Jeweler Profile Leibrandt Jewelry: An Amazing 150-Year Legacy

IN 1873 ULYSSES S. GRANT WAS PRESIDENT, and it would be seven years before Thomas Edison would patent the light bulb. On July 10 of that year, Leibrandt Jewelry began its historic run in Cameron, MO, a town of about 8,500 located an hour north—and just a little bit east—of Kansas City. The store’s longevity makes it among the longest continuously family-held jewelry stores in the state, and this July Leibrandt Jewelry will celebrate 150 years and four generations of Leibrandt family owners.

“Charles A. Leibrandt II started in the small downtown store on 3rd Street,” says Steve Leibrandt, fourth generation and current owner. “He moved the store two years later to 209 E. 3rd Street—a property owned by his mother Harriette—from which it would operate the next 146 years. In July 2021 the store moved a short distance to its current bigger and beautiful location at 306 N. Walnut, where it continues its reputation for a great selection of fine jewelry and great repair services.”

Leibrandt Jewelry serves mostly local customers, Steve says, but the store does count as customers a lot of people from the smaller surrounding areas.

“We also have people come from as far away as Kansas City,” Steve says, “because they have heard good things about us. We have always sold and repaired watches and jewelry, however each generation has added and removed merchandise to adjust to clients’ interests. The variety of items we’ve sold and serviced over the years includes: pianos, musical instruments, records, sheet music, radios, sewing machines, fine China, silver, and one of the first televisions ever sold in Cameron.”

George Leibrandt, the second-generation owner, was an avid hunter and fisherman who added fishing tackle. Steve wonders if this wasn’t probably more for his access than it was profit. George would supply lures, line, and bobbers to any child and then tell them to find a stick and go catch some fish. George grew the business with his gift of customer relations, both in the store and the community.

Charles “C.A.” Leibrandt III returned to Cameron and worked with his dad in 1956. He took over the family business in 1969, at the time of George’s death. To learn the repair trades, C.A. attended Trenton Jewelry School in Memphis, TN, and Elgin Watchmakers School in Elgin, IL. Being an even better businessman than his father, C.A. grew the store by adding engraving and bridal registries, and he bought inventory from area jewelry stores that were closing. He was a 2009 inductee into the Cameron Hall of Fame.

Steve continued the family tradition, attending two years of college in the United States prior to attending Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Program (WOSTEP) in Neuchatel, Switzerland. Steve was one of only three persons selected in the United States to attend WOSTEP. He worked alongside his dad from 1981 until C.A.’s retirement in 1992. Steve took over the family business, and he introduced computerized engraving on trophies, which has helped to grow the business.

“The store will kick off a week-long anniversary celebration on July 10,” says Steve, “with lots of special planned events, including giveaways, drawings, and of course, lots of reminiscing.”

In addition to celebrating 150 years of success in Cameron, Leibrandt Jewelry is also marking 25 years as an RJO member.

“We like working with other independent store owners and being able to share ideas and strategies at the RJO Shows,” says Steve.

Leibrandt Jewelry is located at 306 N Walnut in Cameron, MO Phone: (816) 632-3382

Website: www.leibrandtjewelry.com