Saxon’s Fine Jewelers celebrates 35 years of business this October.

In 1979, Ron and Annette Henderson opened up their first trade jewelry shop. One of their 11 retail accounts was a store owned by Bruce and Dana Plummer. Recognizing one another’s talents, a partnership was formed in 1983 and Saxon’s Fine Jewelers was born.

Since that fateful pairing, Saxon’s has expanded to include retail service featuring designers from around the country and the world, as well as exceptional local designers in Central Oregon.

After starting off in a local mall, Saxon’s moved to the Old Mill District in 2005 when its partners purchased Brooks-Scanlon’s former fuel building. Saxon’s beautifully outfitted the interior of the building with tin ceilings, vintage light fixtures and wood flooring. Additionally, wood beams and the original brickwork and steel trusses are highlighted throughout the space and a 7-foot-diamater sawblade from Central Oregon’s timber past greets visitors in the buildings entryway.

Today, Saxon’s is known as one of the premiere fine jewelers in the entire Pacific Northwest. The store’s local heritage, unparalleled commitment to customer service and devotion to the highest of standards has earned Saxon’s multiple awards and respect within the international jewelry community.

 

1979: Ron and Annette Henderson move from Seattle to Bend to start a jewelry trade, custom and repair shop.

1983: Bruce and Dana Plummer partner with Ron and Annette Henderson and Saxon’s Fine Jewelers is born.

1984: Saxon’s brings state of the art custom jewelry and design to Bend.

1985: Saxon’s throws the “Biggest Bash in Bend” with legendary blues musician Paul deLay.

1988: The owners take their first of many overseas trips to buy loose diamonds in the diamond cutting capital of the world, Antwerp, Belgium.

1991: Saxon’s begins to bring world renowned musicians to Central Oregon. Over the years this has included Ray Charles, Gregg Allman, Johnny Lang, Dave Koz, the Charlie Daniels Band, B.B. King, George Winston, George Benson, Chris Isaak and more.

1993: Saxon’s celebrates its 10th anniversary with $10,000 worth of gems in its anniversary cake.

1996: Saxon’s travels to South Africa and is awarded entry to DeBeers Premier Diamond Mine, which plunges 2,000 feet underground.

1998: The Bend Chamber of Commerce names Saxon’s its Small Business of the Year.

2002: Saxon’s embarks on one of many Bangkok sapphire expedition.

2003: The company celebrates its 20th anniversary with more than $20,000 worth of gems in a specialty cake and a party.

2003: Ten customers accompany Saxon’s to South Africa and meet Nelson Mandela while on a South African diamond safari.

2005: Saxon’s purchases the Brooks-Scanlon Mill’s former fuel building in the heart of the Old Mill District.

2005: Saxon’s partners with the Rotary Club of Bend to provide seed money for disaster relief in Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami.

2006: Grand opening of Saxon’s Fine Jewelers “a gem in the heart of the Old Mill” in their now fully restored building.

2006: Ron and Annette’s daughter Natasha joins the Saxon’s team to continue the family legacy.

2007: Saxon’s named one of the “Coolest Stores in America” by INStore Magazine.

2010: Ron Henderson receives the H.M. Kemple Award for Citizen of the Year.

2013: Saxon’s celebrates its 30th anniversary and the store reaches a historical milestone, exceeding $1 million in donations to local charities and nonprofits.

2015: The store wins a “Hearts on Fire” Retailer of the West award for sales.

2018: Saxon’s celebrates 35 years of business!