Symbols of Love - Hurdle's Jewelry
When I proposed to Katy at Christmas 1982, we were only 21 years old. I didn’t have much money, but I scrounged and bought the biggest diamond engagement ring I could afford. It was VERY small.
About 20 years after we were married, a terrible thing happened: Someone broke into our house in North Boulder and stole Katy’s engagement ring. Although the ring wasn’t worth much, the theft still hurt. But by then we had a bit more money in the bank. So, for our next wedding anniversary, I was able to buy Katy a nicer ring than the first one. She still wears it. We’ve been married for 42 years.
Of course, the ring has nothing to do with the longevity of our marriage. It is a symbol of our love. Symbols are important in life.
Hurdle’s Jewelry has been providing symbols of love to the Boulder community for more than three-quarters of a century. Opened in 1947 by Chester L. Hurdle, the store began as a small jewelry business on Pearl Street, 30 years before the creation of the Pearl Street Mall. Today, Hurdle’s Jewelry is the longest-running family-owned business in Downtown Boulder.
Chester’s great-granddaughter, Nicole Hurdle, now manages the jewelry store at the corner of Pearl and 14th Street. Nicole says that she feels the responsibility of maintaining a store that has been central to her family through four generations. “I grew up with this,” Nicole recounts. “But there was no expectation that I stay in the business. It just happened.”
Before she took over day-to-day operations from her father, Keith Hudle, Nicole was a dancer for the Denver Nuggets, followed by ten years as an announcer for the Colorado Avalanche. In fact, Nicole proudly displays at the jewelry store a Stanley Cup ring from when the Avalanche won the NHL championship in 2022. (Nicole met her husband, Boulder police office, Rich Steidell, at an Avs game.)
Nicole says that the Hurdle family came to Boulder nearly 80 years ago, almost by chance. Her great-grandparents, Chester and Bernice Hurdle, ran a small grocery store in Milan, Missouri. Shortly after World War II, Bernice traveled to Boulder to attend programs at Chautauqua. Returning to Missouri, she told Chester they needed to move to Boulder.
The couple came here in 1947 and bought an existing jewelry store, Mosiman’s, at 1430 Pearl, next to where Boulder Spirits is now at the east end of the Pearl Street Mall. After a stint in the mid-50s at 1211 Pearl (now Ku Cha House of Tea), Hurdle’s Jewelry arrived at its current location in 1957, 20 years before the Mall was created.
Chester and Bernice’s son, Bud, learned the jewelry business and took over the store after his father’s passing in 1969. The third generation was led by Nicole’s father, Keith, who is still involved in the business. “I learned everything from my father,” Nicole says. “I still learn
something new from him every day. My father taught me the passion of helping people. It doesn’t matter what the value of the item is. We treat everyone the same way.”
But Nicole has made a stamp on the fourth-generation business herself, expanding the jewelry store’s social media presence. “Instagram is a great way to get out the word,” Nicole explains. “We are Boulder’s jewelry store.”
Hurdle’s Jewelry has become such a fixture in Downtown Boulder that, when a logo commemorating the Pearl Street Mall’s 50th anniversary was created a few months ago for the 2027 celebration, a letter from Hurdle’s art deco sign was incorporated into the multi-font design. “As a business that’s been part of Pearl Street for decades, it’s an honor to be represented in this anniversary logo,” Nicole says. “It’s more than just a design. It’s a reflection of the generations of local businesses that have poured their hearts into making Downtown Boulder what it is today.”
As folks begin their year-end gift shopping, Nicole says that she hopes they stop into Hurdle’s to see what the store has to offer. “We have price points for everyone,” Nicole explains. While there are over a dozen jewelry cases filled with new, sparkly rings, bracelets, and watches, Nicole is particularly proud of the store’s heirloom jewelry. “We carry both new pieces and antiques, and our estate collection is one of our biggest draws. Pre-owned jewelry is incredibly popular, especially for the holidays. These pieces already have a story, a little life and love in them, which makes them truly special gifts.”
Being a great-granddaughter of the Hurdle’s Jewelry founder, Nicole attributes the longevity of her family’s four-generation business to their approach to service. “The culture of our staff is incredible,” Nicole exclaims. “I credit them for making people feel welcome, no matter who walks in the door.”
And for those who need fixes to watches or jewelry they already own, Hurdle’s offers a full-service, in-house repair service. “Our two bench jewelers have been with Hurdle’s for a combined 50 years. We’re the place to go and trust with family heirlooms.”
Nicole reflects on the relevance of jewelry in an uncertain environment. “The world is crazy. But jewelry is still a symbol of love,” she says. “Jewelry makes people happy. We’re in the business of making people happy.”
Interview Courtesy of Bob Yates.
