A Tradition of Creating (And Re-Creating)
By Kara Pound
Photos by Tucker Joenz
Located in a meticulously restored residence originally built as one of Henry Rhode’s model homes in the mid-1890s, Neff Jewelers has grown into a St. Augustine tradition for imaginative and one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry to last a lifetime.
“It’s a small object – very much like a mini sculpture – and it has a lot of meaning for whoever I’m making it for,” owner Dan Neff says of his work. A goldsmith with a degree in metal-smithing, Neff owns the shop along with his wife, Jan, a gemologist and painter.
Family-owned and operated since the mid-1990s when the Neffs took over an already established jewelry store on Anastasia Island, Neff Jewelers has been in its current location on Rhode Avenue since 2011.
“Our specialization is two-prong,” says Neff. “The first is our custom work. We work with clients to transform inherited jewelry into something they will enjoy by working with them to understand their vision. The second is making new pieces.”
From wedding rings and keepsake pendants to colorful gemstone necklaces and hand-forged earrings, Neff Jewelers offers a wide variety of jewelry to celebrate any occasion.
There’s even a second-floor art gallery featuring work by Jan Neff and local painter Teri Tompkins. A bit of something for everyone.
“We’re creating pieces that someone will have for a lifetime or even for generations,” says Neff.
“When a person comes along and really loves what we’ve made, that’s the best part of making jewelry.”
Neff Jewelers
7 Rhode Avenue
neffjewelers.com
904-829-5003
