02/14/2026
Open Valentines Day Saturday Feb. 14th
10:00-4:00
Drake's Jewelry
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- Drake's Jewelry
Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Drake's Jewelry, Jewellery & watches shop, 1204 Public Square, Benton, IL.
Address
1204 Public Square
Benton, IL
62812
Opening Hours
| Tuesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 5pm |
| Friday | 10am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 1pm |
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Our Story
History
In order to tell our story, we have to start with the rich history of our building and location. The property was first purchased in 1844 for $255.00. It wasn't until August of 1905 that the two story brick building would be constructed, and in May of 1934 that Don Akin purchased the building and opened Akin Jewelry. In 1939 he remodeled the building inside and out in the art deco style, making it on of the most unique jewelry stores in the area. Throughout his many years in business, Don served his community with honesty and integrity.
After completing my education in the Jewelry Arts from the Jewelers Institute of America, the International Gemological Institute, and working as a jeweler for another store, I finally decided to open my own business. In July of 1991 I acquired the Akin jewelry store and opened Drake's Jewelry. After being in business only a few short years, the building next to us, housing three businesses, caught fire - completely destroying the neighboring building and damaging our second story
Although the fire never made it into the jewelry store, the water damage was extensive. After much debate, the decision was made to stay in our current location. We purchased the property and building from Don Akin. Then we began the task of completely renovating the building. The top story was removed, and the jewelry store was completely gutted down to the bricks and rebuilt new. The only thing remaining was the original art-deco front. Throughout the years we've strived to grow our business through custom craftmanship and quality service. We have enjoyed success in jewelry design contests, from Best in Show to 1st Place in the 2000 Millennium Manufacturing Award. We take pride in new creations, putting Southern Illinois on the map. In 2007 the time had come to tackle the renovation of the deteriorating art-deco front. Our goal was to keep the design rooted in traditional hometown charm. We researched city jewelry store fronts from the early 1900's and sat down and hand sketched our version of a quaint little jewelry store that has stood for 75 years.
