In 1922, Elmer T. Herzog followed his passion for diamonds and fine gemstones to open a small independent jewelry store at 806 Madison Avenue in Covington, Kentucky. With hard work and active community involvement, he built a successful business based on fine quality jewelry and customer service. Throughout the years, Elmer built an extraordinary reputation for honesty, integrity and exceptional customer service.
Upon Elmer’s retirement in 1980, Elmer’s son-in-law, Joseph Koester, Jr., took the reigns with the goal of continuing the tradition by earning the trust of customers and offering first-class customer service. To accommodate the growing clientele, Herzog Jewelers relocated from Covington to Fort Mitchell, KY in November 1982. Not only did this relocation expand the showroom, but also provided the opportunity to diversify Herzog’s selection to be the finest in Northern Kentucky.
During the relocation, Herzog Jewelers joined the celebrated American Gem Society (AGS). Established in 1934, the AGS is an association of fine jewelry retailers dedicated to highest possible standards of business ethics and professionalism. Continuing to focus on integrity and education, Joe became a Graduated Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and a Certified Gemologist from the AGS. Additionally, Joe became a Master Jeweler with the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO), the largest jewelry buying organization in the world.
To continue the Herzog tradition of family ownership, Ted Koester joined his father in 1996 follow his education to become a Graduated Gemologist (GIA) and a Certified Gemologist (AGS). To this day, Ted and his father continue the spirit of excellence which Elmer T. Herzog started more than 84 years ago by providing customers with the finest selection of jewelry available accompanied with the most knowledgeable staff in the area.
“Since 1922, Herzog Jewelers has represented unparalleled quality and customer service. We have been able to maintain this standard of excellence by educating and earning the trust of our customers. As a family-owned business for three generations, our commitment to you is truly sincere. At Herzog Jewelers, we are jewelers by profession, not just salespeople. We encourage you to stop in our store and experience the renowned Herzog experience.”