeping those moments close. That is what owners Kelly and Joshua Sternau set out to create: a studio that feels like a creative space rather than a jewelry store. The focus here is not on selling diamonds or gold. It is on creating pieces that carry meaning.
Kelly’s story begins with her mentor, Mark Lauer of Mark Michael Diamond Designs. She worked beside him for years, learning the craft and the artistry. When she took over his studio, she was determined to preserve the custom-focused spirit. “Maple Grove was the natural choice,” she says. “I live here, I am raising my family here, and I love the sense of community.” That sense of connection is woven into every aspect of Croft & Stern.
Where Stories Become Jewelry
Kelly set out to create a place where every design starts with a story. “Every gem, sketch, and casting begins with the client’s story,” she explains. Each order begins with a conversation. Kelly listens closely as clients share memories, ideas, and inspirations. Together they sketch possibilities, explore styles, and dream about what the finished piece will represent.
The next stage blends technology with tradition. Designs move into CAD modeling and digital renderings so clients can visualize their future piece. Then Kelly’s team uses 3D printing to create an exact replica before it is cast into precious metals. Lost wax casting, one of the oldest methods of fine jewelry making, ensures the final item retains every delicate curve and detail. At the end, each piece is hand-finished in the studio, a process that guarantees both quality and character.
Kelly’s passion shines through in rare colored gemstones, antique treasures, and one-of-a-kind creations. She works with lapidary artisans from around the globe, sourcing gems so distinctive the design is built around the stone. “We create the item for the gem, not the other way around,” she says. Her personal collection of antique jewelry, built over twenty years, also inspires her daily. These pieces, as she says, “whisper history” and remind her of the artistry that connects past and present.
Jewelry is also about joy and fun, and Kelly has a front row seat to what Maple Grove is loving right now. Wide gold chains, oversized hoops, and bold colored gemstones are on trend. Permanent jewelry, where chains are welded onto the wrist or ankle, has also captured attention and become a playful way to mark memories. While she enjoys seeing styles evolve, Kelly encourages clients to invest in pieces that truly speak to them. “Trends come and go, but you will never regret jewelry that feels like you,” she says. Classic diamond bracelets, simple gold bands, and timeless mixed-metal pieces remain favorites for a reason.
What makes Croft & Stern meaningful is its role in life’s milestones. Engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, new babies, and promotions are often celebrated here. Families return again and again, adding chapters to their story through jewelry. “We do not just make jewelry,” Kelly says. “We become part of people’s stories.”
Community at the Heart
Beyond design and trends, Croft & Stern is deeply rooted in Maple Grove life. Kelly and Joshua are involved with Rotary, support citywide events such as Chalkfest, and host in-store gatherings that bring neighbors together. Twice a year they run estate jewelry buying events to answer the question, “Where do I sell my jewelry?” At their most recent event, buyers paid out more than $125,000 in three days.
Education is another priority. “Jewelry is one of the only things people buy without knowing much about it,” Kelly explains. “I want clients to feel informed, comfortable, and empowered.” Each appointment is approached with care and teaching in mind. The goal is never pressure. It is always about guidance, service, and trust.
In the end, Croft & Stern is about more than jewelry. It is about the stories the pieces carry, the hands that shape them, and the families who treasure them. Each design is crafted with intention, from the first sketch to the final polish, with a spirit that cannot be duplicated by mass production.
At Croft & Stern, jewelry does not just sparkle. It speaks. It celebrates. And most of all, it tells your story for generations to come.
www.croftandstern.com | 7897 Main St N | 763-494-5700