The History of Alexander & Lehnert Fine Jewelry and the Transition to Katherine Alexander Fine Jewelry:
Honoring a Legacy While Embracing a New Future
At 7 years old, adventures with his grandmother turned Bill Lehnert into a rock hound. His lifelong passion and pursuit of the best gemstones is reflected in the stunning and rare pieces he creates. After a successful corporate career in Tennessee, Bill followed his passion and talent to Asheville where he became a member of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild and on the board of Handmade in America. For decades Bill travelled the Southeast and Midwest participating in countless juried craft shows, where his style and reputation for the finest quality gemstones flourished.
It was around this time Bill and Michele found each other…
Michele Alexander, who was always creative and passionate about art, decided as an adult to follow her dream and give being a jeweler a shot. After a successful first collection, she took the leap, opening a flourishing and inventive studio where she created a wide variety of gemstone, silver and gold jewelry. Her ability to compose thoughtful, elegant and cohesive pieces out of assorted elements became a signature of her style that led to a dedicated following of fans for decades.
Together, Bill and Michele not only created a beautiful life, but they also founded a unique jewelry store in the Grove Arcade dedicated to fine craft and handmade jewelry. They started in a small storefront, only 250 square feet, and over the past 19 years have grown into this centerpiece store in the Arcade. Bill has often said that the current location (their third in the Arcade) is not just the best spot in the Arcade, but in all of Asheville. What a special place to be a part of!
Katie Simonetti came into the picture four years ago…Actually she had known Bill for a few years at that point already, but jumped in and joined the store four years ago. She is a traditionally trained bench jeweler, but after a decade long detour in the auction world was yearning to get back to creating. So, similar to Michele, she decided to follow her dream and take the leap. Bill, Michele and Katie joined together to create a plan to continue the legacy of Alexander & Lehnert Fine Jewelry while also transitioning into the store’s next chapter as Katherine Alexander Fine Jewelry.
A Thank You From Katie:
Katherine Alexander Fine Jewelry started as the next adventure in my jewelry career. But I couldn’t do this alone. By joining forces with my husband Alex- a talented woodworker, luthier and sales person- we planned to continue the legacy Bill and Michele created at the store. And what an amazing (and challenging and rewarding and fulfilling!) four years this journey has been so far. We have endured post-covid times, Hurricane Helene and a constantly evolving Asheville.
KAFJ officially signed the lease in April of this year and after a summer full of DIY projects (as well as some fabulous help redoing the floor and adding the wallpaper) we are excited to celebrate the next chapter of the store!
The foundation Bill and Michele built is not only solid, but full of love, joy and dedication to quality, craftsmanship and kindness- a legacy we are honored to continue into the future. The name we chose for the store was designed to work for us as a husband and wife duo (Katherine and Alexander)- but also as an homage to what Bill and Michele (the original husband and wife duo) have created over the past 19 years.
So thank you for helping me get here:
* For Alex- who not only has build walls, moved displays and done countless other tasks I have asked him to do- but who also has pushed me to become a better version of myself. When I wasn’t sure I could do it, he made sure I did.
* For my parents- who have always supported me, given me every opportunity possible and allowed me to dream bigger than I thought possible. Their love and generosity has allowed me to pursue this dream.
* For all the family and friends that have encouraged me, bought jewelry from me, shared my website with friends and check in to see how all the changes are coming- you have made this a joyful journey.
* For all my mentors and teachers- from Skidmore and North Bennet Street School where I learned the skills I use to craft my career, to Karina Mattei, who I learned the realities of being a bench jeweler from (and that there is always an easier way to do something than my instincts tell me haha). To the local business resources that have supported my plan- technically, financially and in a truly heartfelt way: Duane, Jill and Daphne at the SBC; Christine and Veronica at Mtn Biz Works; Liz Kantner and the truly supportive Stay Gold Community she has created.
* For all the vendors that have helped my vision come to life- especially: ArborZen for the flooring; Mark Hagerling for being a spectacular craftsman and expertly installing the wallpaper; and a special shout out to the FedEx delivery people that dropped off countless boxes of very heavy flatpack furniture.
* For April, my extraordinary lawyer, who kindly held my hand through the daunting commercial lease process and who I am grateful to now call a friend. To the Dewey and Altamus crew that have been so receptive to the store changes and help teach me what it means to run a commercial retail store front.
*And of course to Bill and Michele- who’s generosity, creativity, kindness and talent have made this all possible. They have taken me under their wing, treated me like family and given me the opportunity of a lifetime. I am honored to be the one to carry their torch and I cherish this transformational time at the store.
I am one lucky and grateful girl.
So thank you- from the bottom of my bench jeweler heart. You have all been integral to making this dream come true and celebrating this next chapter with you means the world to me. What an honor that I get to make shiny things that bring joy AND get to have a platform to share the amazing work of friends with the store- honestly, what a dream.