This is the story of a new jewelry store in Rochester MN – KD Fine Jewelers.

How did we get here? It all started many years ago with a plumber with a passion for rocks and jewelry – Bernie Kirckof, who started a jewelry store in Rochester MN.

If you’ve lived in Rochester for a few years, you will probably recognize Bernie in his “Indiana Jones” inspired outfit. Bernie founded Bernie’s Lapidary Supply, a jewelry tools and fine jewelry store in Rochester MN, many years ago, because of his passion for rocks, gemstones, tools, and jewelry. His favorite gemstone was Lake Superior Agate, which is also the official gemstone of Minnesota. 

After a few years, Bernie decided to focus more on jewelry, and he changed the name of the business to Bernie’s Jewelry. We did it all – fine jewelry, jewelry repair, custom jewelry, engagement rings, wedding rings, all while still selling rough rocks and jewelry tools. 

Sadly, Bernie passed away a number of years ago. He loved coming into the jewelry store, even when he was supposed to be retired. After he passed away, his wife Carole became the new owner, keeping the jewelry store in the family. 

Carole shares the same passion for gems and jewelry that Bernie had, and she ran Bernie’s Jewelry with the help of her family and employees for many years. Carole is also an artist, and she designed a special pendant to benefit the Women’s Shelter of Rochester MN, featuring three women inspired by Ruben’s “The Three Graces,” representing women helping and supporting other women. 

After many years in the jewelry business, last year Carole decided to retire and closed Bernie’s Jewelry. We were so thankful for all the support and well wishes we received on her and the jewelry store’s behalf. 

After the store closed, Carole’s daughter Karla Dison decided it was time to start her own jewelry store. Karla had worked with her family at Bernie’s Jewelry for many years as a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) trained Gemologist, and she couldn’t imagine leaving the jewelry world behind.

 She decided to start a new jewelry store in the same location as Bernie’s Jewelry, and invited all of the employees to stay at the store, but with a new name: KD Fine Jewelers. We renovated both the jewelry shop and the jewelry store itself.

After a few months of renovations, KD Fine Jewelers is open and ready to go! We are so proud to be in the same family, and continue Bernie’s legacy under a new name. Bernie was all about high quality jewelry, jewelry repairs, and he loved gemstones of every kind. 

Today at KD Fine Jewelers, we continue to honor Bernie’s legacy and love of gemstones by offering high quality fine jewelry, providing fast and quality jewelry repairs, and keeping many cool and rare gemstones in our store. We have a passion for custom design, and with two jewelers in house, we repair and create jewelry right here in our jewelry shop.

 We are now open for regular business hours, and we would love for you to come into the store and see our new look. We are in the same location as Bernie’s Jewelry (1800 North Broadway, Rochester MN 55906), and you’ll even be greeted by the same friendly staff you knew from Bernie’s.  We will be hosting a grand opening party next month, but you don’t need to wait until then to see what we’ve been up to. 

Our hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM, and Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM. Stop in today to have a cup of coffee (we have free coffee for you!), see the renovations we’ve done, and take a tour of our new and improved jewelry shop. See you soon!