Smart Jewelers Offer Affordable Elegance

One of Smart Jeweler's most unique features is the on-hand jeweler, who visits the shop every few days to do custom work for. 

"He has golden hands," said owner Joel Kagen. 

The jewelry store has been in Kagan's family since 1960 when it first opened in Chicago. The business moved to Lincolnwood 20 years later, where it stayed until a couple years ago. It's now at Willow Festival, and remains a small and dedicated operation. 

"We have hundreds of years of experience among the staff," Kagen said, explaining that he and his employees have worked in the jewelry business for decades each. 

Despite the shop's most exquisite items, it offers an assortment of more affordable jewelry ranging from $15 bead necklaces to $24 silver earrings. It also sells jewelry cleaning machines, on sale between about $15 and $30. 

People looking for something new to wear this year can explore the store's more color collections.

According to Kagan, red and plum items have been especially popular this year. 

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