Krikawa Jewelry moving into former Daniel's site

Krikawa Jewelry Art Gallery is moving from its current St. Philip’s Plaza location to 21 E. Congress St., in the former Daniel’s Jewelers space.

Remnants of Daniel’s Jewelers, which opened in that location in 1954 after moving from its previous space a few doors down, can still be seen in Krikawa’s new store. A marble and glass facade remains, as does the name embedded in the terrazzo floor.

When owner Lisa Krikawa first went to look at the space for her new location, she didn’t realize it was the former home of Daniel’s until she pushed some stuff out of the way and saw the name on the threshold. “I was just really excited about that,” she said. “I feel it connects us to downtown and the community. I love the idea of bringing fine jewelry and handmade jewelry downtown.”

Krikawa started her jewelry business in her garage in 1998 after graduating from the University of Arizona’s jewelry and metalsmithing program. Her small family business now has 11 employees and creates approximately 600 custom pieces per year.

Krikawa specializes in custom-made jewelry, especially wedding and engagement rings. The store also creates personalized pieces such as monogrammed jewelry, classic diamond earrings, birthstones and mother’s jewelry. It also has pre-owned estate jewelry available.

The 4,200-square-foot downtown shop includes 1,900 square feet of retail space. The remainder will be used for designing and creating the jewelry. Two viewing windows will allow customers to watch the jewelry-making process.

The store will feature rotating art exhibits, which will incorporate fine art, accessories and jewelry.

“We’ll definitely have a different flavor with such a big custom shop,” Krikawa said. “And also, having a large collection of jewelry art in the gallery, it’s definitely going to be a unique destination.”