Our History
Thirty years ago Karat Patch Jewelry had its humble beginning at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart in 600 square feet with three small four foot cases. It was in a long dark hall with no windows and the only thing going for it was incredible jewelry values and the desire by the owner to develop personal relationships with service second to none. It was a poorly kept secret, no advertising, difficult parking, hard to find, but word of mouth made it prosper. It became like: "I know the best place to find great jewelry—bet you never heard of it" but in most cases they already had.
Today in the heart of Myers Park with 3000 square feet, the desire of Karat Patch remains the same. Value, standing behind our products, and building personal relationships are still the motivations making the staff here at Karat Patch look to our future with pride.
Memberships
Jewelers of America
Jewelers of America is the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry retail marketplace. Our primary purpose is to promote consumer confidence in the jewelry industry. Since 1906, we have been advancing the fine jewelry industry through advocacy in public, government and industry affairs; and have been the leader in the development of high ethical, social and environmental standards among the retail jewelry trade.
http://www.jewelers.org/
Jewelers Vigilance Committee
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee was formed in 1912 to provide education and self-regulation to the jewelry industry. Members operate under the highest standards of business practice after pledging to comply with all laws applicable to the jewelry industry and make accurate representations about the products they sell.
http://www.jvclegal.org/
Jewelers Security Alliance
Jewelers Security Alliance is a non-profit trade association with 20,000 members that has been providing crime information and assistance to the jewelry industry and law enforcement since 1883.
http://www.jewelerssecurity.org/
Better Business Bureau
BBB Accreditation is an honor – and not every company is eligible. Businesses that meet our high standards are invited to join BBB. Businesses meeting BBB standards are presented to local Boards of Directors (or designees) for review and acceptance as a BBB Accredited Business. All BBB accredited businesses have agreed to live up to our Standards for Trust. Our Standards for Trust are a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and best practices focused on how businesses should treat the public – fairly and honestly in all circumstances.
http://www.bbb.org/Pet Friendly
Alfie Simon is Karat Patch Jewelry’s “Head of Security” and spends most of the day keeping watch over the store from his favorite spot on top of the back case. Alfie is a rescue dog that was found eating trash out of dumpsters in York, SC. He was adopted by Buddy Simon after he lost his beloved dog Tookie who was the “Director of Barketing” at Karat Patch for the last eleven years of her life. Alfie comes to work with Buddy every day so don’t be surprised if he greets you at the door or sprints to the door barking at the sound of passing sirens. We are all animal lovers at Karat Patch and your pets are welcome here.
The dogs in our lives, the dogs we come to love and who (we fervently believe) love us in return, offer more than fidelity, consolation, and companionship. They offer comedy, irony, wit, and a wealth of anecdotes, the "shaggy dog stories" and "stupid pet tricks" that are commonplace pleasures of life. They offer, if we are wise enough or simple enough to take it, a model for what it means to give your heart with little thought of return. Both powerfully imaginary and comfortingly real, dogs act as mirrors for our own beliefs about what would constitute a truly humane society. Perhaps it is not too late for them to teach us some new tricks.
–Marjorie Garber