Hands Jewelers is a rare gem in downtown Iowa City where you'll discover something Hands selected, Hands crafted, or Hands customized. Something beautifully unexpected. Our diamonds are ethically sourced and meticulously chosen by our acclaimed diamond specialists who consider each diamond's beauty, rarity, and lasting value.
From barware to glassware, decorative vases to art glass, and everything in between, Hands has expertly selected products to fit all budgets and special occasions. Hands delivers high-quality custom jewelry, fine gifts, friendly customer service, and an experience that's unexpected. Browse our amazing selection for the special and everyday moments in life.
From barware to glassware, decorative vases to art glass, and everything in between, Hands has expertly selected products to fit all budgets and special occasions. Hands delivers high-quality custom jewelry, fine gifts, friendly customer service, and an experience that's unexpected. Browse our amazing selection for the special and everyday moments in life.
Services
These are the friendly faces you'll see around our store-helping ecstatic couples choose breathtaking engagement rings, answering questions about ring sizing and repairs, guiding gift-seekers through our selection of memorable gifts for every occasion, and dreaming of ways to bring custom pieces of jewelry to life.
It started on a street corner in England. Then it emerged as a rare gem in the heart of downtown Iowa City in the late nineteenth century. As the oldest jeweler in the state of Iowa, Hands Jewelers has earned its reputation providing real, trustworthy service-the most memorable experience you'll have with a jeweler.
Can you fix this? Can you create a custom piece of jewelry? These are a few of the questions we get asked most frequently, and the answer is almost always 'Yes!' Hands Jewelers offers a variety of services, from custom jewelry design to comprehensive repair. Customers bring us their most beloved items-wedding rings for resizing, necklace chains with broken links, family heirlooms that have lost their charm.
You might know Hands as a jewelry store. Our namesake is our superior quality jewelry and rich, generations-deep knowledge of every gemstone and precious metal in our store. What you might not know about is the 'unexpected.' Hands has a diverse selection of practical and splendid gifts for every occasion and items to adorn your home, crafted by designers from all over the world.
Only diamonds can possess all of these rare, hypnotizing qualities. At Hands Jewelers, these are simply the basic characteristics we expect from the diamonds that decorate our cases. Number of hectares DeBeers dedicates to the conservation of nature for every 1 hectare mined. As Iowa City's exclusive retailer of exquisite Lazare Kaplan and Forevermark stones, we offer the highest-quality, responsibly sourced diamonds you'll find anywhere.
Reviews (20)
Sarah Goettsch
Dec 22, 2021
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My experiences here have been wonderful. They have helped me with custom engraving for my sons’ medals as well as personal gifts. The employees are quick to remember names and preferences and are always kind and welcoming. I’m glad to recommend Hands to anyone looking for quality service and gifts.
Miles Brugh
Nov 22, 2021
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Could not have asked for a better experience. Linda at Hands helped us make a custom engagement ring from a family diamond, and wedding bands. She helped walk us through every step and made everything smooth. She went above and beyond at every step to make things go perfect. She was very friendly and always excited to see us even after hours to accommodate our schedule. I would highly recommended trusting Hands with any of your needs!!
Ramiro Garcia
Oct 25, 2021
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Not even sure where to begin...
TLDR: This establishment has been in business for 160+ years now. That alone speaks volumes to their patience and customer service in listening/satisfying to customers needs/wants.
I came in here for a gift my mother wanted me to chose out for myself. A gold cross to honor some of the hardship we went through as a family and Hands delivered WAY beyond anything I could have hoped for.
1. The original necklace broke and they replaced it for free. Even laser wielded it and didn't even charge me a dime.
2. The material of the original cross was too thin that any
TLDR: This establishment has been in business for 160+ years now. That alone speaks volumes to their patience and customer service in listening/satisfying to customers needs/wants.
I came in here for a gift my mother wanted me to chose out for myself. A gold cross to honor some of the hardship we went through as a family and Hands delivered WAY beyond anything I could have hoped for.
1. The original necklace broke and they replaced it for free. Even laser wielded it and didn't even charge me a dime.
2. The material of the original cross was too thin that any
Daniel Swanson
Sep 21, 2021
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Jesse Singerman
May 26, 2021
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I had several pieces of jewelry I inherited and didn't know what to do with. After 20+ years I decided that I needed to do something with them! I took them to Hands and they helped me evaluate the items, and then they helped me find a buyer. What a relief! These things had sentimental value, but I would never wear them myself. I am so happy they will be used by someone who will appreciate them.. Can't say enough about the service and helpfulness of the people at Hands. Really wonderful.
Suzanne Shebek
May 25, 2021
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Meagan Starr
May 15, 2021
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I cannot even begin to explain how amazing it has been to work with Charlie at Hands Jewelers! My husband started working with Charlie during the pandemic to find the perfect engagement ring. Charlie spent 3+ hours working with him to find the perfect ring and was then able to get the ring ready before we left for WA (my home state) where he proposed. He also spent time after closing to patiently wait for my indecisive husband who wanted the perfect ring for me. Again this process occurred, during a pandemic when most jewelers were closed! Come wedding day, due to no fault of Charlie’s, we left
Scott Coyle
May 14, 2021
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Great group of people to work with, my grandparents passed away within the last couple of years and as expected it turns out their Jewelry while beautiful was costume jewelry with 2 pieces of sterling silver; with one being a portion of a spoon, they did it in a quick and polite fashion. I would strongly recommend coming here for your appraisal work. I worked with Linda and another lady who went through it professionally with care even though it was costume jewelry.
Mfd
Apr 22, 2021
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Many years ago I was in a fall that resulted in damage to my engagement ring. I was nervous perhaps someone might take advantage of me in the situation. Hands did not. They helped and got the stone reset and the band fixed. Happy me.
They were able to help my husband fix a band (on a watch he bought in store a year ago). They didn't make him pay additional fees. Small details like this make going to a specialty store worth it. I feel confident they treat all patrons the same way. They want your business and remember their customers too. Buying all my watches and trinkets from here going forward
They were able to help my husband fix a band (on a watch he bought in store a year ago). They didn't make him pay additional fees. Small details like this make going to a specialty store worth it. I feel confident they treat all patrons the same way. They want your business and remember their customers too. Buying all my watches and trinkets from here going forward
Judy B.
Jul 02, 2020
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Jenni H.
Oct 27, 2019
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Hands Jewelers is the epitome of customer service.
This jewelry store has basically lived on Washington Street since the 1850s. It's an Iowa City staple with a ton of history and one of the few family owned shops in the area that is being currently run by a fourth and fifth generation.
The storefront is freaking gorgeous. Talk about curb appeal. And when you walk in, stunning mahogany cases greet you with show-stopping gems.
My favorite part of this store is actually housed on the top floor-- the gift department. (Don't get me wrong, I do adore some exquisite jewelry, too. But
This jewelry store has basically lived on Washington Street since the 1850s. It's an Iowa City staple with a ton of history and one of the few family owned shops in the area that is being currently run by a fourth and fifth generation.
The storefront is freaking gorgeous. Talk about curb appeal. And when you walk in, stunning mahogany cases greet you with show-stopping gems.
My favorite part of this store is actually housed on the top floor-- the gift department. (Don't get me wrong, I do adore some exquisite jewelry, too. But
Chris R.
May 25, 2019
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Sarah S.
Mar 29, 2019
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Absolutely amazing! My (almost) three year old niece had her ears pierced here today and it was a wonderful experience. Anne was so great and explained everything to her before it happened...not a tear was shed! After her tiny, sparkly earrings were in she enjoyed walking around the shop and visiting with all the other very kind ladies that were working; the whole team could not have been more wonderful. Thank you for giving us a great memory to treasure!
Mary J.
Aug 30, 2018
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I've been meaning to post a review about Hands since I got engaged a year and a half ago. They're great! My fiancé and I went to a number of jewelers in multiple states before settling on Hands, and none of the others compared. We worked with Charlie to design my incredibly gorgeous and unique engagement ring; he was so helpful along every step of the way and helped us to design a new ring based on an antique Art Deco-style ring I really loved. He even gave us his person cell number and we were able to call or text him throughout the process of the ring design. I have since moved out
Ruth F.
Apr 29, 2018
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This store is the oldest jewelry store in Iowa, and in addition to selling jewelry, they also sell Waterford crystal, etc. on the second floor. I stayed on the ground floor, which features diamonds, colored stones, pearls and some sterling jewelry. The blurb in the Iowa City tourist info states they specialize in "rare colored stones and pearls"; you wouldn't know it from their website, but they do. They have a very impressive collection of precious stones, ranging from the usual (blue topaz, garnets, some lovely emeralds and rubies, amethyst, tanzanite) to the more unusual (tourmalines
Liz N.
Apr 15, 2018
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My fiancé and I had an amazing experience at Hands! The staff was attentive (we worked with Charlie-he was fantastic), took the time to truly educate us on gems and the engagement ring process, and never pressured us into buying anything. They truly listened to our needs, interests, and questions. At the end of this great experience, we have a beautiful ring that I completely love-and Hands went the extra mile to surprise me when it was finished! They are even attentive weeks later by checking in to make sure it fits properly. I cannot say enough positive things about Hands. If you're thinking
Kyle Z.
Dec 29, 2017
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We were looking for an honest assessment of my mom's jewelry collection for both quality and value prior to seeking a buyer. Linda Wertz was able to give us a quick yet thorough evaluation and recommend where we would be able to sell the collection. She gave us a solid range on value. She and the staff at Hands were very knowledgeable and helpful, and we are very grateful.
J. F.
Oct 17, 2017
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I grew up in Iowa City and Hands Jewelers was always more than generous in supporting our various fundraisers and high school sports teams. Having moved to California, I wanted a wedding ring from Iowa City and I was more than happy to go back to Hands to find the perfect ring. Thank you, Hands! I love my wedding ring and I love that it comes from a place that I call home :)
Christy C.
Aug 16, 2017
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This is literally my first yelp review. Anne is the single best jeweler I've ever met. She is experienced and knowledgeable and simply amazing!!! I'm a busy doctor and she met me multiple times before and after hours. She worked with me to get my sizing just perfect. I wouldn't take my engagement ring anywhere else and I am extremely pleased with my experience.
Isabel S.
Apr 08, 2016
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Best jeweler I have ever been to. My fiance and I went all over the Iowa City and Coralville areas in search of the perfect ring. Nowhere were we treated with such respect, patience and genuine care. We were helped by multiple people at Hands and everyone was diligent in assisting our process. I never felt even remotely pressured and I was able to find a beautiful diamond ring within our price range. I have never felt so sure in a purchase.
