History of 217 S Gillette Ave

(Currently known as EK Jewelers)

The building was built in 1932 according to the County Assessor’s records. However, other records show this building built in 1926 by the Taft family who operated the Taft Bakery there from that time until around 1945.  At that time Mr. Connie Allen bought the Taft Bakery equipment and operated the Gillette Bakery at that same location. Ray and Barbara Ritter bought the building in May 1947.  Richard E. Morrisey operated Morrisey Hardware and Gifts there in the 1950s and 1960s.  Robert Barlow bought the building in 1976 and leased it to various businesses until it was purchased by the Lindblom family in 2001. The Lindbloms also own 219 S. Gillette Ave. and have had several businesses in the two buildings.  Erica Kissack leased the building in November 2019 for her jewelry store, EK Jewelers.

EK Jewelers specializes in custom jewelry—with a design experience unlike any other store—on-site jewelry repairs, and stunning vintage jewelry. Search for loose diamonds and gemstones, engagement rings, ring mountings, fashion jewelry, and much more!

“Art has always been a huge passion of mine. When I went to college at the University of North Dakota, all I wanted to do was take art classes, and it didn’t matter what medium. For the fun of it, I took jewelry and metalsmithing, and the rest is history!

After working with a great custom fine jewelry store I learned this is, indeed, what I love! The art in designing and helping someone find that perfect piece that will speak to them for the rest of their life. I am also a Graduate Gemologist through the Gemological Institute of America.

Though I didn’t really plan on owning my own business until a few years into the industry, I knew that I would absolutely love it because this is where my greatest passion lies. God’s timing was not quite what I had imagined, but He knows best! April 2018, I jumped out and started my very own store, EK Jewelers!

I guess you can say those that have inspired me most are my family and friends. As you can see, I use them for some of my photos! I wouldn’t have it any other way, and am SO excited to help each and every one of you find that special piece, that will hold a great lifelong memory.”

Your very own concierge jeweler,
Erica Kissack
EK Jewelers