The oldest jeweler in town has been in business for 119 years! Founded in 1900, and maintaining its iconic downtown location, Thorpe’s is a family-owned, fifth-generation local Siouxland business. The downtown clock Its recognizable clock
The oldest jeweler in town has been in business for 119 years! Founded in 1900, and maintaining its iconic downtown location, Thorpe’s is a family-owned, fifth-generation local Siouxland business.
The downtown clock
Its recognizable clock on the corner of 4th and Pierce was rebuilt and restored in 2002. Surviving the massive Pelletier Fire of 1904 and the Mondamin Hotel Fire of 1912, it miraculously appeared unscathed with no cosmetic damage. Proudly holding the title of the only historic landmark from 100 years ago, the base of the clock is original, but the face and inside mechanisms are new as of 2002. The original clock was donated to the Downtown Sioux City Museum, and it is one of the first things you see after passing the front desk.
Unmatched customer service
After shopping at numerous jewelry stores around Sioux City, we are privy to Thorpe’s. We noticed the associates were very helpful and knowledgeable, but not suffocating. It’s almost like they all have this swagger about them, since they know they can hold their own in this industry without any effort.
10 reasons to shop at Thorpe’s
Evermore impressing upon their confidence even their website (thorpejewelers.com) boasts 10 reasons why to shop at Thorpe’s. All while convincing you of their authority in this market, they illustrate their business strategies and give you a glimpse of their rooted history here in Siouxland.
1. associates do not work on commission
I personally have heard this from both the owner, Rusty, and his associate, Tim. Their first priority is not to make sure you walk out with a sale every time you enter the store. Instead, they want you to leave comfortable with your choices and confident in the people helping you.
No pushy salesmen here. No one making you feel guilty for just looking, pressuring you for a sale, or even devaluing their inventory just to sell a product in order hit the monthly quota.
2. they know what “pretty” looks like
This means they hand-pick every diamond AFTER viewing them in person at their store. You’ve heard of the 4 C’s in selecting diamonds, however, even a diamond with all these qualifications can still be visually unfavorable and have errors.
Basically, if a diamond is stunningly beautiful, and it fits the customer’s requirements, it is chosen to be included in Thorpe’s inventory. Only the finest.
3. this is not a factory. no duplicates.
You obviously wouldn’t want to see your ring on another woman’s hand. You want to know your ring, just like you, are one-of-a-kind.
I can attest to this. The ring I chose was designed by Elma Gil. In fact, the salesman told me she only created one like it, and I knew leaving that day it was exclusively mine! I had a designer ring! Customizing it even more, I had them replace the princess cut diamond that came standard in it, with an emerald cut diamond. It looks so unique and eye-catching. I get so many compliments on my ring, it reminds me of Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage. It’s my happily ever after!
4. bigger is not always better
A small business is ideal. You work one-on-one with a trusted advisor. It’s a smoother transition than what you have probably experienced at large corporations.
On their website, they use the government as an example. The bigger it gets, the slower the reaction time. Decisions have to be funneled through different channels, approved by a hierarchy of every CEO known to man.
However, when the owner works alongside his associates at the only location in town, you get beyond satisfactory work, rapid responses and quality masterpieces.
My fiancé and I both purchased our rings here. When looking for his ring, Thorpe’s offered to build and design it for us on site! And after purchasing my engagement ring, they also offered to create a wedding band that perfectly molded to my ring.
5. on site goldsmith!
Following the “Keep-it-simple” concept, Thorpe’s also wants to keep it local. They do not send your jewelry far, far away, for you not to even see it again for another two weeks. They pride themselves on their same-day turn around time.
Bringing my ring in for a soldering repair and expecting to be without it for over a week, I was surprised to get a call back in two days. You might say they are customer obsessed.
6. they are fanatical over record-keeping
Being that they are a family-ran local business, operating at the same location for a century, their records date back almost 100 years!
Want to know what design your grandmother picked out for her engagement ring purchased here in 1940? What about getting a 30-year-old heirloom reappraised? You can bet they have these records.
7. they can walk the walk, and talk the talk
Being one of the first members of the American Gem Society when it formed in the 1930s, they have accrued more AGS titles than any other jewelry store in the tri-state area.
In addition, along with having two Certified Gemologist Appraisers on staff, Thorpe’s second generation owner, Wilson T. Clark, was in the AGS’s first graduating class of Registered Jewelers. In short, they know their jewelry.
8. community involvement
Thorpe’s has donated countless amounts of dollars, and numerous hours of volunteer work to non-profit organizations, both local and even as far away as Africa.
In fact, all the profits accrued from watch battery repairs are solely designated for non-profits that provide for the needs of children in Siouxland.
9. conflict free-diamonds
Sourced out of Southern Africa, Thorpe’s only associates themselves with conflict-free diamonds. Thorpe’s is also convicted in instilling the Kimberley Process, which prevents conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream retail arena. This means all their diamonds are safe, certifiable and untainted.
So when you buy a diamond from Thorpe’s, you can be confident in your purchase, whether it’s a pair of diamond earrings for your mother, a stunning tennis bracelet, or even an elegant necklace to wear at your next dinner party. And when you look down at your engagement ring, you will know you are not only supporting a local business, but also people whose intentions are as pure as their diamonds.
11. serious diamonds, but ridiculously fun people to talk with
I cannot stress this enough, when you shop at a small local business, you will notice the relaxed yet professional aura. I’ve worked for a small business owner, and the leeway given to the employees was more than encouraging, it bolstered brainstorming. Small businesses balance everything on their customers and their character. If they cannot maintain an honest reputation, they will not create a committed following.
Moreover, customers will notice when you actually enjoy your work. Time and time again, I’ve walked through the mall, and all I see are solemn faces in every store; employees anxious to leave. But every time I walk into Thorpe’s I’m immediately greeted by a recognizable employee. In fact, some have worked there for 20 years!
Bonus reason #11: The Knot Certified!
The eleventh reason, but not listed on their website: Thorpe’s is “The Knot” Certified! The Knot, a leader in wedding marketing and branding, chooses nationally from vendors spanning across all categories wedding related. From photographers, venues, florists, jewelers, musicians, caterers and more.
To receive The Knot Best of Weddings award is a game-changer in the retail world. The award represents the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by almost 1 million wedding planners, couples, families and event-goers.
To give you a better understanding of how prestigious an award this is: out of 300,000 wedding professionals listed on theknot.com, only 2 percent were presented with this accolade.
theknot.com’s 10 reasons why receiving this award is one of the highest honors a local business can receive.
1. Personally invited to The Knot events and workshops.
2. Ability to display your personalized plaque in the window of your business or at the front counter.
3. Downloading a pre-designed “The Knot” award graphic to your website, displaying your efforts, and promoting your value.
4. One step closer to Hall of Fame. In fact, Thorpe’s is part of the “Hall of Fame” after winning the “Best of Weddings” over four times!
5. Your business name will be promoted all over theknot.com website, along with emails mentioning your business concept and name being sent out to the almost 2 million The Knot social media followers.
6. Businesses with Best of Weddings ribbon in their storefronts receive more than three times the traffic than their competitors.
7. The Knot will help you spread the word about your nifty award, including a press release template!
8. Allows you to be seen as more of an expert in your specific field. Call it bragging rights. You will also spend less time convincing patrons of your capabilities.
9. As stated before only 2 percent of businesses receive the Best of Weddings award, giving you an edge over your competition.
10. Clients and future customers will have confidence in your abilities, and it instills trust even before they book with you.
shop small
I don’t ever feel pressured when I walk in, I’m not followed around like I would be at a retail location, and everyone is eager to assist you in finding an item worthy of your enjoyment. Again, none of the associates work off commission, so they do not have a quota to sell, nor are they rooting you on to buy the fanciest and costliest item on display.
I visit Thorpe’s about once every three months to view their wedding bands, new inventory and some of their antiques acquired from estate sales. Each time, they offer to clean my ring while I walk around at no extra charge. I love their customer service! Working in the restaurant service industry for the past eight years, I can tell when an employee happily anticipates the customer’s needs. I even learn more about Sioux City when I speak with the staff, after all, they’re fifth-generation owned, and more than 100 years of serving Siouxland.
Plan your visit
Located in historic downtown Sioux City, just look for their recognizable clock. Be aware of downtown parking meters though! And if you notice yourself conversing with the staff longer than your allotted time, just ask for some loose change. They have a jar of coin just for their customers to use so no one goes home frustrated with parking ticket.
501 4th Street
Sioux City, IA 51101
712-258-7501
Hours:
Mon-Wed: 10am to 5:30pm
Thursday: 10am to 8pm
Friday: 10am to 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed