The term “family business” has special meaning for sisters Alicia Luecke-DeMichele and Marcia Luecke-Toepfer. Together they run three jewelry stores, the flagship location in Freeport having been established by their grandfather, Robert G. Luecke, in 1921. 

The family connection to Freeport’s historic downtown business district dates back even further, however.  Robert began his jeweler’s work in a corner of the Blust Dry Goods Store inside a building erected by his father-in-law, E.A. Blust, at 10 E. Main St., Freeport.  The Blust Building, built in 1892, remains an iconic downtown landmark.

The jewelry business was still going strong when Robert welcomed his son, Charles M., to the shop in 1955. In coming decades, Charles M. would oversee the expansion of Luecke Jewelers to five times its original size, adding stores in Monroe, WI and Belvidere, IL.  Today, at age 85, he still works in the stores a few days a week.

Charles’ two daughters and three sons learned about jewelry and watch repair by observing their dad and grandfather at work.

Downtown Freeport remains as important to the Luecke family now as it was in 1921.  

In-store services offered at the three locations include free jewelry cleaning and diamond inspection; expert jewelry repair; watch repair and battery installation; pearl and bead restringing; life-time trade-up on diamond jewelry; and the purchase of pre-owned jewelry, gold and silver.

Engagement and wedding rings are a big part of business at all three locations, of course.  Luecke Jewelers buys only from suppliers who guarantee their diamonds are conflict-free.