In 1895, Benjamin Kruckemeyer and David Cohn joined forces to open their first company together in downtown Evansville, Indiana. Little did they know that they would be embarking upon a century-long journey of providing the people of Evansville the finest diamond engagement rings and bridal jewelry in the area. When David Cohn passed away in 1945, the business was passed to Mary Cohn Levi and Morris Levi, his daughter and her husband. For the next twenty-five years, the business continued to prosper. When Morris Levi passed away in 1970, the business was once again passed down to the next generation, Roger Levi. Roger was born and raised in Evansville, and he moonlighted at the company throughout high school and college. He joined the company permanently in 1954 after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University and serving in the United States Navy as a line officer. He also taught chemistry for a while.  In 1959, Roger became the very first certified gemologist in all of Evansville and began authenticating diamonds using a microscope. From wedding bands to bracelets, he was the expert if you had any questions about your diamonds.

He was also the first person to sell certified diamonds by the Gemological Institute of America, which made him the authority on telling the difference between natural and synthetic diamonds.  As the years continued, Roger expanded the operation to new locations and included quite the selection of loose diamonds and other fine jewels. He gained his business the reputation of being honest, knowledgeable, and well-versed in the field of diamond jewelry.  In 2010, Roger passed away. He truly wanted to “be your jeweler,” as his famous line went. This smart and creative businessman continues to be dearly missed. At the end of 2015, Brent Beaman, the long-time employee of the store who had the honor of working for Mr. Levi, purchased the name of Kruckemeyer & Cohn and opened the store at the same location. Kruckemeyer & Cohn is locally owned and operated once again, and we want to be “Your Lifetime Jeweler.”  Brent is a GIA graduate who studied locally at the University of Southern Indiana and worked under the tutelage of Mr. Levi for many years until his passing. Brent and the Kruckemeyer and Cohn Staff desire to carry on the legacy of Roger Levi for the next 120 years!