Photo by Charlie M. Hartman Patterson’s Diamond Center in downtown New Ulm made recent changes to its façade, including new, larger windows, an almond color, and a signage from Sid’s Signs on Broadway.

NEW ULM – Patterson’s Diamond Center in downtown New Ulm, underwent renovations a few months ago; part of which included an updated façade with a white almond color, new, larger windows, and signage from Sid’s Signs on Broadway. Patterson’s has operated in New Ulm since it was bought by L. D. Patterson from Reim & Church Jewelry in the 1950s, seventy-five years ago.

“A vehicle bumped into the front of the building when it was parking and did some damage which spurred the decision to make updates, plus the last remodel was from the 70s,” said Ben Patterson, third generation jeweler.

“The remodel was for halfway down the building, with new windows, lighting exterior, a new sign, and cement board, I think, which is almond color actually, an off white, to match the back of the building,” Patterson said.

“We worked with the New Ulm historic preservation for the look of the exterior, specifically the big windows. The museum gave us photos of how it used to look, and we went from there. It’s always been a jewelry store since my grandfather bought it. A long time ago, the building was cut in half and shared the space with a tailor,” Patterson said.

Changes were made to the inside of the building, too. Including new carpet, led lighting to all the cases, new décor, and new pedestals window displays.

Photo by Charlie M. Hartman Ben Patterson, a third generation jeweler, shows historical documents used in creating the new design for Patterson’s Diamond Center’s updates and remodel.

“We added the freestanding pedestals so people could still window shop. We also moved the point of sales to the back of the store for more room, it has a walnut top counter. There were little updates in the work area, like a new sink, and we stained the floorboards, and touched up paint, too,” Patterson said.

Patterson’s Diamond Center has many services including: watch repair, adding batteries, any jewelry repair, metal or sterling design jewelry start to finish. With only a sketch from the client Patterson’s can create images using CAD Software and 3D printed ring models.

“We do our own casting, lost wax casting, then polishing and setting stones,” Patterson said.

Patterson’s Diamond Center’s services include a buying event in the beginning of June.

“A separate company comes and anyone that has jewelry they don’t know what to do with, they can bring it in by appointment, and the company sorts through it, and makes offers for it. After that, it’s a Crazy Days sale in July with secret sparkling grab bags that have up to 70% off the item in the bag.”

Looking into the future for the business in terms of changes, Patterson said he wants to shift focus to online advertising to reach a new customer age group.

“Advertising is changing, even billboards are digital now, so definitely digital expansion,” Patterson said.