My Life and Sanity Files

Work Hard, But Don’t Lose Yourself in Your Work, Says Third-Generation Jeweler

Published

4 years ago

October 25, 2016

INSTORE Staff Instore November 2016 Issue

Stephen Vaeth
HELMUT THE JEWELER, SHOW LOW, AZ

Stephen Vaeth is a third-generation jeweler whose grandfather, a master watchmaker, opened a jewelry store in Germany in 1928. Stephen’s father, Erich, became a watchmaker while his uncle, Helmut, became a jeweler. The brothers moved to the U.S. and named their own store for Helmut to emphasize its German roots and craftsmanship. Says Vaeth: “I’m a first-generation German-American who was promised nothing, but taught the value of a penny, hard work and goal-setting!”

Wilkerson Testimonials

When Liquidation Is the Best Option, This Legendary Jeweler Chose Wilkerson

George Koueiter & Sons Jewelers, a 65-year old jewelry institution in Grosse Pointe, MI, had always been a mainstay in this suburban Detroit community. But when owners George and Paul Koueiter were ready to retire, they made the decision to close rather than sell. “We decided our best option to do the liquidation sale was Wilkerson,” says Paul Koueiter. The results, says George Koueiter, exceeded expectations and the process was easy. “Wilkerson just kept us in mind,” says George. “They never did anything without asking and whatever they asked us to do was just spot on.”