10/23/2026
“I believe in love. Jewelry to me has always been something given out of that pledge of love. I experienced that with my parents and grandparents. Gifts of jewelry were always given. Even growing up, those were important things. I remember some of the occasions when my mom got things.
One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is a three-stone diamond ring. The three diamonds represent the past, the present and the future. I think that's incredible. There's the memory, then there's the creation of that memory, and then there's the memory that's passed on. I don't think there's another industry that does that.
I've spent almost 30 years in the jewelry business. My wife, Lauri, and I own Reimer Jewelers in downtown Oshkosh. The store has been here since 1952, and we've served generations of the same families. Grandparents shopped here, then the parents shopped here, and now their kids are getting engaged. We're part of all these joyous occasions.
There's a huge trust factor in our industry. A customer may come in and hand you something she wears 24 hours a day, seven days a week, especially bridal jewelry. It's important that they understand they can trust us.
We've had customers come in who know they're dying and want to buy a gift for everyone. It's tragic, but at the same time, it's the most beautiful thing they're doing because they're saying, ‘I love you so much.’
On this side, it's an honor to be part of that.”
Grace's Note: Meet Paul Wagner, who owns Reimer Jewelers in downtown Oshkosh with his wife, Lauri. Paul has spent nearly 30 years in the jewelry business, but what I enjoyed most about talking with him was hearing why he loves what he does.
I also interviewed Paul for Discover Oshkosh, where we talked about the store's history, its commitment to downtown and what makes Reimer Jewelers special.
Follow along with Humans of Oshkosh and check out Reimer Jewelers at 11 Waugoo Avenue, Downtown Oshkosh
