There is a small cottage-style jewelry store in the 100 block of Main Street in downtown Ripon that specializes in creating custom new pieces from family heirlooms that have been handed down often from grandparents.
“I love doing custom work, doing something old and creating something new and fabulous for my clients and seeing their shocked reactions,” owner Becky Kahan said.
Becky and Yale Kahan are entering their second year. They are planning a big open house to celebrate in November.
“We are a full service jeweler and have a full bridal line. We have colored gem stones, anniversary bands and are the only Hamilton Watch dealer between Sacramento and Fresno,” Becky said. The couple said they donate to every single club and school throughout the community every month including the Meals on Wheels in Manteca.
“We are huge about donating to all schools and all clubs here in Ripon,” she said.
Becky is a Ripon native who attended local schools from kindergarten through her sophomore year — Ripon Elementary to Ripon High — when she transferred to Manteca High School.
She was involved as a cheerleader, and had played both basketball and volleyball. Her husband Yale came to Ripon from Norwalk in Southern California.
While in high school she worked in retail at a jewelry store in the Modesto Vintage Faire Mall for some five years. She then worked for a “mom and pop” jewelry store in McHenry Village in Modesto where she enjoyed a 15-year tenure with Harlan Jewelers that still has a store open in Reno.
Becky and Yale have two children — Skyler, 14, and twins Calli and Shelby, 7 — attending Ripon schools.
Skyler is a freshman at Ripon High and the twins go to Weston Elementary. Becky’s Mom, Emily “Gae” Carney, now lives in Lathrop after retiring from Manteca Unified School District, having served as an instructional aide and then in Special Education for the last half of her tenure at Sierra High School. Becky gives her mom credit for all her successes in life. The shop is open daily from Tuesday through Saturday. Phone 599-2100.
To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.
