As trends and national chains come and go, Nick T. Arnold Jewelers has withstood the test of time. Fourth-generation owner Candy Oakes attributes the store’s long-standing success to its timeless quality and deep-rooted community connections.
Established in 1902, the family-owned business is not just Owensboro’s oldest jeweler but one of the oldest in the country.
Oakes, the great-granddaughter of founder Nick T. Arnold, shared the legacy of her family’s commitment to the craft.
“We’ve been handed down the skills of jewelry repair, custom design, setting, and selling, generation after generation,” Oakes said. “There are very few jewelers with our background and expertise.”
The journey of Nick T. Arnold Jewelers began in downtown Owensboro, where it remained a fixture for 85 years. However, in 2007, the store relocated to 3630 Frederica Street. Oaks cited the changing dynamics of downtown and the need to stay accessible to their loyal customers as the primary reason for the move.
“Downtown had changed a lot over the years,” she said. “The traffic and environment were different, so we decided it was time to update our location.”
Continuing its expansion, Nick T. Arnold Jewelers opened a second store 5 years ago in Gateway Commons on KY 54. She said this move ensured the business could serve both sides of the city as the east side of the county continued to grow.
During the expansions, the core values of the business remained steadfast.
“We are a very quality-focused, customer-centered store,” Oakes said. “We do everything we can to make our customers’ dreams come true, offering the best value with honest service. When someone comes into our store, they are known, and we make sure their experience is special.”
The bond between Nick T. Arnold Jewelers and the Owensboro community is something Oakes cherishes deeply.
“The community has been crucial to our success,” she said. “It’s one thing to do something well for a little while, but it’s another when generations of families trust you with their most special moments. That’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”
Oakes believes that the personal touch her family offers sets Nick T. Arnold Jewelers apart in a fast-paced world where quality and genuine service are often overlooked. As the store continues to thrive, its commitment to the community remains as strong as ever.
“We want to make people feel special, and that’s what we strive to do every time someone walks through our doors,” Oakes said.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].
