The Dempsey's Family

Meet the team.

Skilled jewelers, designers, and people who care deeply about the pieces—and moments—entrusted to them.

One store. One standard.

Expertise you can feel.

From your first conversation through final polish, our team works together to make the process thoughtful, transparent, and personal.

Chris and Kelly outside Dempsey's Jewelers

Family-led since 1993

Chris & Kelly

Owner · Goldsmith · GIA Certified

Chris

Chris, Dempsey’s son, has been involved in the family jewelry business his entire life. He worked part-time in the retail store on Knob Creek Road until 1998, when he began working full-time. At this point, Dempsey began training Chris more extensively as a bench jeweler. Dempsey also began training Chris to eventually run the family business, which he has done now for over 20 years. In addition to his bench training, Chris is certified and trained by GIA in Diamonds and Diamond Grading and in Color Gemstones.

When Chris is not in the jewelry store he loves spending time with his family and his church family. He also enjoys spending time outdoors.

Client Experience · GIA Certified

Kelly

Kelly, Chris’ wife, began working part-time at the retail store on Knob Creek Road in 1998. Throughout school, she worked part-time, and then began full-time in 2003. Kelly is GIA certified and trained in Diamonds and Diamond Grading.

Kelly now works part-time, while spending the rest of her time with their daughter and son.

Behind the scenes

The bench & design team.

The craftspeople who repair, design, build, and finish the work entrusted to Dempsey's every day.

Shop Manager · Goldsmith

Mark

Mark began working for Dempsey’s in 2002 as a bench jeweler in an informal apprenticeship with Dempsey and has become proficient in most aspects of jewelry repair and production. He now serves as the shop manager overseeing the bench jewelers and the repair aspects of the business. He has become a great leader in attitude and example.

Mark has always been very talented working with his hands and is what people call “mechanically minded.” Regarding his work, he says, “I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing a job well done and the reactions it creates in our customers.”

Mark is married with four grown children and enjoys classic cars and going to car shows.

Custom Manager

Zack

Zack has been with Dempsey’s for more than 20 years, having begun in an informal apprenticeship with Dempsey in 1995. He primarily serves as our custom jewelry manager. He is skilled in many aspects of the trade. He also can be found on the sales floor helping customers as needed.

Having started with limited knowledge, he has developed a love for the industry and trade. “I was recommended to Dempsey in the beginning because of my artistic background, and I’ve come to really enjoy the artwork and creativity involved with jewelry. It really is a pleasure to create or restore pieces for our customers. It’s exciting to see and hear their reactions, and that’s highly valued when they’ve trusted you to do the work. Regarding the trade, there are so many skill sets and facets that really make and keep this career interesting.”

Zack is a family man with a wonderful wife and four children, and he serves as a minister for the church. In his personal time, he enjoys basketball and woodworking.

Goldsmith · Repair Specialist

Heather

Heather joined the Dempsey’s team in 2011. She is a native of East Tennessee, graduated from ETSU with a BFA in art and a concentration in metalsmithing. She has been a goldsmith, designer and repair person since 1996. Heather loves traveling, eclectic music and good food.

Goldsmith

Zach

Zach started his goldsmith career at Dempsey’s in January of 2024. He enjoys the special care that is needed in order to repair a sentimental piece of jewelry for customers. His pastime hobbies include playing pickleball, watching sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Custom Jewelry Designer

Hayden

Hayden began working at Dempsey’s in the spring of 2025 as the custom jewelry designer. To design pieces that are one of a kind Hayden uses a 3D CAD jewelry design software that allows him to make dreams come true and pieces that are cherished for many years to come. He enjoys seeing the custom process beginning to end and the joy it brings to each person.

In his free time he likes to play board games, watch various sporting events, and spend time with his wife Ella.

In the store

Here to make it personal.

The people who welcome you in, help you explore, and make every visit feel considered from the first hello.

Social Media · Jewelry Professional

Maggie

Maggie originally joined Dempsey’s in 2020 and stepped away in 2024 after welcoming her daughter. She returned in August 2026—back “home,” as she likes to say—and is excited to be back creating social media content and helping customers on the sales floor. Maggie loves helping people find the right piece for themselves or someone they love. She also guides repair drop-offs with special care, knowing how much sentimental jewelry can mean. Her goal is for every customer to feel confident that their pieces will be well cared for at Dempsey’s and ready to wear and enjoy for years to come.

Jewelry Consultant

Kristy

Kristy joined Dempsey’s in 2014. Since then she has received her GIA certification as a jewelry professional along with her GIA certificate for diamonds and diamond grading. Along with helping customers choose their memorable pieces, she manages the front office responsibilities. Kristy enjoys spending time with her family; however, the beach is her favorite place to be while reading a great book.

Jewelry Professional · GIA Certified

Beth

Beth has been with Dempsey’s since Christmas 2014. She loves being able to talk and work with customers every day. Her favorite jewelry is diamond jewelry and pearls. Beth is a GIA certified jewelry professional and trained by GIA in Diamonds and Diamond Grading. In her free time, Beth enjoys working at church and spending time with her children.

Jewelry Professional · GIA Certified

Declan

Declan began working at Dempsey’s in the spring of 2020. He enjoys helping customers find the perfect engagement ring while keeping them well informed and the experience stress-free. Declan is a GIA certified jewelry professional and trained by GIA in Diamonds and Diamond Grading. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with wife and daughter outdoors.

Jewelry Professional · GIA Certified

Jason

Jason has been with Dempsey’s since September 2015. With no prior experience in the jewelry industry, he quickly grew an appreciation for fine jewelry and its craftsmanship. He loves helping people with family heirlooms that mean so much, helping refurbish or create something that will be cherished for a lifetime. Jason is a graduate of Freed Hardiman University and is certified and trained by GIA in Diamonds and Diamond Grading. In his free time he loves spending time with family and watching football and basketball.

Jewelry Professional

Ella

Ella has been a part-time employee at Dempsey’s since December of 2022 and is now full-time as of May of 2025. Ella works on our sales floor and she loves seeing the happiness a personalized jewelry piece brings to each individual. In Ella’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband Hayden and their puppy.

Come meet us in person

The Dempsey's Difference starts with a conversation.

Visit the store or call us when you are ready to begin.

Call (423) 282-5510

Chris & Kelly

Owner · Goldsmith · GIA Certified

Chris

When Chris is not in the jewelry store he loves spending time with his family and his church family. He also enjoys spending time outdoors.

Client Experience · GIA Certified

Kelly

Kelly now works part-time, while spending the rest of her time with their daughter and son.