About us
History of the Wilkinson Jewelers
The Wilkinson family has been in the jewelry industry for over 100 years, providing jewelry repair and custom designing in Michigan and across the US.
1920
Claire Wilkinson starts working for Traub, a large manufacturer of Art Deco style jewelry in Detroit, MI. Mastering the craft while there, he eventually began teaching returning World War II veterans the art of diamond setting. Unfortunately, Traub closed their doors shortly after WWII.
1949
Skyline Diamond Setters is started by Claire, Bruce (Claire’s eldest son), and Russ Cleveland. Located on the 16th floor of the Penobscot building in Detroit, MI they provided repair and custom jewelry services to local jewelry stores.
1955
Another one of Claire’s son, Kenneth, join Skyline Diamond Setters as an employee after serving in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. With the business in good hands Claire retires in the 60s, leaving his 2 sons and Russ to continue his legacy. With Bruce’s unexpected death in 1972, Kenneth is offered partnership in Skyline Diamond setters in place of his brother, but he declines in favor of striking out on his own.
1974
Kenneth leaves Skyline Diamond Setters to open a new business, Delta Diamond Setters, with Thomas Petrosky as his business partner. Located on the 16th floor of the Park Lane Towers in Dearborn, MI they provided repair and custom jewelry services to local jewelry stores. In 1977 they moved the business to Plymouth, MI to expand the business to retail sales. In 1982 Kenneth sold his share of the business to his partner, Thomas.
1982
Kenneth starts Wilkinson Diamond Setters, Inc with his son Joseph on December 24th in Milan, MI. They continue the tradition of providing jewelry repair and custom jewelry design to smaller, mom and pop jewelry stores in Michigan and across the continental US.
1986
Kenneth & his son move the shop to a new location in Milan in order to expand the business to include retail sales.
2006
The business moves to its current location at 13W Main St Milan MI, where Joseph Wilkinson continues his grandfather’s legacy.