Best Jewelry Store: Hands Jewelers

There’s a first time for everything, even for the oldest jeweler in Iowa. Hands Jewelers boasts a 168-year history, making the Iowa City institution the oldest jeweler in Iowa and one of the oldest in the country, according to owner William Nusser, whose father, Charlie, is the fifth generation of the family to lead the business. “And when one adds the several generations of the Hands family in England who were in the jewelry and watchmaking business, from whom first generation American John Hands learned the trade, that’s an incredible accumulation of knowledge and tradition that benefits our customers in a unique way,” William Nusser said. Hands maintains a distinct sense of quality and value when purchasing jewelry for customers, earning the reputation of being “quite picky” in the trade. And while COVID-19 presented unique challenges, Mr. Nusser pointed out “we’ve weathered a lot, from wars (including the Civil War) to economic upheaval, including the Great Depression and the farm crisis of the early 1980s … we have our staff to thank in a very big way for their willingness to be flexible with their reduced hours, and for their faith that Hands would survive.” 1st Runner Up: Siebke Hoyt 2nd Runner Up: Ginsberg