Meet the Jeweler

Jere Keyes is a third-generation jeweler with over 50 years of experience in the jewelry industry with a focus on providing a variety of services primarily to retail stores. Jere has started and directly managed jewelry operations in everything from jewelry stores to full-service jewelry repair shops. Drawing on his experience as the “Jewelers Jeweler” he recognized an increasing demand by customers seeking qualified jewelers to repair their items. Jere developed the Jewelry-Repair-By-Mail-Service back in 2006 through Vanguard Jewelry in order to fill the needs of customers all around the country, by providing an effective and easy solution for jewelry repair.

In addition to starting Vanguard Jewelry, Jere owns and operates Great Lakes Jewelers Service LLC— a company that has proudly provided services for 52 independent jewelry stores in 27 states. Jere’s expertise goes well beyond general jewelry repair and includes diamond and precious stone setting, custom CAD designing, casting in all precious metals and stainless steel, mold & master model making, consulting on shop set up and product sources, appraisal services, and even working with law enforcement on insurance retrievals.

With the benefit of having so many years of experience in the jewelry industry and witnessing rapid changes, Jere has been able to tailor Vanguard Jewelry to fit the needs of more quality, cost-conscious clientele by eliminating the middleman (jewelry stores) and dealing directly with the customer.

Jere has provided substitute teaching services at Kendall School of Art & Design and demonstrated the use of CAD/CNC use in jewelry manufacturing at the launch of their Jewelry Arts Degree program. He has a strong desire to share his knowledge by training new jewelers in casting and repair and assisting them in reaching their goals.

Jere holds degrees in Business Administration and Marketing from Ferris State University as well as a Graduate Gemologist Degree from the Gemological Institute of America.