To truly understand our journey, we must begin with the remarkable history of our building and its location. The property was first purchased in 1844 for $255. It wasn’t until August 1905 that the iconic two-story brick structure was constructed. In May 1934, Don Akin acquired the building and established Akin Jewelry. Five years later, in 1939, he transformed the space inside and out with a striking Art Deco design, making it one of the most distinctive jewelry stores in the region. Throughout his decades of service, Don earned a reputation for honesty, integrity, and dedication to his community.
After completing my formal education in Jewelry Arts at the Jewelers Institute of America and the International Gemological Institute and gaining hands-on experience as a jeweler. I made the decision to launch my own business. In July 1991, I acquired Akin Jewelry and opened Drake’s Jewelry.
Just a few years into business, tragedy struck when a fire engulfed the neighboring building, which housed three businesses. While our store was spared from the flames, the second story sustained significant water damage. After careful consideration, we chose to remain in our original location. We purchased the property from Don Akin and began a full-scale renovation. The second story was removed, and the interior was completely gutted down to the original brick and rebuilt from the ground up. The only element preserved was the beloved Art Deco façade.
Over the years, we’ve grown our business through exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service. Our designs have earned recognition in prestigious competitions, including Best in Show and First Place in the 2000 Millennium Manufacturing Award. We take pride in creating original pieces that showcase the artistry of Southern Illinois.
In 2007, we undertook the restoration of our aging Art Deco storefront. Our vision was to preserve the charm of a traditional hometown jewelry store. After researching early 20th-century storefronts, we hand-sketched a design that honored the legacy of the building while breathing new life into its appearance.