|
|
|
|
| |
Archived Spotlight Stories : Dame, Hurdle & Company |
|
|
Member Spotlight: Dame, Hurdle & Company
“We like to say we’re one of the oldest, yet newest, jewelry stores in town,” said Victoria Udry, manager of Dame, Hurdle & Company.
The Udry family purchased the former Dame & Hurdle Jewelers in 2009, making Dame, Hurdle & Company one of the newest jewelry stores in the area, but Dame & Hurdle has been a fixture of the Quincy business community since 1945.
“The business has changed hands a couple of times,” said Udry, “But the focus on quality, service and style has not changed.”
Udry represents the third generation of her family to be in the jewelry business. Her grandfather, George “Bud” Udry, established Udry Jewelers more than 35 years ago in Pekin, Illinois, after many years working in the trade. Bud Udry’s family all took an active role in the business, and his son Vince – Tori’s father – served as an apprentice at the jewelry bench and took over the business shortly thereafter. Vince learned from a diamond broker that Dame & Hurdle was for sale. Intrigued, Vince Udry made a trip to Quincy to look at the business.
“He was impressed by the store and the displays,” said Tori Udry, “And loved the community as well.”
Today, the Udry family operates both Udry Jewelers in Pekin and Dame, Hurdle & Company.
“Having stores in both Pekin and Quincy has been good for both businesses,” said Udry. “Although the stores have much in common, both stores operate differently in certain areas. We have been able to take some of the best practices in Quincy back to Pekin, and also to bring some new ideas to Quincy, making both businesses stronger. We’re happy to be part of the Quincy community and enjoy being involved. For example, we’re partnering with the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois to host the Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend event on Saturday, July 23.”
Dame, Hurdle & Company offers a wide range of jewelry for all occasions, from engagement rings and wedding bands to pearls and fine jewelry to watches and fashion jewelry. A limited selection of giftware, such as crystal and clocks, is also available – and a full selection of giftware items can easily be ordered. A full service jeweler, Dame, Hurdle & Company also offers repairs, including watch repair, prong work, pearl restringing, engraving, custom jewelry design, as well as appraisals, cleaning, and ring sizing.
“One area of focus is our selection of engagement rings,” said Udry. “We are continuing to build on the already large engagement section. We have picked up the industry-leading practice of carrying ‘sample’ settings, which allows for a much larger inventory.We also have internet access to our diamond brookers inventory, allowing us to browse tens of thousands of diamonds on our 65 inch monitor. Selection is important; nationwide, the average spent on an engagement ring is $5,200. That type of investment deserves thought and planning.”
Although many customers find the perfect ring among the sample settings, which are then ordered in the desired metal, such as gold or platinum, Dame, Hurdle & Company also has engagement rings that can be purchased immediately.
“I enjoy helping people find the perfect engagement ring,” said Udry. “One of the greatest things about our business is that we get to be part of many of the important milestones in life. Weddings, graduations, births, anniversaries – we get to celebrate those special moments with our customers. It is very rewarding.”
To find the perfect piece of jewelry for your next milestone, visit Dame, Hurdle & Company, located in the Maine Center at 535 Maine St. in Quincy, call 222-0477, or find them on Facebook or Twitter.
|
|
|
.gif)
