Touchstone Jewelers, a one-stop jewelry shop in Marineland Village that customers have depended on since 1987, saw a change in ownership this month after longtime sibling owners Mark Welsh and Sharon McAlmond retired. Gemologist Dennis Schoeneberg rang in the New Year Jan. 12 as new owner of Touchstone Jewelers LLC.

[blockquote quote="We will continue supplying some of the best cut diamonds in the world." source="Dennis Schoeneberg, new owner of Touchstone Jewelers LLC" align="right" max_width="300px"]

The corporate structure was changed to satisfy state regulations and allow for a going-out-of-business sale, which culminated during the Christmas rush at Touchstone Jewelers in Marineland Village in Kennewick.

“It’s been a real strong way to do this,” Schoeneberg said. “It allowed Mark and Sharon to liquidate their merchandise and give their loyal customers extraordinary values that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.” Schoeneberg said it also allowed him to start fresh, with all new merchandise when he re-opened the store in January.

Despite new product, the same familiar faces will continue to greet customers.

“A lot of people were concerned about who we’d recommend since Mark and Sharon were retiring. It’s great that we’ll still be here,” Schoeneberg said. The newest employee to the team has been at Touchstone for six years. Schoeneberg said he will be adding two new team members, bringing the store’s number of full-time employees to six.

“We have quality people to help in certain areas and some new people will round out the mix. A new software system will help us to be more efficient in a lot of ways,” Schoeneberg said.

Schoeneberg said Touchstone has relied on a very loyal customer base, many of whom were “pleasantly upset” when they learned that McAlmond and Welsh were retiring.

Schoeneberg, who has worked as a gemologist at Touchstone for more than a decade, is excited about becoming the new owner of the store.

“I basically did everything from sales to buying gemstones – diamonds and estate jewelry – and customer relations,” Schoeneberg said.

He said he plans to carry on the positive tradition of customer service that Touchstone is known for.

“We will continue supplying some of the best cut diamonds in the world. We tend to focus on the quality aspect and will continue buying from suppliers overseas in Belgium,” he said. “It allows us to offer a great price on the best products out there.”

Touchstone has built strong relationships with cutters in Antwerp, Belgium, which allows them first pick before the diamonds go on the market. No two are the same.

Schoeneberg said he will continue providing high-quality diamond engagement rings, anniversary rings, gentleman’s wedding bands and loose diamonds. Touchstone will also continue offering in-store products, custom design, repair and manufacturing.

A high level of anticipation has been a challenge during the business transition, he said.

“The paperwork has been tedious,” Schoeneberg added. “I’m ready to jump in and start helping people.”

The hardest part for Schoeneberg was being closed for a couple weeks after Christmas before a soft opening Jan. 12. Schoeneberg said his experience with Welsh and McAlmond are beneficial to his new position.

“Probably the most important thing I’ve seen (Welsh and McAlmond do) is they’ve had good people around them. Good personnel is important because you can’t do it on your own,” he said.

Schoeneberg has worked in the jewelry industry for 35 years, which has prepared him to own and operate his own store.

“I think you learn different things from everyone you work for – you learn the good and bad and carry on with the good,” he said. “I had my own store quite a few years back and then got out of retail for a few years and then back in, so not a lot is foreign to me as far as owning a business.”

Welsh and McAlmond said their send-off has been heartwarming. They plan to enjoy retirement with Welsh upping his golf game, hunting and fishing and McAlmond pursuing her interests in writing and local theater.

“We have had almost every customer that was served here since 1987 stop by. It’s been so inspiring and wonderful,” McAlmond said. “They’ve all said ‘We don’t want you to leave.’ We had good news when Dennis decided to buy the business. It really took a load off our minds and made it sweeter, although I’m going to miss everyone.”

The long-time owners said they couldn’t have chosen a better place to open a business.

“It’s been everything we ever hoped for and more. Our gratitude goes beyond that. It’s a most wonderful, gratifying experience for people to make a business successful locally,” McAlmond said.

McAlmond said her late husband, Roger, originally launched the business with Welsh. They worked diligently to build a solid business based on dependable customer service and high-quality products.

Besides loyal customers ensuring Touchstone’s success for nearly 30 years, McAlmond has appreciated the philanthropic hearts of local residents.

“I can’t imagine anywhere better to live and Mark and Jeannie feel the same,” McAlmond said. “Our customers will have a comfort zone and our employees will all still have their jobs. It all came together so well. It’s all been absolutely unbelievable.”

Touchstone Jewelers is at 5215 W. Clearwater Avenue, Suite 116, in Marineland Village in Kennewick. The jewelry store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The phone number is 509-783-2405. For more information, visit their website at www.touchstonejewelers.net.