Van Horne Jewelers: About Van Horne Jewelers - Granger/Mishawaka/South Bend, IN

Ralph Van Horne was born in 1891, grew
up in Illinois and graduated from high
school in Roswell, New Mexico. He traveled
back to Peoria, Illinois to attend Bradley
University Watch and Jewelry School. He
also served as a medic in the National Guard
during World War I and was gassed by the
enemy causing crippling later in life.

After the war, Mr. Van Horne came to South
Bend to work for Krause Jewelers. Time
passed and in 1926, he and Lucy Flagel
decided to start their own store. The Great
Depression was tough on the newly founded
Van Horne Jewelers, but it continued and
was able to prosper. Mr.Van Horne had
only one son, Jim Van Horne, who decided
against pursuing a career in retail jewelry.
Instead, he became a professor in Economics
at Stanford University and has earned both a
Masters and a PhD in Economics.

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Van Horne Jeweler’s second owner, Madison
C. Knight, was born in 1922 in Royalton, IL. Mr.
Knight joined the Navy in 1939 and fought
numerous battles aboard various ships in the
Pacific theatre. He had a knack for fixing
sailor’s watches while aboard these ships and
after World War II also attended Bradley
University Watch and Jewelry School. After
working at Hay Jewelers in Coshocton, OH. as
manager, Mr. Knight came to Van Horne
Jewelers in the late 1950’s. Here he became
manager with the intent to buy Van Horne
Jewelers and did so by 1964. Madison (Matt)
was very active in the YMCA, began
semi-retirement in the 1980’s and now
resides in Litchfield, AZ. Madison Knight Sr.
maintains his status as a certified gemologist
from the American Gem Society by taking yearly
exams and actively pursues his interest in
colored stones by attending the world’s largest
gem show in Tucson, AZ.

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Van Horne Jewelers current owner, Madison
Knight Jr. started working as a teenager in
1970’s and always aspired to join the family
business. After graduating in 1984, with a
degree in business from Grace College, he
began to manage Van Horne Jewelers. He
also became a graduate gemologist through the
Gemological Institute of America.

Madison has many passions including hiking,
hunting, snow skiing, wood working, white water
canoeing, software design, reading, mountain
biking and spending time with his family. One
of his long time goals has been to build the finest
retail jewelry store in Northern Indiana. His
family currently resides in South Bend with his
wife Elisabeth, and children Ben, Emily and
Nathanael. His oldest son, Madison III, lives in
Pekin IL. with his wife Rachel and runs Guild
Jeweler POS system which was developed by
Madison Jr., Madison and Brett Bavar.

What makes membership in the American Gem Society so special? To begin with, it’s one of the oldest and most respected jewelry associations in the world. Founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley and several other well-established independent jewelers, the Society membership has included many of the leading jewelry firms and renowned gem experts in the industry.

The Society is particularly exclusive. Only a small percentage — about 5% of all jewelers, designers, appraisers, and suppliers nationwide — have met the standards for membership in the American Gem Society. For a firm to become a member of the American Gem Society, it must meet a list of rigid requirements.

The firm owners, principals, or employees must have completed an accredited or graduate program from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or Gem-A (the Gemmological Association of Great Britain). In addition, they must have completed further studies with the American Gem Society.

The firm must hold a reputation for unquestioned integrity in the business community and must be operated in a way that will enhance the confidence of the public in the jewelry industry.

The owners and principals must demonstrate that they are genuinely interested in operating their business in accordance with the highest ethical standards and that the firm exemplifies this belief.

The firm must have been in the retail, supplier, or independent appraisal business for at least two years and must demonstrate financial stability.

At Van Horne Jewelers, we are dedicated professionals striving to meet customers daily needs. Employing a knowledgeable full time staff with an average of 13.8 years, Van Horne Jewelers can answer any question about jewelry you have. Our graduate gemologist and certified gemologist are on staff for you.

Van Horne Jewelers is an independent regional jewelry store with an honest and knowledgeable staff dedicated to providing quality service and merchandise at competitive prices. It is our goal that your visit here will always be unique and memorable. We wish that through a positive experience you will become willing ambassadors of our store.


Van Horne Jewelers is a high-tech Jeweler with modern equipment, including a laser welder, CAD/CAM mill, and computer engraving.				Van Horne Jewelers is conveniently located between Elkhart, Mishawaka, South Bend, Niles and Edwardsburg.