Our History
Arthur Gunderson opened his local jewelry business in 1923 and soon established himself as one of the most trusted jewelers in the Pacific Northwest. Philip Monroe joined him as jewelry craftsman and designer in 1965, eventually purchasing the store in 1977.
With time and experience, Mr. Monroe developed the signature design philosophy that guides our creative process. This method allows each custom creation to move from concept to a finished piece that embodies the unique qualities of the person who wears it. In 1987 Mr. Monroe hired the firm of Olson Sundberg to design a new store for the firm at 519 Pine Street.
Kevin Crane, an artist, jewelry designer and Master Goldsmith, joined Philip Monroe Jeweler in 1991 and collaborated with Mr. Monroe on most of the designs created by the company. With Mr. Monroe’s retirement in 2001, Kevin Crane became Artistic Director and President of the corporation. In January of 2020 our intimate atelier moved to its fifth and current location in the historic Skinner Building at 1326 5th Avenue, less than a block away from Gunderson’s original store.
Sarah Jayne Crane, Master Goldsmith and current President, began working with Mr. Kevin Crane in 2007, taking over as President in 2024. She continues to uphold the four generation dedication to customer service and the highest standard of custom jewelry design and production.
Sarah Jayne Crane
Today the store is owned and operated by Sarah Jayne Crane. Sarah Jayne is a Master Goldsmith who has been making jewelry professionally for 32 years and counting. Born in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, she attended University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studied under Fred Fenster. After graduating with a bachelor in fine arts in 1994, she moved to Seattle where she has lived since.
