Myers & Pugh Designer Jewelers started in 1995, when Michael Myers and Kevin Pugh decided to go into business together. Although the partnership was new, we both had many years of experience in the jewelry business.
In 1998 Myers & Pugh Designer Jewelers was accepted as a member of the American Gemological Society earning the Registered Jeweler title and Certified Gemologist Appraiser title, and recognized as an Accredited Gem Laboratory.
We are currently located at 44 S. Second Street in downtown Newark near The Works. The location makes it easy for local and regional customers to visit our showroom. We're easy to find, just a block down from the Courthouse Square in Newark with plenty of nearby parking in front, and next to the store, as well as a two story parking garage directly across the street from the store.
Our MissionOur mission is to provide our customers with an extraordinary jewelry experience.We have searched all over the world to assemble our collection of unique and one of a kind colored gemstones. Our diamond selection emphasizes ideal cutting and affordable quality. We have combined many years of experience with state of the art technology in our Custom Design Studio. We promise to accurately grade gemstones and to be truthful in our appraisals.We offer service after the sale on everything purchased in our store.
Our Staff
Michael Myers is a Graduate Gemologist (G.I.A.) and a Certified Gemologist Appraiser (A.G.S.) with over 30 years experience in the retail jewelry industry.Michael was born and grew up in Licking County. He attended Woodside and Central schools before moving to Heath where he finished high school. Michael began his jewelry career with a local family owned store at age 16. After high school he attended OSU-Newark and then moved on to Columbus where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1974. All during high school and collage he worked part-time in the jewelry business.
With his degree in forestry, he was hired in the lumber business where he relocated for a time to Michigan, New Hampshire, and upstate New York. He then returned to Heath to manage a jewelry store. After a couple years, he moved to Sarasota, Florida where he worked for a jewelry chain, an electronics store, and a modular builder. He then returned again to manage the same store back in his hometown. He then decided to pursue the Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America and became active in learning his chosen vocation.
In 1990 the store closed and he began his solo career. He founded Mid-Ohio Gemological Laboratory and fine-tuned his appraisal skills. Attending major jewelry shows, Michael completed the Certified Appraiser of Personal Property and became a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. He began his appraisal career in the North Third Tower and then moved to East Church Street in the Stinson Mansion and became M. K. Myers Jeweler.
Then, in 1995 Kevin Pugh joined him to establish Myers & Pugh Designer Jewelers, creating the partnership of goldsmith and gemologist. In 1998 the firm was accepted into the American Gem Society and Michael then earned the Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, and Certified Gemologist Appraiser degrees.
Michael has served as an officer of Southgate merchants and the Downtown merchants associations. He is a past president and former member of the Heath Lions and Jaycees. He is currently active in the Newark-Heath Rotary, having served as president and board member. He has been a board member of the Ohio Jewelers Association, now the Mid-America Jewelers Association. He is a member and past-president of the Ohio Guild of the American Gem Society.
He has been attending the Tucson Colored Gem Show for over 25 years and numerous other gem and jewelry shows. Michael married Shelly Sheppard in 1983 and they have two daughters, Chelsea and Dakota.
Kevin Pugh is a master goldsmith who began his career nearly 40 years ago. Kevin initially did trophy engraving at his father's jewelry store in Zanesville, Ohio. After trying his hand at construction, beekeeping and working on a ranch in Colorado, he came back to Zanesville to attend Ohio University- Zanesville to study Nursing. The growing family business needed someone to size and repair jewelry, so Kevin began working part time while attending college. He was soon working full time, and added bright cutting, pave and fancy stone setting to his skills.
He has also learned hand engraving, jewelry design, antique-style handmade basket work, and wax carving, as well as advanced casting and finishing techniques. He specializes in antique jewelry restoration. Kevin is a former board member of the Kiwanis club of Zanesville, President of the Zanesville Downtown Association, and past chairman of the Newark Alliance.
Kevin is married to Maureen McLaughlin Pugh, and they have seven children and five grandchildren. Kevin and Maureen operate Maple Ridge Farm, north of Newark, producing cattle, lumber and hay for sale. Kevin and Maureen also teach ballroom dance to local teenagers at their regular barn dances.
In 2002, Myers & Pugh Designer Jewelers was the first area store to buy and use a Laser welder, which allows metals to be joined with a pinpoint laser beam. Kevin is currently training on a Computer Aided Design program (CAD) for jewelry, which allows us to design a special piece, and show it to our customers in near photographic quality before it is milled on our milling machine. Bring in your ideas, and let Kevin create that special piece of jewelry just for you.
Sandi has over twenty years of experience in the jewelry business and has been an associate of Myers & Pugh Jewelers since May 1998. She is currently a Certified Sales Associate through the American Gem Society. She also holds a Pearl Certificate of completion through the Gemological Institute of America.
Marilyn has been an associate of Myers & Pugh Jewelers since 1999. Her experience includes Certified Sales Associate from the American Gem Society since 2000 & also completed a Diamond Essentials course.
Sara has been an associate of Myers & Pugh Jewelers since August 2009. This is her first experience in the field, and currently specializes in Product Photography.
Leah has been an associate of Myers & Pugh Jewelers since August 2007. Growing up in the jewelry business, she specializes in Necklace and Pearl Stringing.
At Buffalo State College, Brigitte received her training in jewelry design from 1985- 89, worked in production factories setting stones, and at several retail stores before moving to Ohio. She has enjoyed her bench jeweler position at Myers & Pugh Jewelers since January of 2003 and continues to enjoy the break it provides from her full time job as a stay-at-home mom.
Mike has been a Bench Jeweler for over seven years, including his time at Myers & Pugh since 2008. After several years in the automotive industry, he worked as an apprentice at Pugh's in Zanesville. He graduated from Drouhards National Jewelers School in 2003, and has since become an expert in Laser Welding and Fabrication.