Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Ngarupe.
Hi Kim, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Duke’s Jewelers began in 1948, when J. Melvin Duke, freshly home from serving in World War II, decided to take his wartime training as a watchmaker and open a jewelry store. With a jeweler’s bench, a few tools, and his family by his side, he opened Duke’s Jewelers in the heart of Springville. His dedication to precision and integrity quickly made Duke’s a trusted name in the community.
In 1979, Melvin’s grandson Richard Holmes carried that legacy forward, training as a bench jeweler and studying to become a Graduate Gemologist. Richard’s reputation for creating one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces and bespoke designs added a new chapter to Duke’s story – one rooted in artistry and authenticity.
For Kimberly Ngarupe, Melvin’s great-granddaughter, Duke’s has always been more than a business – it’s home. She remembers, as a little girl of five or six, cleaning the glass cases and trying on wedding rings, dreaming about her own wedding someday. Like many family businesses, Duke’s became her first job, teaching her the rhythm of daily operations and giving her cherished time with her dad behind the bench.
When Richard began preparing for retirement, conversations naturally turned to what Springville might look like without Duke’s – and it just didn’t feel right. Kimberly knew she wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Today, as the fourth-generation owner, she carries forward the legacy built by her great-grandfather and father, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern vision to ensure Duke’s remains a vibrant part of the community for generations to come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most small business journeys, it’s been incredibly rewarding – but not always smooth. One of the biggest challenges of running a family-owned jewelry store is just how many hats you wear. On any given day, I might move from helping a customer design an engagement ring to handling payroll, managing inventory, creating marketing campaigns, or planning our next event. There’s always a long list of things that need to be done, and as a small team, we all pitch in wherever we’re needed.
It can be a lot to juggle, but I’ve come to see that as part of what makes this work so meaningful. Every role, no matter how big or small, connects back to the people we serve and the legacy we’re carrying on. It’s challenging, yes, but it’s also deeply fulfilling to know that each day, I’m helping continue something my family started over seventy-five years ago.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Duke’s Jewelers?
Duke’s Jewelers is a full-service fine jewelry store specializing in custom design, bridal jewelry, repairs, and estate collections. For over seventy-five years, we’ve helped families celebrate life’s most meaningful moments – from engagements and anniversaries to heirloom redesigns and everyday treasures. What truly sets Duke’s apart is the combination of our deep craftsmanship roots and our personal connection with the community.
As a fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler, our legacy is built on trust, artistry, and relationships that span generations. My dad, Richard Holmes, was known for his one-of-a-kind handmade pieces, and I’m proud to continue that same dedication to quality and care. Whether we’re restoring a family heirloom or creating a brand-new piece from scratch, we treat every item that comes through our doors as if it were our own.
I’m most proud of the way our brand reflects both heritage and heart – we honor traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern design and technology. At Duke’s, our goal is simple: to create beautiful, lasting jewelry and meaningful experiences that connect people to their most important memories.
What makes you happy?
Without a doubt – my family. My husband and our three kids are my whole world. They’re the reason behind everything I do and the heart of what keeps me grounded. Watching them grow, learn, and find their own passions brings me more joy than anything else.
Being part of their lives is truly the honor of my lifetime. No matter how busy the days get at the store, coming home to them reminds me what it’s all for. Family is the foundation of Duke’s Jewelers, and that same love and devotion that started generations ago continues to shape not only our business, but who I am as a person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dukesjewelers.com
- Instagram: @dukesjewelersutah
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DukesJewelers
