For nearly four decades, Rick’s Jewelry has evolved alongside the Minot community, transforming from a small clock repair business into a full-service jewelry destination for craftsmanship, custom design, and personal service.
Minot native, Rick Belzer, first delved into the jewelry industry in 1982 while living in Bismarck, working for Kokkelers Jewelry. Initially hired for sales, he quickly proved he was hard working and was then accepted to be trained for jewelry bench work. He later moved back to Minot and gained employment with A.M. Foss Jewelers in downtown Minot serving as a bench jeweler, horologist and sales. With a dream to be his own boss and seeing a growing need for clock repair services, he opened Rick’s Clock Shop in June 1988. Working initially from his home, Rick soon expanded into wholesale jewelry repair for several local jewelers, including his former boss, thus marking the beginning of a transition that would shape the company’s future.
As demand grew, the business moved to a commercial location on North Broadway and adopted the name Rick’s Expert Jewelry Repair. Over time, the company expanded beyond repair work, adding retail jewelry sales and custom jewelry design. By 2000, the business had relocated to a larger space and further broadened its services. Around that time a partnership was forged when Tracy Belzer joined the business. Long time Minot resident and “import” as she calls it, Tracy grew up on Minot AFB, and as a graduate of Minot High holds a special connection to the community. As the husband and wife team, Tracy took on sales management and design responsibilities, while Rick continued to apply his skills as a master jeweler, horologist and silversmith. Together, they helped guide the company in its next chapter, a location in the heart of downtown.
Once again, opportunity knocked, and the encouragement by another local jeweler, lead them to move to downtown Minot, where for the last 24 years, Rick’s Jewelry Inc. established itself as a one-stop destination for jewelry, coupled with a friendly hometown touch. Together they had a vision of being a non-typical jewelry store. They accomplished that by curating a collection of over 100 unique varieties of stones from around the world, classic diamond and gemstone jewelry, and a variety of selections geared toward uniqueness, affordability and quality. Clients experienced a friendly atmosphere when greeted with, “what can I do for you today?”, underlining their deep commitment to customer service. They once ran an ad campaign series, “He’s My Jeweler”, inspired by their most loyal clients. It’s a phrase they often still hear.
Looking to gain more insight and guidance, Tracy connected with Entreleadership – the business leadership division of Ramsey Solutions. That connection helped solidify and define the core values and the mission of Rick’s Jewelry, creating a stronger commitment to serving their clients and the community. The company generously gave physical support for various community organizations and events. Those connections strengthened their reputation and built many bridges throughout the area. Being a local, family owned and operated business created an intimacy that is rare in this day and age and made it possible to achieve the goal of creating an environment of professionalism, expert craftsmanship and an openness to everyone who walked through their doors.
The company continues to embrace change while staying true to its roots. Most recently, the company reflected on its mission to service and made the difficult decision to close their retail location, but not their business. Choosing to adapt to the challenges a jewelry business experiences on their terms. They have transitioned to appointment only, offering what they do best, their repair services, custom design, estate jewelry appraisal, and with plans for online sales. Rick and Tracy are looking forward to this new way of doing business and insure they are committed to continuing to provide the quality of service and attention the clientele are accustomed.
The company’s evolution over the years illustrates how a small specialty repair shop can adapt to changing customer needs while preserving its commitment to quality and service. Rick’s Jewelry has built its reputation through expertise, creativity and forging lasting community relationships. They look forward to continuing to serve the greater Minot and surrounding area. They can be contacted through their website ricksjewelryinc.com or by phone, 701-852-2566.
