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The inaugural Kane County Weddings Spring 2025 Magazine Published by Shaw Media March 12, 2025. Written by Melissa Rubalcaba Riske. Click here to view the entire digital magazine.

Have you ever inherited a box of jewelry from a relative, only to wonder if any of it is real gold? Or maybe you’ve found a single earring tucked away in a drawer and thought, “Is this worth anything?”  Whether it’s an old chain from high school, a bracelet that’s been sitting in your jewelry box for years, or a broken ring you’ve been meaning to fix, you might be surprised by what you have laying around. If you’re in the Batavia, IL area and want answers, here’s a simple guide to help you check your gold jewelry at home—and when it’s time to visit an expert. 1. Check for Stamps or Hallmarks The first step is to look for small markings called hallmarks that indicate the gold’s purity. These are typically located: Inside the band of a ring On the clasp of a necklace or bracelet On the back or post of an earring Common gold stamps include: 10K  (41.7% gold) 14K  (58.3% gold) 18K  (75% gold) 585  (14K) 750  (18K) If you don’t see a stamp, don’t worry—it doesn’t always mean it’s not real. Older pieces may have worn-down marks, or certain vintage styles might not have been stamped at all. That’s when it helps to have a trusted jeweler take a closer look. 2. Consider the Condition—Even Broken Gold Has Value You might think, “This chain is broken—probably worthless,”  but that’s not necessarily true. Gold is measured by weight, purity, and market value , so even if your piece is bent, dented, or missing a stone, it can still hold value. Whether it’s a single earring, a tangled bracelet, or a class ring you no longer wear, don’t toss it—bring it in.  The type of gold (yellow, white, or rose) doesn’t affect the value itself— it’s the gold content that counts. 3. When in Doubt, Get a Professional Evaluation While at-home tests can give you a hint, the only way to know for sure is to have your gold checked by an expert. At K. Hollis Jewelers in Batavia, IL , our experienced team goes beyond standard tools and testing methods—so you get accurate, trustworthy information. Whether you’re looking to sell, trade in, or simply learn more about your pieces, we’ll guide you every step of the way. And if you’ve got a family heirloom that feels too special to sell, we’ll help you explore custom redesign options to give it new life. 4. What You Can Do with Old Gold Jewelry Once you know the value of your gold, there are several ways you can make it work for you: Sell for Cash:  Get a fair offer based on current market rates. Trade for Store Credit:  We’re offering a 30% bonus on cash gold trade-ins  or a 40% bonus toward store credit —a great way to treat yourself to something new. Redesign Into Something New:  Use your gold to create a one-of-a-kind custom piece—turn that broken chain into a pendant, or use grandma’s ring to create a necklace you’ll love to wear. Your Local Resource for Gold Jewelry in Batavia, IL At K. Hollis Jewelers, we’re more than just a jewelry store—we’re your trusted local resource  for honest advice, expert evaluations, and personal service. We proudly serve Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, and the surrounding Fox Valley area. If you’re wondering “Is my gold jewelry real?”  or “What is my gold worth?” —stop by and let’s find out together.

We were never fans of the shopping experience we had at most jewelry stores, so when we opened our little shop back in 2005, we set out to create an experience that we would feel good about if we were customers. Our core pricing philosophy is simple - we price our products and services at a fair price every day. No games. No gimmicks. Here are a couple of the “don’ts” that are inherent in that philosophy: Don’t mark up our prices so that we can mark them down and call it a “discount” or a “sale” Don’t offer or advertise gimmicks that make customers feel like they are getting a great “deal” when they are not Don’t run a continuous stream of sales so only the customers that buy during a sale are getting a fair price What is a diamond trade-up program? So let’s talk about diamond trade-up programs, how they work, and if they make sense to you as a customer. On the surface, a trade-up program looks really attractive – get credit for the full price you paid for your diamond and apply it to the purchase of a new bigger, better diamond. How can you go wrong? Like anything… the devil is in the detail. There are always conditions and restrictions that apply to these programs. Let’s take a look at what’s common across almost every trade-up program: You can only participate in a trade-up program at the retailer that sold you the original diamond. You have to spend at least twice the amount of the original purchase price on your new diamond. Sale items, discounted items, and coupons are typically excluded. You can only trade a natural diamond for a natural diamond and a lab diamond for a lab diamond. Might still look like a good deal, right? Here’s what you need to know. In stores that rely on discounting, special financing, and frequent sales to entice customers to buy, their core pricing strategy is to mark up so they can mark down. The purpose of this strategy is to give customers the illusion that they are getting a deal. Trade-up programs typically exclude sale items, so given the fact that their pricing strategy is to use high mark-ups for their retail prices, you could be grossly overpaying for your new diamond. If a customer overpaid for the original diamond, the problem compounds itself because the customer will be required to buy a new diamond priced at least twice as high as the original. Let’s say you overpaid by just $250 on the original diamond. That means there is an extra $500 already built to the price of the new diamond that shouldn’t be there. Determining the market price of a diamond is complex because there are so many variables to diamond value - size, color, clarity, cut, polish, depth, proportions, size of the table, etc. Be aware that some retailers are selling inferior quality diamonds using less reputable diamond certificates to establish artificial value. All diamond certificates are NOT created equal. GIA certificates are the gold standard. There are several diamond grading labs out there that provide certificates that exaggerate the quality of a diamond. This allows some retailers to use certificates that exaggerate diamond quality and price to convince you that a diamond is worth more than it is. What is an example of how a diamond trade-up program is used? Here’s a great example of something that happened at our store this week (and what prompted me to write this blog). A really great customer called to tell us that she was going to one of the large jewelry retailers (begins with a “J” and ends with “ared”) because they would let her trade in her 1-carat lab-grown diamond for a new 1.5-carat lab-grown diamond and she would only need to pay $1,500 for the upgrade. She was certain she was getting a great deal and wanted to know why we didn’t do this. Let’s break this down a bit… If she is paying $1,500 to upgrade her diamond: The price of the new 1.5-carat lab-grown diamond is at least $3,000 since trade-ups require that the cost of the new diamond is at least double the cost of the original diamond. The customer is giving the retailer the $1,500 diamond she originally purchased. We asked our customer to provide more detail on the quality of the new diamond so we could tell her if she is getting a good deal or not. If she were getting a good deal, we would absolutely tell her that. We called a couple of our suppliers and then called her back to let her know that our regular price for an equivalent quality 1.5-carat lab-grown diamond would be about $1,500 – half the price of the other retailer’s diamond. This was not such a good deal for our customer. Why K. Hollis Jewelers doesn't have a diamond trade-up program So, the bottom line for our customer: Our everyday price was half of the other retailer’s retail price for the new diamond. She was able to keep her original diamond. She was thrilled and is using the original diamond to create a new diamond pendant. We’re not saying that a trade-up program is necessarily a bad thing. A trade-up program can be a good value for a customer as long as they paid a fair price for the original diamond, they are paying a fair price on the new diamond, and they can afford to buy something that is twice as expensive as the original. The most important thing is always to work with a jeweler that you can trust, and that will stand behind everything they sell. At K. Hollis Jewelers, we price our products and services fairly every day, so you don’t have to worry about overpaying or feel like you need to wait for a sale to get a fair price. The products we have on clearance are discounted from our everyday fair prices, so they really are a great deal. No illusion. No games. No gimmicks. When our customers want to upgrade a diamond, we’ll price everything fairly, give them a reasonable offer to buy their diamonds and gold, won’t require them to spend at least twice the price of the original diamond, and we don’t require that they purchased the original jewelry from us. We just feel this is a more honest and transparent way to treat our customers.

At K. Hollis Jewelers, we pride ourselves on curating collections that combine individuality, quality, and style—at every price point. That’s why we’re excited to carry one of our favorite fashion-forward lines: Ania Haie . Effortless Style with a Modern Edge Ania Haie is all about jewelry that makes a statement—without breaking the bank. Designed in London, this trend-driven brand brings a bold, fashion-focused approach to everyday accessories. Whether you’re layering up or keeping it minimal, Ania Haie’s collections are made to be mixed, matched, and worn your way. Each piece is crafted in 925 sterling silver with rhodium or 14kt gold plating, offering the perfect balance between luxury and affordability. From delicate stacking rings and modern ear cuffs to sleek chains and statement studs, it’s the kind of jewelry that elevates every outfit—without overthinking it. Why We Love It at K. Hollis Jewelers We brought in Ania Haie because it reflects what our customers love: on-trend but timeless styles, elegant yet easy to wear. These pieces fit seamlessly into any wardrobe and work beautifully with the other jewelry and fashion you’ll find in our boutique. And because we know you love fresh style, we regularly update our in-store selection with the latest Ania Haie designs—so there’s always something new to discover. Come Try It On Explore Ania Haie in-store at K. Hollis Jewelers located in Batavia, IL alongside other popular fashion lines like Ti Sento, Kendra Scott, and our unique boutique apparel. Let us help you build the perfect everyday stack—or find a thoughtful gift that’s sure to wow.

View our expanded selection of lab-grown diamond jewelry in-store today! At K. Hollis Jewelers, we’re always listening to our customers—and when our lab-grown loose diamonds and stud earrings became top sellers , we knew it was time to expand. Now, we’re proud to introduce an even larger, more diverse collection of lab-grown diamond jewelry to Batavia, IL—from show-stopping engagement rings to everyday sparkle—all curated with you  in mind. Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds Over Mined Diamonds? Lab-grown diamonds offer the same fire, brilliance, and beauty as mined diamonds—because they are  diamonds, just created in a lab instead of the earth. What’s the biggest advantage? You get a larger, higher-quality diamond at a much more affordable price.  That means you can invest in a piece that truly represents your style and story—without sacrificing size or sparkle. At K. Hollis, we’ve built our expanded collection with every budget and every occasion  in mind. Whether you're shopping for a lab-grown engagement ring , elegant studs , anniversary jewelry , or a dazzling self-gift, we have something to match your moment. Explore Our Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry: Bare Brilliance & Centurion Part of our commitment to being the leading lab-grown diamond jeweler in the Fox Valley  is making sure our selection isn’t just large—it’s distinctively different . That’s why we offer exclusive lab-grown designs  you won’t see anywhere else: Bare Brilliance : A patent-pending setting with no visible prongs, giving your diamond the illusion of floating on the skin. It’s radiant, minimalist, and unforgettable. Centurion Collection : Our 100-facet lab-grown diamond collection that offers 40% more sparkle  than a traditional round brilliant cut. These rings are true conversation starters . These exclusive styles reflect our passion for jewelry that's as unique as the person wearing it. Visit Our Batavia Showroom for Expert Lab-Grown Diamond Guidance Whether you’re upgrading your look, designing something custom, or exploring the world of lab-grown diamond jewelry for the first time, our in-store experts are here to guide you . We’ve created a welcoming, educational environment where you can see, feel, and fall in love with your next forever piece. At K. Hollis, you’ll never feel rushed or overwhelmed. Our goal is simple: to help you find something extraordinary  that fits your style, your budget, and your story. 📍 Come See What’s New We invite you to visit our Batavia showroom and experience our expanded lab-grown diamond selection  for yourself. Whether you're shopping for your dream ring, a gift with meaning, or something to celebrate you , there's never been a better time to explore the brilliance of lab-grown. 💎 More sparkle, more style, and more to love—only at K. Hollis Jewelers in Batavia, IL. For updates on our new selections subscribe to our emails or follow us on Instagram or Facebook . Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Are lab-grown diamonds real? Yes! Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds and are graded by the same standards. Is lab-grown diamond jewelry more affordable? Absolutely. You can get a larger, higher-quality diamond for your budget compared to natural diamonds. Where can I buy lab-grown diamond jewelry near Batavia, IL? K. Hollis Jewelers offers the most exclusive lab-grown selections in the Fox Valley—including styles you won’t find anywhere else.

At K. Hollis Jewelers, we believe every purchase has power—especially when it’s made close to home. Supporting small businesses is more than a feel-good choice; it’s essential during times of economic uncertainty.  Small businesses are responsible for over 80% of our economy and play a vital role in sustaining the heartbeat of local communities. Small business owners and employees are your friends and neighbors—people who sponsor local events, support community causes, and create the welcoming places that make our towns feel like home. Unlike large corporations, small businesses don’t have deep financial reserves, so your support truly helps them thrive. Choosing to shop small over big-box retailers makes a bigger difference than you might think.   1. Job Creation & Opportunities Small businesses are actually the biggest job creators  in most communities. They hire locals, often providing more flexible or diverse job opportunities (great for students, parents, or people changing careers). 2. Keeps Neighborhoods Vibrant Local shops, cafes, and markets make neighborhoods feel alive —they turn streets into places people want to walk, gather, and hang out. This leads to safer, more engaged communities . People look out for each other more when they feel a connection to where they live. 3. Supports Public Services Local businesses pay local taxes , which help fund schools, parks, libraries, emergency services, and road maintenance. More money circulating in the area = better-funded services everyone relies on. 4. Builds Real Relationships Small business owners are your neighbors . You get to know them, and they get to know you. That human connection builds trust, strengthens social ties, and makes the whole community feel more tight-knit and supportive . 5. Uplifts Other Local Creatives & Entrepreneurs Local businesses often collaborate  with one another—think local cafes featuring baked goods from nearby bakeries, or bookstores hosting local authors. This creates a kind of economic ecosystem  where everyone grows together. 6. Promotes Resilience Diverse local economies are more resilient  in tough times (like recessions or supply chain disruptions) because they’re not as dependent on big, centralized corporations. A strong local business base can help a community bounce back faster.   Every time you shop small, you’re investing in more than just a product—you’re investing in people, in stories, and in the heart of your community. It may feel like a small act, but over time, it creates a ripple effect that makes our neighborhoods stronger, closer, and more vibrant.

At K. Hollis Jewelers, we know that your jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a reflection of your most cherished moments. Whether it’s an heirloom passed down through generations or the perfect ring to mark a new chapter in your life, we’re here to help you preserve its beauty and value for years to come. Our skilled jewelers offer a range of services that ensure your treasures stay as timeless as the memories they hold. Jewelry Repair: Keep Your Pieces Beautiful for a Lifetime When it comes to jewelry repair, experience, skill, and honesty are everything. At K. Hollis Jewelers, we take pride in providing top-tier repair services with the utmost care and precision. Whether it's fixing a loose stone, resizing a ring, or replacing a broken clasp, you can count on us for a job well done. The majority of our repairs are completed onsite, ensuring that your jewelry remains in safe hands from start to finish. And if ever there's an issue, we’ll fix it promptly. We stand behind our work because we believe in building relationships that last as long as the jewelry we care for. Expert Appraisals: Know the True Value of Your Jewelry Understanding the value of your jewelry is essential, whether you're insuring a recent purchase or simply wanting to know more about a family heirloom. Our in-house appraisal services provide a detailed description of each piece, along with its current fair market value. Rest assured, your precious items will never leave our store, and you'll receive accurate, trustworthy evaluations every time. Jewelry Insurance: Protect What Matters Most Many people assume their homeowner’s insurance covers valuable jewelry, but that's not always the case. To ensure you’re fully protected, K. Hollis Jewelers partners with Jewelers Mutual Group, a trusted name in jewelry insurance since 1913. With Luxsurance, we make insuring your most treasured pieces easy and affordable. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your jewelry is covered by an A+ rated insurer with decades of experience. Engraving: Make It Personal Jewelry is more than just a gift—it’s a symbol of love, memories, and personal milestones. At K. Hollis Jewelers, we offer custom engraving services to make your pieces even more special. Whether it’s adding a heartfelt message to a wedding band or using a loved one's jewelry to create something new, we’ll help you create a personalized keepsake that lasts a lifetime. From expert repairs to personalized engravings, K. Hollis Jewelers is committed to providing exceptional jewelry services that keep your treasured pieces as beautiful as the day you received them. Let us help you care for your jewelry, so you can continue to wear your memories with pride. Ready to experience the K. Hollis Jewelers difference? Visit us today, and let’s make sure your jewelry lasts a lifetime.

The Science There's a lot of science and research involved in growing diamonds; we’ll do our best to explain what we’ve learned. So without getting into the manufacturer's science and procedures (because that is all patented and proprietary information), here’s what we know about the science behind creating lab-grown diamonds. There are two types of processes used when growing a lab-created diamond. HPHT and CVD start with a carbon seed and use different methods to develop a diamond from that seed. CVD is short for Chemical Vapor Deposition . This means that a material is deposited from a gas onto a substrate (surface or material on or from which an organism lives or grows), and chemical reactions are involved which causes the Diamond to begin to grow. Growth is a very long process; on larger areas (less than 100cm2), diamond is usually deposited at growth rates between 0.1 and 10 microns per hour. To put that into perspective, the average piece of hair on your head is around 45 microns. So it's a very slow process and requires precisely controlled environments and gas levels to form a gem-quality diamond. HPHT is short for High-Pressure High Temperature. This process has a much more used history in the jewelry industry. Some larger companies started using this process in the 1940-the 50s to make diamonds but were never used or able to make gem-quality diamonds. HPHT uses a catalyst (carbon seed- pure carbon source); under the same environments (High-Pressure, High Temperature) that natural diamonds form, they grow a diamond. This process requires large machines to maintain the Pressure and Temperature needed for diamond growth.

The technology to manufacture lab-created diamonds that are identical in composition – so indistinguishable from natural diamonds - is here to stay. A Russian company, New Diamond Technologies , has produced the largest verified lab-created diamond – a high-quality 10 Ct stone. New Diamond Technologies claims that it can produce 15 Ct and 20 Ct polished stones, that they have produced a 70 Ct piece of lab-grown diamond rough, and suggest that 100 Ct lab-grown may be coming soon. The company says that the bigger diamonds are “really individual” as with comparable naturals. The cost of the technology to produce these stones is enormous, so the cost to the consumer is still very high – 80%-90% of the price of comparable natural diamonds. To put that in perspective, a high quality 10 Ct natural diamond (E Color and VVS2 clarity) would cost around $1,000,000 and $1,300,000. This lab-created stone would still cost around $800,000 to $1,170,000. The company’s “bread and butter” 1 Ct to 3 Ct stones are sold through companies in Europe, Hong Kong, and the US, but the company does not disclose the names of the companies selling their stones. They say that the stones are all “fully disclosed” with IGI lab reports, meaning that companies selling the stones tell their customers that they are lab-created and provide reports confirming the stone's origin. This is highly likely to be a game changer in the diamond industry. Only 2% of the natural diamonds currently mined are as high quality as these lab-created stones. So is this a good thing or a bad thing? It depends on how you look at it. This could be a positive thing for the environment since diamond mining is typically a very destructive process – it is finding a needle in a haystack process that often destroys the mining area. It could be a positive thing from a humanitarian perspective since the lust for diamonds can result in atrocious working conditions for miners – Have you ever seen the movie “Blood Diamond”? As for price, as technology evolves, the supply of these lab-created diamonds will increase, and the cost of production will decrease. This makes it possible that owning a 10 Ct lab-created diamond might become commonplace. On the negative side, it leaves the door wide open for deception, promises to devalue the natural diamond market, and creates a challenge for buyers – how can you be sure that you know exactly what you’re buying; natural or lab-created? At K. Hollis Jewelers, we only deal with suppliers that we know and trust and that provide certificates for their lab-grown diamonds and laser inscribed on the stone’s girdle, clearly identifying the stone as a lab-grown diamond. We have also invested in a high-end diamond tester that can distinguish between a mined diamond and a lab-grown diamond. The key is to know precisely what you are buying – then the decision is yours. A lab-created diamond has quite a few advantages over a mined diamond, but it’s just a choice. The real problem is that not everyone out there is as honest as they should be, and with new technology, it is getting more difficult to distinguish natural from lab-created. This creates a greater opportunity for the thieves of this world to deceive buyers. The risk is multiplied on the internet, where customers typically buy from “faceless” companies that could be located anywhere. This is a classic “buyer beware” thing. Not that I’m the most objective guy out there since we own a jewelry store, but trustworthy local jewelers live and die on their reputation, so they provide an extra layer of protection for their customers.

Every diamond is unique—just like every person. An unlimited combination of factors determines a diamond's quality. The universal standard that describes and assesses each diamond is the 4 Cs — color, clarity, cut, and carat weight . Ultimately, a diamond’s beauty is determined by how it interacts with light—how it reflects, refracts, and exits through the top of the stone. Color The color of a diamond  is a major factor in determining its value. The most sought-after diamonds are colorless  because they reflect light beautifully, displaying a rainbow of colors. These diamonds are graded D, E, or F  on the color scale, with D being completely colorless. Within the normal color range , diamonds vary from colorless to light yellow or brown. The full color scale ranges from D to Z , with diamonds at the lower end (S-Z) showing noticeable color. Most diamonds fall between F and I , striking a balance between value and visual appeal. Clarity Just like people, diamonds have unique characteristics . Clarity refers to a diamond’s internal inclusions and surface blemishes . These natural imperfections form during a diamond’s creation process and are what make each diamond one of a kind. Clarity is graded on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I)  based on five factors: size, number, position, nature, and color/relief  of inclusions. While some inclusions are invisible to the naked eye , others may affect transparency and brilliance. However, inclusions also serve as a natural fingerprint, distinguishing real diamonds from imitations. Cut A diamond’s cut is the key to its sparkle . It is the only one of the 4Cs influenced by human craftsmanship . The skillful cutting of a diamond’s facets and angles determines how light reflects within the stone, creating brilliance and fire. Three optical effects contribute to a diamond’s beauty: Brightness:  White light reflections. Fire:  Flashes of color as light disperses. Contrast:  The balance of bright and dark areas that create depth. Diamond cut grade  directly impacts brilliance—higher cut grades result in more dazzling sparkle . Although “cut” is often confused with shape , they are different. Round brilliant diamonds are graded with a cut scale, while fancy shapes  like princess, marquise, pear, oval, heart, and emerald cuts have different proportions and aesthetic appeal. Carat Weight Diamonds are weighed in metric carats , where one carat equals 200 milligrams . Carats are further divided into 100 points . For reference, a small paperclip weighs about one carat. Carat weight affects perceived size , but two diamonds with the same weight can appear drastically different depending on how weight is distributed . Factors like cut and depth  impact a diamond’s spread, meaning a shallower cut may appear larger than a deeper cut of the same weight. Additionally, while total carat weight matters, larger diamonds are significantly rarer  than multiple smaller diamonds of the same combined weight. This rarity makes larger diamonds more valuable, even if the smaller diamonds have the same quality characteristics. Lab-Grown Diamond Differences While lab-grown diamonds  have the same chemical composition and beauty as mined diamonds, their creation process differs. These diamonds are formed in a controlled environment rather than deep within the earth. Lab-grown diamonds are an ethical, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to natural diamonds while maintaining the same grading standards for color, clarity, cut, and carat weight . Choosing the Right Diamond for You Understanding the 4Cs of diamonds  helps you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect stone. Whether you're looking for a traditional natural diamond or considering a lab-grown option, K. Hollis Jewelers is here to guide you. Visit us in Batavia, IL , and let us help you find a diamond that reflects your style, values, and budget. ✨ For more information on diamond grading, visit GIA’s Diamond Quality Factors .

Local retailers are a place to see, touch and feel products; a place where real people are there to answer questions and guide you when you need it; and a place to go if things don’t go quite right. Great local retailers are even more than that. At K.Hollis Jewelers, Boutique & Wine Bar we want to be not just great, but we want to be the best of the best so we know we have to be much more than just a good place to buy stuff.  To be the best of the best, we’ve created a shopping destination where you’ll have a great shopping experience; where you’ll get the special attention you deserve; where you shop at your pace, not ours; where you can create trusted relationships with owners & staff; where there are no gimmicks or games; and where people gather to socialize, attend events, and celebrate special occasions. Our customers have given us over 1,000 5-star reviews on Google, thousands of people shop with us every year, and we’re voted one of the best local jewelry stores and boutiques year after year. We’re not like any other retailer so unless you’ve been in our store, it’s hard to know what to expect.  Here’s a summary of what you’ll find when you walk through our doors, but you really need to stop in to experience K.Hollis Jewelers, Boutique & Wine Bar for yourself. For jewelry , you’ll find a huge selection of beautiful jewelry for any occasion and at every price point; talented staff that’s ready to help you find or create the perfect engagement ring or custom jewelry item; high-quality repairs and appraisals done onsite by people you can trust; financing options when you need them, and a place where we value a life-long relationship over any single transaction. For women’s clothing , you’ll find a great selection of unique, versatile, comfortable clothing that looks great on you; that fits your body type, color palette, and personal style; that can be combined in multiple ways so you look and feel great every day; where you get the personal attention and guidance you deserve; where you’ll find great deals every day in our Clearance Closet, and where you’ll enjoy your shopping experience so much that you’ll bring your friends with you on your next visit. For the wine bar , you’ll find a great spot to grab a glass of wine or beer to sip on while you shop; an amazing gathering spot for you and friends; a place to host your social, business, non-profit, or networking gatherings; and a place that helps make our special events extra special. Having all of this under one roof gives you a shopping experience you can’t find anywhere else. It gives us the opportunity to be an integral part of our community and share special occasions and life events with our customers. That’s a win-win in my book. So stop in and experience K.Hollis for yourself. We’re confident that you’ll see why thousands of people shop with us, give us 5-star reviews, and voted us the “Best of the Best” Jewelry Store and Women’s Clothing Store in the 2024 Daily Herald Reader’s Choice Award.

I own a brick & mortar retail store, and I shop online. There, I said it out loud. We’ve been in the retail business for almost 20 years and have seen the waves of change in how people shop for the things they need, the things they want, and the things they don’t know they need or want yet. We’ve read the articles about the death of brick & mortar retail, seen the shift in shopping and buying behaviors, and have tried to evolve as a business through it all. Miller Lite has waged a decades long battle between “Tastes Great” and “Less Filling”. The newest ads end with someone yelling at the top of their lungs, “It’s Both”!  This sums up how I feel about brick & mortar retail.  Allow me to explain. Buying online is super convenient, and we can do a great deal of shopping from the couch. We can have almost anything delivered to our doorstep without ever leaving the comfort of home. So then, why do people still leave their home, brave the elements, navigate traffic, park, and walk into a brick & mortar retailer to shop?  At a core level, we humans have a yearning for social connections that drive us to get off the couch and venture out into the world. It is buried deep inside our DNA. We’re compelled to go in search of satisfying human experiences and be part of a larger community. We learn, we share, we gather, and we connect –  that’s what humans do. At a practical level, we have questions, we want to see, feel, and experience actual products, and we want to know that someone is there to make things right when things go wrong. We want to talk face-to-face with an actual person, form relationships, share thoughts & opinions, get expert guidance, and have some fun along the way.  Our business is proof that shopping with brick & mortar retailers is very much alive and well. We get to be part of those fulfilling human experiences with thousands of people every year. Our customers get all the practical benefits of shopping with people they know and trust, surrounded by actual products that they can touch, feel and try on, and knowing where they can find us whenever they need us. So… is it human nature or practicality that keep retailers like us thriving? Like they say in the Miller Lite commercials, “It’s Both”!