Instead, Jay ended up buying the business. "It looked like a good opportunity, and the people in Florence were so warm and friendly. It didn't take long for me to figure out that Florence, Alabama was the best-kept secret in the world," he said.

Jay Klos grew up in the jewelry business, working in his father's store in Jefferson City, Missouri. Under his father's influence, he gained knowledge and made invaluable connections in the industry. Klos states, "Where I am today is a direct result of my father."

Twenty years later, Jay and Patty Klos are celebrating not just the success of their years at Grogan, but also the 90th anniversary of the business! Grogan Jewelers has remained in its original location on Court Street, although the building has been beautifully renovated and expanded.

Grogan Jewelers has a long history of providing customers with quality merchandise, outstanding service and incredible prices. The legacy began in 1915 when Elisha A. Grogan founded Grogan Jewelers. In 1940, his son Oscar took over the business.

In 1972, Walker and Frankie Graham became the new owners. "The store really flourished under the two of them," Klos said.

In 1985, Jay Klos brought his knowledge and extensive jewelry background to the business. Patty Klos joined the team of experts in 1986. Under their direction, Grogan Jewelers has set the precedent for being the leader in the diamond and fine jewelry business in North Alabama.

Along with the renovation in 1995 came the addition of the Engagement Ring Center. Diamonds have long been the specialty at Grogan Jewelers. "The diamond industry remains, in many ways, very old-school. It has actually taken decades to establish the types of connections we have with the mines as well as the cutters. Anyone can go out, build a store, say they're in the jewelry business and buy from wholesalers. But by being privy to the inside track we have always been able to bypass that middle wholesaler," says Klos.

"You just don't build those relationships overnight, or even in a single decade. Buying direct - that's the key. But saying you do and actually having the connections to do it are two totally different things."

Continuing education and training classes are also a tradition at Grogan. Klos says, "Sometimes I think they are in competition with each other and that's a wonderful thing. We have two Certified Bench Jeweler Technicians, which there are only four of in the entire state. I am in awe daily at the quality of pieces that we manufacture right here in our shop." But the training and education doesn't stop with the shop. Technology is constantly evolving and developing new and better ways to bring out the beauty in nature's precious gifts. Its important to know that the people you trust stay current with these changes.

The first thing you will notice when you walk through the door is how friendly and helpful the people are. There is nothing stuffy about the staff. They are professionals who love what they do and it shows!

Grogan Jewelers is committed to its customers and their dreams. It is obvious in everything they do! This includes the words they live by, their company mission statement:

"We do whatever it takes to make our customers happy."