Last year, Davis Jewelers was happy being the second best local jewelry store in Louisville, Kentucky, according to results of LEO Weekly’s Reader’s Choice Awards. But for sure, taking first place this year is much sweeter. The store that was founded as a pawn shop of sorts during the Depression was voted the Best Local Jewelry Store this year by readers of LEO Weekly, beating out some 16 others for the title, Ashley Davis, fourth-generation jeweler and director of sales and marketing, recently told JCK.

Her great grandfather opened the store out of necessity during the Depression, taking in clothes, shoes, and firearms from folks who needed money to live. But during the 1950s, Davis’ father started building up the jewelry inventory and today, the store is a high-end, 4,500-square-foot showroom filled with designer lines like John Hardy and Rolex.

To get out the word about the store’s win, Davis made an announcement on Facebook and Twitter, and will mention it in the store’s weekly electronic newsletter. She will also add the Reader’s Choice logo to the store’s web site and ads, and display a plaque touting the honor in the store next to other awards. Bonus: "[LEO Weekly] had a party last Thursday to celebrate," says Davis.

For the full list of winners, log on to the publication’s website.

JCK