In 1954, Ray Denney joined Crawford Jewelers, and within 10 years, purchased all shares in the business, which was snugly housed in a 500-square-foot space at 302 E. State Street. Ray’s wife, son and daughter-in-law eventually joined the growing family enterprise. In 1984, they renamed it Denney Jewelers and relocated to the 1,200-square-foot shop at 51 South Central Park Plaza. In 1995, Denney’s moved to their present 5,000-square-foot location at 59 East Central Park Plaza. While the site has been associated with other historical and enterprises, including Abraham Lincoln’s 1859 “discoveries and inventions” speech reportedly given at this location and Atherton’s Book Store in 1915, the 1938 Art Moderne style brick building is most remembered as the home of Kresge’s, and later Jupiter, (K-Mart’s predecessors), until the 1980’s.

For over 50 years, Denney Jewelers has evolved with the jewelry industry’s changing demands, modifying goods and services to better provide for their continually growing clientele. Recent changes added employees and modified hours with new equipment and technology to expand manufacturing capabilities and increase efficiencies.  Bridal giftware, crystal and high quality body jewelry augment their existing product line, which includes jewelry, watches, repairs and select gemstones purchased directly from international markets. Product improvements through laser welding and computer-aided design/manufacturing enhances Denney’s already flourishing engraving and custom jewelry fabrication. Denney Jewelers’ longevity, outstanding customer service and community support earned them a recent Jacksonville Main Street Business of the Quarter Award and a Lt. Governor’s Award in Excellence for Downtown Revitalization.

  Time line

1953 After 100 years Ralph Henry Jewelers closes its doors and Bill Crawford, the Manager, prepares to open Crawford Jewelers.

1954 In January Bill Crawford founds Crawford Jewelers at 302 East State Street

1955 Ray Denney joins Crawford as a watch technician and jeweler.

1963 Crawford leaves Jacksonville and sells his share in the jewelry store to Ray Denney.

1971 Marilyn Denney joins her husband Ray as business continues to grow.

1976 Shane Denney joins the family business and begins training as a jeweler and Gemologist

1980 Shane becomes a Gemologist, Gemological Institute of America

1981 Crawford Jewelers is elected to the American Gem Society

1981 Shane becomes a Registered Jeweler, American Gem Society

1982 Cathy Denney earns the title Register Jeweler American Gem Society

1982 Shane becomes a Graduate Gemologist, Gemological Institute Of America

1982 Shane becomes a Certified Gemologist, American Gem Society

1982 Denney Jewelers is bestowed the Accredited Gem Laboratory certification by the American Gem Society

1983 Shane becomes a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain

1983 Shane is among of the first 50 that earn the Certified Gemologist Appraiser Title with  The American Gem Society

1984 John Deere Insurance purchases the Central National Building at 302 East State Street and the store must relocate. Ray purchases a building on the Square in Jacksonville.

1984 Crawford Jewelers is renamed Denney Jewelers at the insistence of Marilyn Denney

1984 The official Grand Opening of Denney Jewelers is held at 51 Central Park Plaza in September

1989-1991 Shane served as Gemology Instructor – Midwest Guild Conclave American Gem Society 1990 Shane completes studies as a Certified Personal Property Appraiser - International Society of Appraisers

1993 Ray and Marilyn retire in January and sell the business to Shane and Kevin to continue the family tradition of quality jewelry and fine service they have worked for almost 40 years to create.

1993 Cathy and Linda Denney join the staff full-time

1993 Shane starts traveling the world to find the better sources of unique colored stones.

1995 In April Denney Jewelers relocates to the newly renovated and a much larger 5,000 squrat foot Art Deco style building at 59 Central Park.

1998 Shane makes his first trip to Antwerp (the diamond capitol of the world) in a search for the best diamonds at more competitive prices. He continues traveling to Antwerp twice a year.

2000 Kevin and Linda leave the Denney Jewelers to follow other interests.

2001 Shane travels to China on a quest for rubies, jade as well as manufacturing equipment and packaging.

2001 Denney Jewelers starts offering 21 Century Design with new technology of a laser welder

2002 Brian Denney graduates from the University of Illinois and joins the Denney Jewelers staff as a 3rd generation jeweler. 2003 Shane becomes a partner in a jewelry-buying group, Nine-S

2004 Denney Jewelers 50th Anniversary Celebration.

2005 In November Denney Jewelers Moves to their new free standing 12,000 sq foot store that Anchors White Oak Plaza in Springfield