About Us

Located in Maple Grove, MN, Croft & Stern Jewelry Designs is more than just a jewelry store—it’s a creative space where tradition meets innovation, and where every piece of jewelry tells a story.

Owner/CEO/Creative Director: Kelly Sternau
Kelly Sternau (ster-NOW), a Maple Grove resident, wife, and mother to an amazing 4-year old boy, is a passionate jewelry designer with deep roots in the jewelry community. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Kelly spent most of her formative childhood years in Cleveland, OH, before moving to Carmel, IN. It was in Carmel during her high school years that Kelly's unexpected journey into the world of jewelry began. At just 15 years old, she took a jewelry-making class, fueling her interest in what was already a lifelong passion. Kelly soon found herself working alongside a local master jeweler while still in high school, learning the craft that would shape her future.

Kelly’s path led her to study at Art Studio Fuji in Florence, Italy, after graduating from Carmel High School. Kelly moved to Florence at the age of 17, where she completed a multi-year intensive jeweler and gemology program with a focus on hand fabrication and Italian metalworking techniques. After her studies, she moved to Denver, CO, honing her skills in both sales and bench work at a corporate jewelry chain. In 2012, Kelly relocated to Minnesota, where she connected with Mark Lauer and the Lauer family of Mark Michael Diamond Designs and began formal GIA studies (Gemological Institute of America). Starting on the production side of his studio, Kelly transitioned to CAD design and custom jewelry design under Mark’s mentorship.

When Mark retired in 2023, Kelly seized the opportunity to buy and rebrand the studio, infusing it with her own vision and passion. Today, Croft & Stern is a testament to Kelly’s commitment to empowering our guests, supporting other independent jewelers and gem artisans, and celebrating the art of jewelry making. Kelly expanded the existing jewelry workshop with state-of-the-art tools. With the support of the amazing staff at Croft & Stern, we have built a team of dedicated jewelry experts who are here to guide you through whatever jewelry-related journey you are on.

Our Philosophy
At Croft & Stern, we believe that jewelry should be as unique and personal as the person wearing it. We specialize in custom designs, handcrafted with care, and tailored to your individual style and story. Whether you’re looking for a timeless engagement ring, an heirloom-quality piece, or something entirely unique, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

What Makes Us Different

• Empowering Decisions: We’re passionate about helping guide our guests to make informed, confident decisions when it comes to jewelry.

• Supporting Artisans: Our studio features not only custom designs but also antique, estate, and artisan jewelry from around the world, all personally sourced and connected to their makers.

• A Unique Experience: We’re not your typical jeweler. At Croft & Stern, we strive to create an experience that’s both personal and memorable. Our team of specialists is dedicated to making every visit to our studio something extraordinary.

Join Us on Our Journey
We’re celebrating our first year of creating beautiful, custom jewelry in Maple Grove, and we’re excited to continue growing. Visit us in-store or explore our collection online to discover the Croft & Stern difference.