The history of UniQ Jewelry began in the fall of 1994 when Owner and Artist, Doug Mitchell traveled to Mexico on vacation where he selected jewelry to bring back to the States. He received compliments from recipients on the design and feel of the jewelry he had selected. This compelled Doug to start sketching jewelry designs with various components. A jeweler in Mexico that he had visited was so impressed with Doug’s designs and concepts that he started producing the jewelry Doug designed. Upon returning home with his own designs, Doug’s friends and family were thrilled with their custom jewelry and wanted more. Several referrals and happy customers later, Doug began to do home jewelry shows in 1995 showcasing his personally designed jewelry. In 1997, Doug started working for a jeweler in Michigan where he learned the jewelry business inside and out; from working behind the jeweler’s bench to selling on the sales floor. He also learned the different characteristics of gemstones and the best techniques to create jewelry from concept to finished product.

In 2005, inspired by those around him and his vast knowledge of the jewelry industry, Doug Mitchell opened the doors to UniQ Jewelry in Historic Downtown Three Rivers, MI. In the Fall of 2014, Doug took the leap and opened up a second location! On September 4th, 2014, UniQ Jewelry Gallery officially opened its doors to the public for the first time. Now with all operations located in Portage, MI, UniQ Jewelry Gallery is serving the Kalamazoo-Portage area!

UniQ is inspired by all those individuals who have helped him in the past with the concept of taking jewelry to the next level. Doug believes every piece of jewelry has a story behind it; what is your story? We would love to hear it and help you choose or design a piece of jewelry that best reflects who you are!