Jewelry selections rooted in rarity, longevity and authenticity are the cornerstones of K. Zander Jewelry | The Studio. Facilitating timeless jewelry legacies is the daily mission of this family-owned business now headed by third-generation owner Kimberly Zander, whose grandfather was a watchmaker and jeweler. Given the store was founded in 1935, she assures its full-service team embodies nearly a century of expertise with a passion for excellence. In fact, she's a GIA graduate gemologist, which is a prestigious certification from the global leader Gemological Institute of America.
"Adding a sparkle of magic and luxury to our clients' lives is our pleasure. We understand not only the financial value of pieces, but also their age and emotional significance," she says.
"Every piece I create begins with a conversation. I personally guide each design from concept to completion, sourcing conflict-free gemstones through long-standing global relationships and overseeing every step of the process. Whether reimagining an heirloom, designing an engagement ring or creating a one-of-a-kind piece, my goal's always the same: to create jewelry that holds both beauty and meaning."
Store services include jewelry custom design, GIA-accredited appraisals (by appointment) and cleaning, as well as watch and jewelry repairs. Jewelry options span necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, bridal rings, anniversary bands and special occasion pieces.
Kimberly has 30-plus years of experience in buying and selling both new and estate jewelry. With this expertise and from being an estate planning authority, she says she provides personalized consultations and detailed appraisals tailored to each client's needs. "Our commitment to sustainability goes hand-in-hand with our dedication to quality. We specialize in creating stunning jewelry by transforming reclaimed gold and platinum mountings in good condition, alongside rare, ethically sourced and traceable sapphires and gemstones," she explains. "We blend beauty with responsibility, ensuring each piece not only captivates the eye but also respects the environment and ethical sourcing practices."
The store in St. Charles is located at 1015 S. 5th St., and the new Chesterfield location is at 17089 N. Outer 40 Road, Ste. 132. Accompanying Kimberly in the studio is metalsmith Lindsay Utt, who supports client experiences that are personal and seamless. Lindsay's been designing handmade jewelry since 2004 using silver, copper and gold.
Given responsive communication and collaboration, Kimberly says she can have nearly any piece of jewelry made, from concept creation using a photo or an AI rendering created with clients, to CAD, to finished piece, all in about two weeks, including sourcing the stones or using stones selected in the store.
All diamonds and manufacturing are done in the United States, so Kimberly says there are no tariff charges on gemstones.
Kimberly's focus often is naturally colored gemstones that she handpicks, particularly sapphires, due to their durability, spectrum of color and individuality. "They offer meaningful alternatives for clients seeking truly personal and enduring pieces."
"I personally source all gemstones from my contacts who live in Thailand, Sweden, India and Australia. That way, I know the origin of the gems and that they're ethically mined. I offer manufactured lines of jewelry and build wedding sets to choose from in my stores," she says.
From developing relations across the worldwide jewelry industry with other leaders, Kimberly says she's in touch with them, often during wee hours with their daytime as America's nighttime, because they're also her friends now. "It's amazing to be in such a wonderful position that I'm in. It's truly a dream come true."
She says she also recovers ring mountings from a gold dealer who travels the Midwest to buy scrap gold from local jewelers and pawn shops. "That dealer recovers mountings in excellent condition and I buy them from her to save them from being melted and wasting the craftsmanship and history. Then I set the sapphires and other gemstones I find that are of exceptional quality and breathe life back into each piece for someone else to have the opportunity to cherish and covet the beauty again."
At its heart, Kimberly states jewelry is about connection: between people, moments and generations. "Every design we create carries a story, and we're honored to help bring those stories to life," she assures.
Chesterfield Store Hours:
January-March: Wednesdays through Sundays 12-6 p.m.
April-December: Tuesdays through Sunday 12-8 p.m.
St. Charles: 636.946.6618
Chesterfield: 636.778.0352
KZanderJewelry.com
Since 1935, K. Zander Jewelry's been a keystone of dependability and trust in St. Louis communities as one of the region’s most distinguished jewelry retailers.