St. Charles jewelry store marks closing with final purchase from first customer

ST. CHARLES – When Goldmine Jewelers opened in downtown St. Charles three decades ago, Jim Kohlert was there.

The St. Charles resident gave the shop its first sale, he said, and – many purchases later – he returned to the store Thursday, its last day in business.

He and owner Jay Montgomery developed a friendship over the years, Kohlert said, noting he wanted to bookend Goldmine’s years in business with his patronage as a show of farewell and good luck.

Montgomery and his wife, Lynn, are retiring.

“It was a good career and a good life,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery, who lives in Sycamore, described St. Charles as a great community to do business in.

“I was very fortunate to be here,” he said.

Kohlert – who has used the store’s jewelry repair services in addition to buying rings and gifts for family throughout the years – said his first visit to Goldmine was prompted by a sign he saw while walking through town.

Good value, local ownership and personal service kept him coming back, he said.

Montgomery said their relationship is more friendship than business and noted that it has lasted 30 years – longer than a lot of marriages.

The men joked with each other as Kohlert told Montgomery what he wanted as his final purchase: a heart-shaped diamond necklace.

Kohlert took a few moments to find the right words about his feelings on the store closing. He said it’s great the owners are retiring, but he’s “a little jealous” Montgomery gets to do so before he does.

Lynn Montgomery said the end is “really bittersweet” and that she will miss many of the customers.

Although the Montgomerys are retiring, their goldsmith is not. Mauro Guerrero is taking over the space, 213 W. Main St., with his business, The Golden Valley Jewelers. He will offer jewelry repair as well as retail.