Our partnership 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.

Michael Myers is a Graduate Gemologist (G.I.A.) with over 26 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 the 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 to 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. He was located in the North Third Tower and then moved to East Church Street in the Stimson Mansion and became M. K. Myers Jeweler.

Then in 1995 Kevin Pugh joined him as 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 for some time and 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 with over 25 years experience in his family store in Zanesville, Ohio.

Kevin began his career nearly 39 years ago, doing engraving at his father's jewelry store in Zanesville, Ohio.

After trying his hand at nursing , construction, beekeeping and ranching, he came back to the growing family business to help out. Starting out doing sizing and repairs, he soon added bright cutting, pave and fancy 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.

Five years ago Myers & Pugh was the first area store to buy and use a Laser welder, which allows metals to be joined with a pinpoint laser beam. Kevin recently completed 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 made. Bring in your ideas, and let Kevin create that special piece of jewelry just for you.

After careful review, we decided to stay in downtown Newark, Ohio, and selected a building near City Hall at 17 S. Fourth Street. The location makes it easy for local and regional customers to visit our showroom. We're easy to get to, just a block down from the Courthouse Square in Newark with plenty of nearby parking.

In 1998 we were accepted as members of the American Gemological Society earning the Registered Jeweler title, recognized accredited gem lab, and certified gemologist appraiser title.

Our Business Philosophy

We believe in customer education. Our sales staff is well-trained to answer your questions. For more complicated issues, Mike and Kevin are always available as well. We believe a well-informed buyer makes a better choice, which is why we take the time to explain about the gems we feature.

Our pricing philosophy is aggressive buying and selection of quality items that are priced for greater value. We specialize in finer cut diamonds, 14-Kt gold, and colored gemstones.

We travel to Tucson for our color buying and several major shows to choose the merchandise we are proud to sell. Quality and service are the backbone of our store.

Today, we enjoy customer confidence from not only our local area, but throughout the region with many driving extended distances to shop with us.

We invite you to visit us and enjoy our fine selection.