Read on to follow our route, peek inside three very different jewelry businesses, and see one way Alloy members learn and connect beyond the studio.

We chose Lawrence for this member field trip because the city has deep roots in Alloy’s story. Kelly and I both earned our metalsmithing degrees at the University of Kansas, home to one of the country’s top jewelry and metalsmithing programs, and Kelly apprenticed at Kizer Cummings Jewelers, one of the stops on our tour. That history made it the perfect place to introduce our members to a few of the people and businesses that have shaped our metalsmithing community.

One of the best ways to truly experience Lawrence is on foot walking along Massachusetts Street, the heart of downtown. It’s lined with locally owned shops, excellent restaurants, a lively atmosphere, and more than a few resident shop cats. As a Lawrence resident, I wanted to introduce our members to what makes our community so special.

Summit’s steps

Address: 806 Massachusetts St.
Website: https://www.summitstepsminerals.com/
Owner: Adam Guss
Uniqueness: Gem + Mineral Specimens

At Summit’s Steps, members got a closer look at the full journey of a stone, from sourcing unusual specimens to collaborating with local metalsmiths and turning a lifelong interest in rocks into a highly specialized business.

Adam, the shop’s owner and head honcho, has been collecting rocks for more than 20 years. Like many rock hounds, it all started as a hobby that quickly grew into an obsession. His collection began with trips to mines throughout the Southwest, where he searched for unique mineral specimens and gemstones. Eventually, he set up his first display for sale in his mother's antique shop in Baldwin City, just a few miles south of his current storefront. When he realized his passion could become a career, he opened a by-appointment showroom before eventually expanding into a full brick-and-mortar shop right on Mass Street.

Adam is truly a one-man operation. If he's away on a buying trip or setting up at a gem show, the store is closed. He sources his inventory from all kinds of places, often purchasing entire collections from the families of avid rock hounds or digging through decades-old boxes of specimens tucked away in chilly barns. His goal is simple: to have the most interesting booth at every gem show he attends.

Beyond the impressive mineral specimens, you'll find a thoughtfully curated selection of cabochons, gemstone strand bracelets, stones carved into various animals, some beautiful malachite boxes, and beautifully crafted custom jewelry. A few years ago, Adam acquired a remarkable collection of loose faceted gemstones from the family of retired jewelers. Since then, he's collaborated with local metalsmiths to transform those stones into one-of-a-kind pieces. During our visit, we were excited to spot work by ALLOY Social member Genevieve Flynn, along with a few pieces I created myself.

on the move…

Kizer Cummings

Address: 833 Massachusetts St.
Website: https://kizercummings.com/
Owner: Blaine Allmond
Uniqueness: Custom Jewelry - Majority Made in House.

Next stop was Kizer Cummings. Owner Blaine offered a candid look at what it takes to build a career in fine jewelry and run a full-service jewelry store.

Blaine and I met in college, and despite being friends for many years, I somehow never learned his jewelry origin story until we visited his shop on this field trip. It all started when his college girlfriend (now wife), Meryl, took a jewelry class at Pittsburg State University. As the story goes, Meryl wasn’t especially fond of the bench, so Blaine stepped in to help her finish a few projects. It turned out he had a natural talent for metalsmithing, loved the challenge, and dove in without knowing exactly where it would lead.

After moving to Lawrence, Blaine completed his metalsmithing degree while working at Kizer Cummings whenever he wasn’t in class. Over the years, he wore just about every hat in the shop: repair jeweler, CAD designer, hand engraver, and stone setter. In 2022, he purchased the business.

During our visit, Blaine was incredibly generous with his knowledge of running a fine jewelry store. We peppered him with questions: How much of the business comes from custom work versus repairs or case sales? What’s the least favorite job he’s tackled lately? What’s the most challenging part of owning a jewelry store? How has he navigated the volatility of the gold market? He answered every question candidly, and we all appreciated his openness. He also showed us his clever magnetic head-and-shank engagement ring display, introduced us to his new silver jewelry collection, and gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the studio.

Goldmakers

Address: 723 Massachusetts St.
Website: https://shopgoldmakers.com/
Owner: Bernadette Zacharias
Uniqueness: Custom + Bridge (under $500) Jewelry

Last stop was Goldmakers, where members got an inside look at a jewelry business built around hand-drawn design, traditional craftsmanship, and a distinctly personal point of view.

I’ve stopped to window-shop at Goldmakers since the first time I wandered down Mass Street. The displays are always whimsical and inviting, filled with bold color, unexpected materials, and beautifully made objects. Inside, handcrafted display cases are thoughtfully dedicated to individual designers.

Bernadette works closely with clients to create bespoke jewelry, beginning each commission with hand-drawn illustrations. Aaron, the studio manager and head jeweler, then brings those designs to life through traditional fabrication or hand-carved wax models. While many retail jewelry stores now rely heavily on CAD, Goldmakers continues to design entirely by hand.

During our visit, Bernadette passed around several original pieces and shared the history of her family’s business. Her parents founded Goldmakers as designers and makers, and Bernadette later found her own place in the business through jewelry design and curating.

We finished with a studio tour led by Aaron. Original wax models line the walls, every bench is painted the same shade of blue, and even the clutter feels intentional. It reminded me of a jewelry workshop imagined by Wes Anderson. Goldmakers only added a laser welder last year, which says a lot about its commitment to traditional craftsmanship. Although the team plans to digitize its wax-model archive, I secretly hope the walls continue to fill. They’re part of the magic.

After the tour, we wrapped up the afternoon with a walk to Free State Brewery, a Lawrence classic. Blaine from Kizer Cummings joined us there, and the conversation continued over food and drinks as he generously shared even more of his experience with the group.

It was the perfect way to spend a Wednesday afternoon—exploring local businesses, connecting with fellow jewelers, and learning from people who are passionate about their craft.

If you'd like to join us on the next adventure, be sure to become an ALLOY member. Most of our events are members-only, and spots fill quickly—this tour sold out in just a few minutes. We'd love to see you at the next one!