Our History – Celebrating 75 years
At Pugh’s Diamond Jewelers, diamonds have always been at the heart of our story. Starting in 1949 when a diamond first adorned our store sign, to officially adding “Diamond” to our name in 1991, reaching this year’s diamond anniversary feels like destiny. And with the next generation— Patrick Pugh—is ready to carry on the legacy, our journey continues, just as it began with our founders, Vernon and his wife Geraldine.
Humble Beginnings: From $500 to a Family Legacy
Our story begins with Vernon and his wife, who started Pugh’s 75 years ago with just $500 in their pockets. Like many businesses that flourished after World War II, Pugh’s Diamond Jewelers found its footing in a time of great change. Vernon, a watchmaker by trade, learned his skills as an aircraft instrument technician during WWII. When he returned home, he began working for a local jeweler as a watch repairman.
Vernon was a Zanesville local, well-known and respected, partly due to his accomplishments as an athlete in high school. His reputation and outgoing nature gave the early store valuable recognition within the community. After meeting his wife, who had relocated to Zanesville from Duluth, Minnesota, they married, started a family, and launched the business that would become a local fixture for decades to come.
Building a Name and a Reputation
As the business grew, Vernon realized that to better serve his customers, he needed to enhance his knowledge and credentials. In the 1960s, Pugh’s joined the prestigious American Gem Society (AGS), and Vernon became an AGS Registered Jeweler. These certifications laid the foundation for Pugh’s transformation into a modern jewelry store, creating a future for his sons—Daniel, Kevin, and Patrick—to follow in his footsteps.
In 1976, Dan Pugh, along with his wife Martha, helped move the store from its original location on Fifth Street to Main Street, a move that set the stage for further growth. Kevin, a self-taught master goldsmith, soon joined the family business, bringing his craftsmanship to the store’s workshop.
The Next Chapter: A New Era for Pugh’s Diamond Jewelers
The 1980s marked a turning point for Pugh’s. In 1981, Vernon retired after 32 years of dedication, passing the torch to the next generation. Five years later, Patrick Pugh officially joined the family business. Patrick’s journey to the store was deeply influenced by his father’s work. After studying at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and gaining experience at other jewelry stores, he returned to Pugh’s in 1986, ready to help shape its future.
As the retail landscape evolved, so did Pugh’s. In 1989, making a significant move to a larger, more modern space on Brandywine Boulevard to keep up with the shifting retail growth in Zanesville. The new store, with its 4,688 square feet of space and expanded showroom, allowed us to grow our offerings and solidify our place as a leading jeweler in Ohio.
In 1991, we officially changed our name to Pugh’s Diamond Jewelers, reflecting our expertise and commitment to diamonds and diamond jewelry.
Continuous Growth and Innovation
Since the move to Brandywine Boulevard, Pugh’s has undergone several renovations, expanding our space and enhancing our services to meet our customers’ needs. From our full jewelry repair shop and manufacturing facility, to our commitment to quality Pugh’s has dedicated itself to innovation. Patrick, now leading the store, has introduced cutting-edge warranties and customer service initiatives that set Pugh’s apart from the competition. By focusing on hand-selected lines and creating an event-driven store, we’ve seen continued growth since 2008.
As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we reflect on our legacy. Vernon’s principles of hard work, resourcefulness, and integrity continue to guide us. Patrick and the Pugh’s team are dedicated to upholding these values while embracing new ideas and opportunities, ensuring Pugh’s Diamond Jewelers will continue to serve the Zanesville community and beyond for generations to come.
Giving Back to Our Community
At Pugh’s Diamond Jewelers, we believe in giving back. As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to supporting you our local community, just as we’ve done for decades. From timeless jewelry to cutting-edge services, Pugh’s Diamond Jewelers is proud to be a part of your most treasured moments.
Here’s to many more years of sparkle and celebration!