About Us

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About the store…

Petersen Jewelers opened its doors in 1976. Initially located in the Southgate Shopping Center, the store moved to its current location in 1995. Eight years later it was time for a makeover, so Petersen Jewelers doubled its sales area and installed twenty-seven locally made cherry showcases.

Regardless of location, for the past 30 plus years, Chris Petersen and his staff have built a reputation for excellence in fine jewelry, custom jewelry creations, guaranteed repairs, and friendly customer service.

About us….

Chris Petersen learned his family trade, horology, at an early age. As a teenager, Chris shared a watchbench with his father and grandfather. When he joined the Virginia Horological Society, he was the youngest member ever at that time. In 1971 he decided to add being a jeweler to his repertoire of skills and went to work for a jewelry store in Harrisonburg, VA. In 1973 Chris became a Certified Diamondtologist through the Diamond Council of America; then, in 1977 he took Diamond Grading and Evaluation program through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Knowing he could operate his own store, Chris moved to Culpeper in 1976 and Petersen Jewelers opened its doors to customers in October of that year. Fifteen years later Chris, as a part time student, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Continuing his education Chris completed three GIA courses in 1994: Diamond Grading, Gem Identification, and Colored Stone Grading. Two years later he was honored as the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person on the Year.

As a member of an international jewelers’ group, Chris continues to be a lifelong learner at this organizations semi-annual meetings.

Peggy Williams-Petersen, a doctor in developmental psychology and a Duke University graduate, began her career at the store by working as a volunteer on the sales floor during the holiday seasons.  While home-schooling her children she picked up a few more hours becoming the HR specialist and payroll manager.  As the millennium aged, her job evolved to one of behind the scenes management and marketing.  Doing the jobs that no one else has time to fulfill, she works with the staff to put on events; makes sure the jewelry store as a small business in a small town is a socially responsible community member; and endeavors to keep the buzz about her business all positive.

Tod Ross was a student at Culpeper High School when he became the fourth staff member of the store in February 1980. His first course as a jeweler was in 1983 when he attended the Holland School for Jewelers in Selma, Alabama and took Jewelry Repair and Diamond Setting. Tod then earned his Associates degree in Business from Germanna Community College in 1988. Since that time he has received numerous GIA certifications including: Basic Stone Setting in 1988, his first Diamond course in 1990, Advanced Stone Setting also in 1990, Diamond and Diamond Grading in 1992, and Insurance Replacement Appraisal in 1996 which he earned with Honors. In 1999 he was selected to take the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Program. Tod embraced the program so heartily that he has served as a member of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce ever since. Tod is the Sales Manager of Petersen Jewelers, knows every facet of the business, and can educate anyone, anywhere about the 4 C’s of diamond purchasing.

Lara Brooking has been a sales associate with us since March 2000. In addition to assisting customers, she is our pearl and bead stringer extraordinaire! Lara is our expert in sterling designer jewelry, but loves selling diamonds and working with a customer to create the special order piece for our jeweler to create.

Rose Williams came to us in September 2003 as a sales associate. She has worked with the public either in retail or banking for 35 years and enjoys working with customers and getting to know them. Assisting a customer to pick out that special gift for that special someone is Rose’s love and expertise.

Earl Barto initially trained as a glass technologist; cutting, polishing, and creating glass pieces. In 1968 he transferred those skills, especially his knowledge of using a torch, to the jewelry trade. He served a four year apprenticeship under a master jeweler before becoming a full fledge jeweler himself. Earl has worked in the manufacturing side of the business as well as specializing as a bench jeweler. Since joining us in 1999 he has become known for his creative side, where he designs one of a kind pendants, rings, and earring for his own special showcase.

Sharon Dennis is our contract bookkeeper from Lans Unlimited, Inc. She has been with us since June of 2007. When she’s not keeping our assets straight, she’s singing with The Braeded Chord, three time Wammie (Washington Area Music Award) winner. Educated at UVA, she has a BA in mathematics and environmental sciences and an MS from the University of Texas at Austin in Petroleum Engineering.