Business Spotlight: K & E Fine Jewelry
Kevin Lam of K & E Fine Jewelry
K & E Fine Jewelry
144 Hester St.
K & E Fine Jewelry
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Longevity Fund grant recipient K & E Fine Jewelry offers a wide variety of fine jewelry, including custom pieces, and in-house repairs. With 25 years of experience in the jewelry business around Chinatown, Kevin Lam opened his own store in 2018. The custom jewelry he & his wife Eva designed have become family heirlooms for adoring clients who love their jewelry creations, service and affordable prices.
Tell us about yourself.
I learned the trade from my father-in-law, started as a diamond setter, then learned how to make models. After learning the craft, I continued to work for various jewelry businesses to learn different skills and styles before opening my own shop. My wife designs many of our pieces.
Today, I focus on making custom pieces. I can make any piece or design from scratch. I’m really proud of a custom necklace I made with my customer’s family name that will be passed to future generations.
What is an interesting fact that people may not know about your store?
We use 3D printing for our molds and in-house repairs. To keep up with jewelry trends, I learned 3D printing techniques because it is faster and better for more complicated pieces and detailed designs.
“I am a proud member of the Chinatown community. It saddens me to see how much Chinatown has been struggling to survive during this pandemic and seeing my neighbors struggling to keep their businesses open.”
What challenges have you faced during the pandemic, and have you noticed improvement in 2021?
During the pandemic, my business suffered 100% loss in profits during the few months of lockdown. Most of my customers were walk-ins and tourists. My biggest challenge has been trying to keep my business afloat because I still have to pay rent and bills but had no income. Even after lockdown lifted in 2021, business has only picked up about 50%, which is not sustainable. We are lucky to have an understanding landlord.
How has the Longevity Fund and Welcome to Chinatown helped your business?
The Longevity Fund helped us pay our rent to keep our business running. Welcome to Chinatown has given us an opportunity to stay more connected with the community and gives my small business hope.
What do you love most about Chinatown?
I love the community. It is a place where I feel connected with the culture and the people. I speak Chinese (Cantonese) and English. It feels good to speak with others in the community that also speak the language and connect with them.
“During the pandemic, my business suffered 100% loss in profits during the lockdown. Even after lockdown lifted in 2021, business has only picked up about 50%, which is not sustainable.”
How have you been involved in the community?
I am a proud, long-time member of the Chinatown community and raised my family here. My daughters attended public school here. It saddens me to see how much Chinatown has been struggling to survive during this pandemic and seeing my neighbors struggling to keep their businesses open.
Any advice you want to give?
Think and stay positive, and continue helping small businesses in Chinatown. Businesses need to keep their stores clean to attract more customers and make them feel comfortable. I always make an effort to know my neighbors and become friends with them. I’m well acquainted with the business owners next door and like to clean both storefronts in the morning. I believe taking care of the way our businesses look will benefit everyone.
How can people support your store?
Come visit us. We are also on Instagram @kandefinejewelry.
Chinatown establishments like K & E Fine Jewelry are what makes the spirit of our neighborhood. We need your support to keep that spirit alive. Please consider donating to The Longevity Fund, our small business relief fund, or help us spread the word of what’s at stake. Together, we can preserve Chinatown businesses and help keep Chinatown open for business.
From Justin Fong, K & E Fine Jewelry’s landlord:
“Since he [Kevin] has become my tenant, we have become family friends and I watched his daughters grow up in Chinatown. I would consider him more of a friend and than a tenant. When Covid hit, I was extremely worried about his business and his family. I did my best to give all the concessions I can. We have asked for help from everything from the city/state/local leaders. We haven't received any help from any of them. However with your organization's help, it gave us hope and light that perhaps we can continue in Chinatown. We are forever grateful for your help.”
Photo Credit: Fuxuan Xin
