Kuhns Jewelers:
Making Christmas Memories since 1853
History, quality, and affordability. Located near the intersection of North Division Street and Main Street in Salisbury’s historic downtown, Kuhn’s Jewelers has accentuated the necklines, ears and hands of Delmarva residents since 1853. Salisbury’s oldest jewelry store, Kuhn’s is also the sixth oldest continuously operated business of its kind in the nation. A household name for many residents, Kuhn’s storied past and quality merchandise has translated into modern day success. For example, since 1996, the readers of Metropolitan Magazine have annually voted Kuhn’s “Best Fine Jeweler of the Eastern Shore.”
In an era when many jewelry stores are overwhelmed by Zales and Wal-Mart, Kuhn’s maintains a loyal and passionate following. Not surprisingly, Susan Purnell, owner of Kuhn’s, rightfully said, “We aren’t the best because we’re the oldest, we’re the oldest because we’re the best.” Terry Sell, a Salisbury, Md., resident, agreed. A Kuhn’s customer for 30 years, Sell cited Kuhn’s personal touch and high-quality merchandise as reasons for coming back. “It’s the little things. [Kuhn’s] stands by its merchandise and the staff is extremely personable,” Sell said. He’s not alone; Mary Lou Kemp of Princess Anne, Md., has been shopping at Kuhn’s for nearly 50 years! Eager to discuss her experience with Kuhn’s, Kemp opined, “Susan and her father, Jack Purnell, treated my husband and I like friends, not customers. They took time to sell, assist, and more importantly, visit.”
Kuhn’s offers gift ideas that tickle everyone’s fancy. “We are in a position to negotiate good prices on the jewelry we buy because of our excellent credit. That translates to prices that are very competitive when you compare them apples to apples with other jewelry stores,” Purnell said.
Like Purnell, sales associates Diana Barber and Kyle Bounds are certified by the Gemological Institute of America. Barber is Kuhn’s resident “pearl expert” and Bounds is Kuhn’s “diamond and watch expert.” The concept of time has always interested Bounds. “Since I was a kid, I always loved the idea of time. I love that I get to talk to others about it when I work,” Bounds expounded. According to Barber, “We offer merchandise that is timeless. These are gifts that can be given to a daughter for her wedding and be handed down years later to a granddaughter. Thinking of that makes me happy.”
Because of its extensive roots in the area, Kuhn’s has fostered a special relationship with the people of Delmarva. To date, Purnell is an active member of numerous civic organizations including Coastal Hospice, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Urban Salisbury, and the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council. It is this loyalty to the community and its sensitivity to its obligation that has earned Kuhn’s the honor and distinction of being Salisbury’s oldest and most esteemed jewelry store.
So, when that special time comes (Christmas is fast approaching), make Kuhn’s Jewelers your first choice. If 156 years of history is any indication, you will be glad you did.
Kuhn’s Jewelers, 107 Downtown Plaza, Salisbury, Md., 410-742-3256,
www.kuhnsjewelers.com