Our Story
Back in 1954, Pat Gilmore opened the original location for Gilmore Jewelers, which is the current location for City Hall in Hastings. In 1962, Pat moved to 102 East State Street in Hastings, where the store still is located today. Pat was a well-known horologist (watchmaker) and goldsmith in the area. In August 1978, Pat married Mary. Together they owned and operated Gilmore Jewelers until his passing in 1983. Kathy joined the Gilmore Jewelers team officially in 1978. Kathy went on to earn her gemology degree at the Gemological Institute of America in California in 1982. Mary operated the business until she retired in 1991. Mary sold Gilmore Jewelers to her daughter, Kathy, who is still the sole owner today. Since then, Kathy has continued to advance her education by receiving certifications, such as bench jeweler, through the New Approach School for Jewelers in Virginia. She continues to grow her knowledge through classes, workshops, and trade shows to better serve her customers.
About Kathy
From a young age, Kathy has been drawn to gems and jewelry. She believes in their beauty and rarity. Each piece has a personal meaning and a story behind it. Growing up with a mother and stepfather who owned a jewelry store, Kathy has been surrounded by the visually artistic, rich environment of jewelry. That environment sent her down the path to create her own designs. As a teenager, Kathy began her apprenticeship under her stepfather, Pat Gilmore, which only grew her love for gems and jewelry. Today Kathy takes that knowledge and brings experience to her customers. Kathy would say she is a “sentimental sap” when it comes to fixing jewelry. Each customer has their own story, whether it be a repair, design, or researching the history of a precious gemstone or piece of jewelry.
