Merkley Kendrick Jewelers Since 1832 138 Chenoweth Lane Louisville, Ky. 502-895-6124 mkjewelers.com Four families spanning nine generations have worked tirelessly since 1832 to make Merkley Kendrick Jewelers the operation that it is today. The Louisville, Ky.–based high-end guild store and Rolex dealer primarily sells its own handiwork, eschewing notable jewelry brands in favor of branding itself and turning out big-ticket heirlooms to reinforce its status as a serious jewelry player. The store shuttered briefly during the Great Depression, reopening later to carry on the family tradition of jewelry. Merkley Kendrick is known for a vast inventory of upscale wares like hand-fabricated platinum rings with trios of rare emeralds. President and owner Brian Merkley tells JCK what he’s learned over the years.  "I can’t grow complacent in what we do.” —Brian Merkley Don