Brilliantly Cut: T. Simon still shines after 20 years in business

By Jennifer Much , Peninsula Pulse – May 25th, 2023

(From left) Celina Simon, Tricia Hanson and Tracy Jorns. Submitted.

Located on Sturgeon Bay’s west side at 69 S. Madison Ave., T. Simon Jewelers is home to the area’s largest display of diamonds and gemstones: a collection of more than 3,000 unique options. And it’s where, for more than 20 years, customers have gone for opal pendants, wedding bands, engagement rings and many other jewelry pieces made of precious metals.

Owner Tricia Hanson’s long-standing passion for goldsmithing and gemology goes hand in hand with her commitment to, and understanding of, customers’ needs and the ability to accentuate their stories with beautiful jewelry.

“Taking time with each customer gives them a personalized experience,” Hanson said.

She enjoys the whole creative process, from envisioning an idea, to watching it turn into reality, to seeing a customer’s reaction to the final piece.

“To see customers’ tears of joy is a rewarding feeling,” she said. “So is getting to work side by side with my daughter and sister.”

*Tricia Hanson said custom designs make up the majority of their business, and their retail area has also expanded greatly since she began 20 years ago. Submitted.*

Alongside Hanson is her sister, Tracy Jorns, who serves as the store’s manager; and Hanson’s daughter, Celina Simon, who assists with sales.

Hanson opened T. Simon Jewelers in 1997, but she began crafting jewelry in high school.

“I created a piece of jewelry for a competition through NWTC and won a scholarship,” she said.

Hanson and her business have come a long way since then. She’s studied with the region’s foremost authorities in jewelry design, goldsmithing and gemology, and T. Simon is a member of the Jewelers of America and the Gemological Institute of America.

Customer needs have also expanded.

“We have more custom work than when we first started,” Hanson said. “Custom designs are a majority of our business.”

In addition, “our retail area has expanded greatly,” she said, as have the store’s services, such as an in-store goldsmith who, she said, offers customers “peace of mind that their jewelry will be cared for.”

Having built her business from scratch during the past 20 years, Hanson has some advice for other entrepreneurs: Work hard.

“Be ready to give it your all and put in long hours,” she said. “It will pay off and be rewarding.”