Established in 1978, Paul Stuart has come to be known throughout St. Charles
County, offering a full range of jewelry services.

Serving as jewelry appraiser for the city of St. Peters, Paul has provided
valuable information about date and origin of estate jewelry for many families
with a long history in the area. "I can tell a great deal about family history
by examining inherited jewelry," Paul writes. Appraisals are performed on all
jewelry by appointment to create insurance and estate appraisals. Paul is
recommended by many major insurance company agents, including State Farm,
American Family and Shelter.

Paul Stuart Jeweler has long ben a center for the arts in St. Charles County.
Hundreds of art shows including presentations of ceramics, photography and oil
painting have been presented through the years with receptions for the artists.
As past president of the St. Charles Arts Council, Paul was active in insuring
the success of many arts organizations. Serving as Executive Director of Mid-
America Theater Company and St. Charles Repertory Theater Company, Paul came to
know many of the performers in the county. Active as a composer of orchestral
music for dance, Paul made contributions to St. Louis Gateway Ballet as well as
the dance program at Lindenwood University. The beautiful mural by Steve
Strickland painted on the interior walls of the store is a tribute to the talent
of the local artist.

Specializing in "while you watch" setting and repair, Paul is very popular with
those who prefer to have their diamonds set or serviced as they watch, relaxing
with classical music in a comfortable leather chair. The library of antique
books and changing artwork are a diversion as Paul and staff fashion new
jewelry or repair valued heirlooms.

Antique jewelry is of special interest to Paul. "We try to restore antique
jewelry using antique or custom cut stones, dated techniques, and matching
metals. We are capable of alloying to match color and texture, and are often
the last stop for antique jewelry enthusiasts that have been "everywhere"
looking to have difficult pieces restored. I always as customers why they didn't
come to us first. After 30 years, if we can't repair it, nobody can," says Paul.
Developing with the latest technology, Paul and staff use a laser welder for
heat sensitive and especially challenging jewelry. Costume and antique jewelry
made of silver and base metals, even those set with glass crystals and
foil-backs are now an easy fix. Intricate wire work and filigree work,
previously unrepairable, are now fixed daily.

Computer imaging of models and designs for jewelry creation is an important
part of the modern design process. At Paul Stuart, we can rotate three
dimensional models for clients to view, where as only a few years ago, pencil
drawings were the only way to communicate custom jewelry design ideas. The
arrival of new micro-pave and very intricate artwork, common in manufactured
rings from China and India, has created a new need for the complete
understanding of computer imaging techniques.

Paul Stuart Jeweler is able to provide sketches, computer imaging of designs,
casting of client metal, and custom cut stones. All jeweler services are
provided under one roof. "We try to change as technology creates new
procedures," Paul says. "Jeweler are very much proud of their art and goldsmith
abilities. Change is hard, but the new computer techniques provide speed and
accuracy not available to the hand alone."
"I love diamonds!" Paul tells us, smiling. "I pick exceptionally well cut stones
with lots of sparkle. After all the designing, and creating, beautiful diamonds
are everything." Paul Stuart stocks diamonds sized to fit every budget from
a quarter carat to many carats.
Paul Stuart Custom Jeweler is open 9 to 7, Tuesday through Friday, and 10 to 7
on Saturday.