Providing beautiful jewelry and elegant timepieces to Louisville families since 1832.
Merkley Kendrick Jewelers, an AGS Certified Jeweler, has proudly served the Louisville community since 1832. Now led by Brian Merkley—third generation in the Merkley family and current President & CEO—our mission remains the same: to enrich our clients’ lives by encouraging moments of pause to celebrate love, connection, and life’s most meaningful milestones.
We do this by helping our clients express their emotions and commemorate special occasions through exceptional jewelry, fine gemstones, and high-end timepieces.
“It has been, and continues to be, a great privilege to serve our clients—some across multiple generations—with their jewelry selections. Sharing in their joy and helping to commemorate life’s most meaningful occasions brings immense fulfillment to my work. It’s the reason I love what I do.”
— Brian Merkley, President & CEO
A Legacy That Shines
Our Story Since 1832
Merkley Kendrick’s legacy began nearly two centuries ago. After apprenticing under Louisville jeweler W.C. Beard, William P. Kendrick co-founded Lemon and Kendrick Jewelers in 1832 at Fourth and Main. Though the Panic of 1837 led to the liquidation of that early partnership, William P. Kendrick persevered—reopening as Kendrick Jewelers on Fourth Street in 1842.
His son, William C. Kendrick, joined the business in 1873, and the company evolved into Kendrick & Son Jewelers, operating at several downtown locations. With the passing of William P. Kendrick in 1880, his grandson George P. Kendrick came aboard, and the business became Wm. Kendrick’s Sons. While the Great Depression briefly closed its doors in 1929, the store reopened in 1932, continuing its legacy of craftsmanship and service.
The Merkley Era
Meanwhile, in 1928, Joseph C. Merkley, a Jasper, Indiana native, moved to St. Louis to study watchmaking. He later settled in Louisville and began working for local jeweler Elmer L. Gray. Eventually becoming co-owner, the store was renamed Gray and Merkley Jewelers. After Gray's passing in 1957, the business transitioned fully into the Merkley family’s hands.
In the 1960s, Joseph’s sons, William and Donald Merkley, joined the business. They expanded operations by opening a second location at the old Vogue Theater Center in St. Matthews. In 1966, the Merkleys acquired Wm. Kendrick’s Sons, consolidated the business, and renamed it Merkley Kendrick Jewelers. The current Chenoweth Lane location opened in 1971 and remains our home to this day.
William Merkley’s daughter, Nanette, joined the company in 1988 and currently serves as CFO. Brian Merkley began working at the store in 1995 after graduating from Loyola University and became President in 2011 when his father officially retired.
Now in 2025, Merkley Kendrick Jewelers is honored to continue a 193-year legacy of serving generations of Louisville families and helping them celebrate life’s most treasured moments with timeless elegance and craftsmanship.