By: Curtis Drogmiller
October 10, 2014

      Thirty years ago in Walled Lake Michigan one of Oakland County’s most trusted Jewelers Dale Uranis opened his doors for business: Dale’s Custom Jewelry and repair.  With wife Carol by his side, in 1984 Dale found the perfect building for his storefront located at 933 N. Pontiac trail.  Dale has been making jewelry for over 50 years now, and has developed a great reputation as one of the area’s most honest, trusted jewelers mastering incredible workmanship, a true craftsman.
     Dale is a full jeweler with over 50 years experience in cutting stones, silver smiting, shadow box , works with waxes, makes custom castings, replaces approximately 1000’s watch batteries yearly, finishing and diamond setting working with precious metals silver and gold. Dales branding signature symbol for his creations is a U with a D in the center. Dale has a love to carve and design animals in his jewelry making artwork. Prior to opening Dale’s Custom Jewelry, Dale developed a reputation working out of his home and making several appointments at area restaurants taking orders for custom jewelry.  Dale said,” the key to his success is simply being honest and educating his customers.”” I provide service with a smile, my customers all become return customers, we are a small business with no high pressure sales, many of our customers come in and stop by for a laugh or two or come by to simply talk and become friends, we have the greatest customers.”
     The store is unique with a character all of its own, the walls covered in antique pictures and a wall of many police items, mugs, caps and patches Dale has collected over the years. Dale is known for his great big heart, generosity and his charity work, he supports and raises funds yearly for FOP128 Cops and Kids, Homes for the troops, Wolverine Packing Party and Special Olympics. When not making Jewelry, Dale is the Associate Liaison for the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 128. Dale plans on spending his retirement years doing whatever I want to do he said. He plans on spending time fishing and hunting and wants to get their dog Goldie certified for therapy for working in hospitals, schools and nursing homes.
     On October 31, 2014 Dales Custom Jewelry will open its doors one last time before retirement. Dale will be retiring as well as his wife Carol of 51 years. Between now and October 31st. Dale’s will have a in store rummage sale selling Jewelry, showcases, desks, file cabinets, bookcases, chairs, glassware , Antiques, large police collection and more. Dale’s recommend Suburban Exchange for your future battery replacement needs and for watch repair he endorses Northville clock and watch.  Dale’s Custom Jewelry is located: 933 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake 248-669-4320 Store Hours: Tues-Fri noon to 5 P.M. Sat. 10 am- 2pm.

Photo credits: Curtis Drogmiller

   

Above: Dale was selling raffle tickets again like he does every year at Walled Lake Market Days. Photos: Curtis Drogmiller.