The Business of Love and Craftsmanship: Kohl's Diamond Gallery

February 2025 SBS - Hannah Chatterton

Kohl's Diamond Gallery Team

On October 27 of 2005, a small storefront on North Seminary Street opened its doors for the first time. It wasn't your average jewelry store; it was a longtime dream coming to fruition. Jeff Kohl, with the unwavering support of his wife Lori, had poured everything they had into creating Kohl's Diamond Gallery. The business was built not only on a deep love for fine jewelry but on a commitment to service, craftsmanship, and community.

It all began three decades earlier when, at the age of 20, Jeff worked at Ellis Jewelers, unknowingly beginning a journey that would shape his life's work. Over the next 30 years, he honed his skills, built relationships, and cultivated an intimate understanding of the jewelry business. But it was Lori's encouragement and their shared vision that ultimately propelled them into opening their own store.

Jeff affectionately reminisces, sitting at their kitchen table, picking out their very first inventory while the store was still under construction. He jokingly recalls, too, when "Lori made fun of me with all my carpet squares laid out in the driveway trying to show her how the store cases would fit."

Kohl's Diamond Gallery quickly became a cornerstone of the community. Customers became friends, and through the years, those friendships spanned generations. Families returned, bringing their children and their grandchildren, all in search of timeless pieces to commemorate life's most precious moments.

The current 370 East Simmons Street Storefront. Photos courtesy of Jeff Kohl

By 2008, the business had outgrown its original 700-square-foot space. A move to 54 South Seminary Street doubled their footprint and brought with it an important addition: their son, Ryan, who had just completed jeweler's school. With Ryan joining the business, Kohl's Diamond Gallery could now guarantee not just the highest quality in jewelry but also the precision and care of in-house repairs. Ryan's passion for the craft soon became evident as he elevated the store's custom repair and design services to new heights. 

The store's latest move in 2018, to 370 South Seminary Street, was another leap forward. The expanded space allowed for an even wider selection of fine jewelry and a full-size repair and custom design shop. Ryan's skills and creativity flourished—his designs now reach customers worldwide, and his work has gained thousands of followers on TikTok (Ryan Kohl Jewelry) and Facebook. The reactions from customers, when presented with a one-of-a-kind custom piece, remain one of the most rewarding aspects of the business.

Ryan Kohl, Master Jeweler

"We make memories, and we are part of our customers' special occasions, and we will never take that for granted."

From the very beginning, Jeff and Lori committed themselves to supporting the community that had supported them. Their annual Christmas toy drive has become a cherished tradition, with an average of 400 toys donated each year to local organizations. The store also never turns down an opportunity to contribute to local fundraisers and charitable events. Perhaps it's this generosity that has led the business to be voted Hometown Favorite Jeweler year after year.

"I don't like to lose," Jeff admits, referencing his competitive streak from years of playing softball that shines through in the jewelry business, too. "I take it personally when I lose a sale. I know I will treat the customer better than anyone and will never be beat by price or selection. Our customers deserve the best possible out of me, and that's what drives me to always try and deliver the best."

That dedication to excellence is evident in every interaction, every repair, and every sale. Customers aren't just shoppers; they're family. And while not all the employees are family by blood, Kohl's strives to make their employees feel part of their family and to bring them into their mission statement of treating the customers as if they too were family or close friends. And that philosophy shines particularly bright this Valentine's Day, as Kohl's Diamond Gallery offers two extraordinary gift packages to celebrate love.

The "I Love You More" package includes a stunning diamond necklace, half a dozen roses, a box of chocolates, and a gift card for dinner at Galesburg's beloved Pizza House—a $350 value available for just $199. For those looking to take romance a step further, the "I Love You Most" package offers an even grander expression of affection: a diamond necklace, a couples' massage gift card, a dozen roses, a box of chocolates, a stuffed puppy named Molly, a Pizza House gift card, and complimentary delivery—all valued at $500, but offered for just $299!

Every piece of jewelry at Kohl's Diamond Gallery tells a story. Whether it's an engagement ring that marks the start of a new journey, a restored heirloom that carries generations of love, or a custom-designed piece that brings a customer's vision to life, Jeff, Lori, Ryan, and their team treat each creation with care and dedication.

"There's nothing more satisfying than seeing the reaction on a customer's face when they see their custom piece or repair," Jeff says. "We love what we do, and that's what keeps me coming to work every day for the past 50 years."

Jeff and Ryan Kohl, Father and Son

For those looking to make this Valentine's Day truly unforgettable, Kohl's Diamond Gallery is ready to help. Whether with a timeless diamond necklace or a custom creation made with love, one thing is certain: at Kohl's, customers will always find more than just the perfect jewelry—they'll find a family dedicated to making their moments shine.