About Us

Located in Maple Grove, MN, Croft & Stern Jewelry Designs is more than just a jewelry store—it’s a creative studio where tradition meets innovation, and every piece tells a story.

Who We Are

Owner, CEO & Creative Director: Kelly Sternau
A Maple Grove resident, wife, and mom to a fantastic young boy, Kelly Sternau (pronounced ster-NOW) brings a lifelong passion for jewelry and deep industry experience to everything she does. Born in Atlanta, GA and raised in Cleveland, OH and Carmel, IN, Kelly began her journey in jewelry design at age 15, working for a local master jeweler during high school. After graduating, she moved to Florence, Italy, to study at Art Studio Fuji, completing an intensive jeweler and gemology program with a focus on traditional hand fabrication and Italian metalworking.

From there, she honed her skills in Denver with a corporate jewelry chain and, in 2012, relocated to Minnesota. She joined Mark Michael Diamond Designs, working in production before advancing to CAD design and custom design under the guidance of Mark Lauer. In 2023, with Mark’s retirement, Kelly acquired and rebranded the business into what is now Croft & Stern—a studio committed to craftsmanship, education, and supporting independent artists and gem artisans around the world.

Store Manager: Josh Sternau
With the growth of Croft & Stern, Kelly’s husband, Josh Sternau, officially joined the team as Store Manager. With a background in luxury automotive sales, and a sharp eye for detail, Josh keeps the store running smoothly and ensures the guest experience matches the warmth and professionalism that define our studio. He brings heart and hustle to the daily rhythm of Croft & Stern, and is a true partner in both life and business.

What We Believe

At Croft & Stern, we believe jewelry should be as personal as the stories behind it. Whether it's a custom engagement ring, a reimagined heirloom, or something entirely original, our goal is to help you bring your vision to life with clarity, care, and creativity.

What Sets Us Apart

Empowering Decisions
We guide our guests to make confident, informed choices—whether they're choosing a diamond, exploring custom options, or simply learning what they like.

Supporting Artisans
Alongside our own custom work, we showcase estate, one-of-a-kind, and artisan jewelry from around the world—each piece made on-site, or handpicked and thoughtfully sourced from designers and makers we know personally.

A Studio Experience
We're not a traditional jewelry store—and we don’t want to be. At Croft & Stern, you’ll find a welcoming space where creativity and expertise meet, and where you're part of the process.

Our Story Continues

Serving the Maple Grove community since 2023, we’re proud of what we've built and excited for what’s ahead. Come visit our studio or browse online—and experience the Croft & Stern difference for yourself.