Miller's Fine Jewelers reputation built on trust

MOSES LAKE — Fine jewelry doesn’t necessarily mean expensive in Todd Leavitt’s opinion. It means quality.

That’s the way he conducts his business. That’s the way he lives his life.

Leavitt, the owner and president of Miller’s Fine Jewelers in Moses Lake, says making a lasting impression is as much a part of his business plan as making fine jewelry.

“To me there’s a certain quality level we’ll sell. We won’t go below that, because it represents us,” Leavitt said. “I want it to last generations, not months. I don’t care if it’s a $50 cross or a $20,000 ring, we want to last just as long because there’s a standard.”

Miller’s Fine Jewelers dates back 70 years to when Don Miller opened up shop. Miller continued his operation until retiring in 1988. Leavitt got his start with Miller in 1993 after graduating from Washington State University with a degree in business.

The job turned into a business opportunity and he retained the Miller name out of respect for Don. Leavitt has built his reputation on quality, but maybe more importantly, on customer service. He’s a Moses Lake guy, graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1987. His values of hard work were learned working on his uncle's farm and running a side farm of his own while in college.

“It all boils down to reputation and trust. We live on trust. People have to trust us and our name is everything,” Leavitt said. “You get those values instilled in you. The sentimental part of it is one of my favorite things. The things people do with grandma’s rings or that wedding ring. It’s part of their family history and I enjoy having a hand in it. Doing something with it so the next generation can wear it means something to us.”

Miller’s Fine Jewelers made a significant expansion in November of 2014, moving to its current location at 122 E. Third Ave. from the small site across the street. They installed custom-made display cases, which they built themselves. The corner location has exceptional natural lighting, highlighted by display lighting. The expanded floor space adds a whole new dynamic to the business and shopping experience.

“Before we were stuck in the middle of the block with limited parking,” Leavitt explained. “Now we have more than three times the space. When I started, I always wanted my own parking lot with my own building exactly like this. The outside cherry wood showcases were all we had in the long narrow building across the street. The two islands are all new showcases. We just have so much more to work with at this location.”

The history of Miller’s Fine Jewelers leaves a lasting impression on its customers. It’s build on trust. It’s built on a man’s word and a sense of pride in a job well done. It’s also a significant part of the downtown Moses Lake landscape.

“I like the downtown. I like the feel of it,” Leavitt said.

It’s not just any town. Leavitt grew up here. He and his wife Emily have three children. His father and sister still live in the Moses Lake area.

He’s a downtown merchant, taking care of business the old-fashioned way — building trust one customer at a time.