Monticello, Minnesota
Our Team
Our Story
A Dream Come True
In January of 2016, my husband and I bought this wonderful little jewelry store. We bought it from two amazing men that — with hard work and determination — created a thriving business that has served our community for decades.
My name is Hali Sittig and I am a graduate gemologist and jewelry designer with over 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry. However, my story starts way before that...
At 4 years old I found my love of Fine Jewelry. I wandered away from my mom at a department store and found myself — in awe — basking in the glow of diamonds, gold and gemstones. With my nose to the glass of the Fine Jewelry case, I knew there was no going back.
At 12 years old I was designing earrings and rings for family members. I swear it felt like it was my heart that I had put in between those prongs. I gave gifts looking like a deer in headlights — wide-eyed with anticipation, feeling a mixture of fear, excitement and vulnerability. My breath would catch in my chest until they saw what I had created for them. It still feels like that, whether I'm designing jewelry for friends, family or clients of the store. I'm always so nervous until that moment of presentation — when the client finally sees what we made.
In the mid-nineties I started gemology school, and became a Graduate Gemologist in 1998. I've worked in many jewelry stores, wearing many different hats — sales at Helzberg, managing Fine, Fashion and Estate Jewelry at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago, diamond buying in New York, and jewelry design on Jewelers Row in Chicago.
Fast forward to 2013, with an almost 6 year old in tow. My husband and I decided to move to the beautiful town of Monticello. To say that our move was the best decision we've ever made would be an understatement. This town has felt like home since the moment we got here.
Now, as a business owner, I love that I get to support local charities and the fundraisers in our town — and that I get to be a stickler for quality control. Nothing is better than handing someone their completed repair in almost new condition and seeing their eyes light up.
The People
Meet the Team
The Sittig Family
Hali is a Graduate Gemologist with over 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry. She has been designing original jewelry since her teen years. Born with a love of jewelry and a very sentimental nature, she loves to create pieces for fellow jewelry lovers — especially when they are designed to have a deep connection to a loved one or precious memory.
Jim
Jim is our incredibly talented bench jeweler. Working at Classique since he was a teenager, he was the only one who weathered the ups and downs of the economy and stayed on with the company over 30 years — and he stayed on after the store was purchased by Hali. His ability to repair jewelry is nothing short of excellent. But his creativity is the real showstopper — he is truly gifted with the ability to alter jewelry from an "ugly duckling" into a beautiful swan. Once you get to know him, you'll learn that his talent pales in comparison to his kindness, integrity, and loyalty.
Brenda
Brenda is here to help you in any way she can! She started as a customer and became the glue that holds us together. She is truly a kind soul with wisdom and integrity. You'll be so happy to see her when you come into the shop!
Rose & Queenie
Depending on the day you come into the store, you may see one… or both of these furry little greeters!