He survived the first year in business by doing repair work for other stores. He is a licensed watchmaker in the state of Wisconsin. After the first year, business warranted a more visible location so he rented space street level on Jay Street. In 1970, he bought the building next door, remodeled it and it is the present home of Howes Diamond Jewelers.

Jan Howes was a behind the scenes’ partner, doing bookwork and working on the sales floor. Then in 1975, Jan became very active in the business, and became knowledgeable in every aspect of the business.

Having one successful store was the impetus for the Howes’ to consider opening a second location. Not wanting to be in competition with themselves, they decided to have a distance between stores. In 1981, they bought a store in Red Wing, Minnesota, from someone wanting to retire. Mary Trussoni, who was employed by the Howes’ since 1978, moved to Red Wing and became manager.

Son, Dan Howes, graduated from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and biology. He worked in that industry, but just couldn’t seem to find his niche. While working in Madison, WI, he got a part time job in a jewelry store, which made him realize that he missed the jewelry business. He had worked at his parents’ La Crosse store during high school and college. In 1998, Dan joined the family business.

Today, Howes Diamond Jewelers continues to grow. We are members of the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO), which is the largest jewelry buying group in the world. This allows us the opportunity to make extraordinary diamond and jewelry purchases. We have our own office in the diamond district in Antwerp, Belgium, the largest diamond cutting center in the world. Our inventory includes designer lines, and unusual and unique styles.