Our Story
Duncan Jewelry is a proud member of the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO), the largest independent jewelry buying group in the world. Membership in IJO allows us the opportunity to make incredible diamond and jewelry purchases as well as attend educational trainings to stay up-to-date on products and current trends.
In 1974 when the Lake of the Ozarks catered to family vacations and entertainment, and a 24-foot boat was a big deal, Jim and Marybeth Duncan decided to spend a summer at the Lake. Jim was a struggling artist focusing on painting and dabbling in jewelry design on the side. Like a lot of young couples today, Jim and Marybeth enjoyed all that the Lake had to offer during those summer days and supported themselves by waiting tables at night. Of course, Marybeth wore Jim’s jewelry creations while waiting tables, and her customers wanted to know where she bought them. Before long she was selling jewelry right off of her hands, neck and ears, and they decided it was time to move the business from a cigar box to a retail store. So, Marybeth cashed in a life insurance policy and Jim bought some used equipment, created about 40 pieces of jewelry, bought a used showcase and they opened their doors in the fall of 1974. In November of that year the Duncan’s received their first big custom order from Lee Mace and feel blessed to have been supported by the community to this day.
Over 40 years and 4 children later, Duncan Jewelry has evolved into a family operated high-end jewelry store offering everything from custom designs to a wide array of brand named jewelry and diamonds. We’ve grown through the trust and patronage of valuable customers and the integrity and sincerity of our professional team.
