A love for jewelry and customers keeps Lois Lambiel working hard

A love for jewelry and customers keeps Lois Lambiel working hard
Rolla Daily News
Michele Martin – Staff Writer

Twenty-five years ago, Lois Lambiel didn’t think much money could be made in jewelry repair, but her husband Kurtis decided to pursue the trade anyway.

After pinching a nerve in his back, Kurtis was no longer able to work as a barber, and went in search of a new trade. When he told Lois, she said she didn’t think it was a good idea. In her mind, Lois thought, “how in the world can we make a living doing jewelry repair?”

After 22 years, Lois said that she could never have dreamed there was so much jewelry to repair. “The repair work comes in all the time,” Lois says. “Randy Wood only works on repairs, and he works eight hours every day. We all end up working overtime.”

The Lambiels originally went into business with a partner on Pine Street, shortly thereafter, the partner decided she did not want to work any longer. The Lambiels then bought out the partners half of the business. The store then moved to the corner of 8th and Rolla Streets, and it was smooth business since then.

Unfortunately, Kurtis, her husband of about 45 years, had a stroke about two years ago, and decided he needed a break. He decided to retire, and Lois says he is loving his retirement. “I don’t know if I would want to retire. I really enjoy working,” she says.

Lois is one of the busiest people you will ever meet. She is a proud mother and grandmother who loves to celebrate for any reason. During election time, she serves as Election Judge. She is active in the red hatters group and her church, First Assembly of God. She holds home fellowship once a month and goes out to diner with her neighborhood the first Tuesday of every month.

Other than Lois, there are four people who work in the store with her. Randy Wood does the repair work. Pat Parks and Cathy Miller both help Lois with sales and other routine tasks. Terry Moutray is a watchmaker, which Lois refers to as a dying craft. Lois believes that Terry is the only watchmaker in probably a 100 mile radius.

“We all just do whatever. Everyone just does what needs to be done,” said Lois who focuses on restraining pearls, ordering jewelry and book work, waiting on customers, and the occasional designing custom jewelry.

When Lois first started working at the store, she said it was hard to resist buying lots of jewelry. Lois said that with time, it got easier, as she now limits herself to one nice piece per year.

“I love the jewelry, but working with people is the best part,” says Lois. “You see so many people and you start to look at them as friends.”