Our Story

First Generation

James Alexander “Dickie” Argo, an immigrant watchmaker from Scotland, arrived in Columbus in the early 1900’s. While working for Bancroft Brothers Jewelers on Long Street, James met a German immigrant named Adolph Lehne, who was himself an accomplished jeweler.

Upon the retirement of Mr. Bancroft in 1924, James opened James A. Argo, Jeweler on Third and Long. A year later, his friend Adolph joined him forming Argo & Lehne Jewelers.

“When A & L was only 5 years old, the (stock market) crash of 1929 occurred. It’s amazing how a store that young could hold on and then be rather prosperous even in the 30’s.” — William Alexander Argo

Second Generation

After Mr. Lehne passed away in 1938, his American born son-in-law Howard Hawk took his place as partner. Hawk was one of the first Ohioans to become a titleholder in the American Gem Society, and quickly established Argo & Lehne as forerunners in gemology in Columbus.

After World War II, the company grew rapidly under the guidance of William Alexander and J Richard, sons of James Argo. Sensing opportunity, they opened two new stores in Upper Arlington and Bexley in the 50’s and 60’s. Throughout the next two decades, Argo & Lehne flourished in each location.

In 1959, they purchased the Harrington Company, Central Ohio’s premier jeweler at the time, and reopened under Argo & Lehne. For the next 30 years, the 84 N High Street store and the Bexley and UA locations served central Ohio customers as a premier jeweler.

Third Generation

In the 70’s, the third generation took over operations. Robert Argo (William’s son) and Dick and James Argo (J Richard’s sons) shared a unique vision to modernize the business and firmly establish itself as a trusted name in jewelry.

The downtown and Bexley locations were consolidated to develop a flagship store in Upper Arlington. In July 2002, we moved into our current space at 3100 Tremont Road – a beautiful space that allows us to uniquely meet the needs of our customers.

Most recently, Michelle Ward, President, has streamlined and updated infrastructure, improved brand visibility and has re-energized our team to best serve the current generation of buyers using the latest innovations, ideas and technologies.