Q&A with Sommers Jewelry Creations

Sommers Jewelry Creations

Owners: Chris, Karen and Clay Sommers

Address: 4025 S. Chandler Blvd., Suite 54

Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Information: (480) 759-0083

Q: Where are you from and what did you do before opening your business?

A: With my parents as partners, I opened my first retail jewelry establishment in 1986. I was just out of high school in Casa Grande and was ready to start a career. The store was very successful, offering fine jewelry and local, friendly service.

I married my wife Karen in 1995. She immediately became a part of the business, with a passion for gemstones. In 2001 we wanted to explore the manufacturing side of the jewelry industry. At this time, our son Clay had graduated from high school and was attending college. We decided this would be a perfect time to move to Bangkok, Thailand, and open our own jewelry manufacturing company; which we still own and operate today.

Q: Why did you open your business in Ahwatukee Foothills?

A: Before going to Thailand, we purchased a home here for our son’s use while he was attending college. When we returned we decided this was where we were going to hang our hats as well. Ahwatukee has the small-town charm of Casa Grande, with everything we love to do.

Q: How did you get the idea to open your business?

A: Our manufacturing business has grown tremendously, and we realized we needed to open an office here. I told Karen I was missing the retail business, so why not have a retail store/office and offer our services to the public?

Q: What type of merchandise/services do you sell?

A: We have a wide variety of merchandise and services, at prices everyone can afford. We have fashion silver with genuine gemstones and diamonds. Gorgeous diamond jewelry is available for every occasion. We can custom design and build jewelry utilizing diamonds and precious stones. We can take old/heirloom jewelry and re-manufacture a new and exciting design. We offer all types of jewelry repair and watch batteries. Customers can trade in their old jewelry for something new in the store or we can build something custom. We will purchase your jewelry and pay top dollar, as we use it for re-manufacturing.

Q: What does your business offer that no one else does?

A: Our ability to be our own manufacturer saves our customers a minimum of 35 percent right from the start. And having our factory right in the center of the world’s gemstone trading center is a big bonus. In addition, we are originally “small town” folks. We treat our customers like family!

Q: How have residents of the community responded to your business?

A: So far it’s been a great experience! The people here are enjoyable to talk with and they seem to like our products. They also like that we are affordable and strive for superior customer service.

Q: What does your business have in store for the future?

A: We appreciate attention to detail and that includes our client’s needs. Right now we are going to enjoy this new endeavor and new chapter in our lives.

Q: What does your business have in store for the future?

A: Right now we are going to enjoy this new endeavor and new chapter in our lives and work to make our business a real reflection of our travels and our experience.

Q: Anything else you want the community to know about you or your business?

A: We want to meet our neighbors! We’d love for everyone to come on by, take a look around and let us introduce ourselves. We’d also like to get to know people and find out what we can do for our new community.