RIVER FALLS -- After 17 years running a store in River Falls and several more years running them elsewhere, Dave Schmelter has decided it is time to close shop and retire from The Goldsmith.

The Goldsmith has been the stop for people in need of jewelry repairs for years because of Schmelter’s ability to repair just about any piece.

“Some people call me the fixer of the unfixable,” Schmelter said. “Some people say, ‘Well, I’ve been to five jewelry stores and no one could fix it.’”

Schmelter told a story of a ring run over by a lawnmower that broke into 6-8 pieces. Schmelter said the ring was the customer’s grandmother’s and she was devastated when no one could fix it. No one except Schmelter, that is.

Schmelter started as an apprentice jeweler in New Richmond with his father-in-law and has stuck with it ever since. He has had five jewelry stores and repair shops ranging from as close as Hudson to as far as California, focusing on his work as a goldsmith/jeweler. At one point he also did trade work for other jewelry stores, taking in pieces that need to be repaired and eventually giving them back to their stores.

“Over time, I’ve been working on people’s jewelry that I’ve never met,” Schmelter said. “In theory, I’ve been doing jewelry work for hundreds and hundreds of people.”

Schmelter has fallen in love with River Falls over the 17 years, and said the people are what he will miss most.

“I like the small town and I like being able to help people,” Schmelter said. “One enjoyment I get is when I fix someone’s broken piece of jewelry, and it makes them happy again.”

The store sells jewelry and custom makes jewelry; however, the fixing is what Schmelter enjoys the most.

“I’ve been doing it 45 years, you’ve got to quit eventually,” Schmelter said. “I do get sad because I’ve met so many people, and they’re friends actually.”

When The Goldsmith opened in River Falls, it was a small shop focused on small town people and while the store grew, the values remained unchanged.

“I think customers like the fact that we’re the ones working on it,” Schmelter said. “They trust you better if you’re doing it.”

Schmelter looks forward to spending time with his wife Jill and doing a bit of traveling. He said the community was always extremely supportive and thanked anyone that has shopped there and his staff for their commitment.

“They’ll truly be missed,” Schmelter said. “They’re more than customers, they’re pretty much our friends now.”

Before The Goldsmith officially shuts its doors, there are plenty of closing jewelry sales at the store at 118 S. Main St. in River Falls. Store hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5p.m.