It is often said that a top-quality gem is ageless, but a recent story published in the Deseret News, Utah’s second largest daily newspaper, appears to prove that a top-quality jeweler can also continue to shine.

McKay Diamonds in downtown Salt Lake City has just turned 60 years old - no mean feat in the days of high-street chains and busy malls, but even more admirable when you discover that the original owners are still going strong behind the counter.

Bob and Frances McKay opened their store in the summer of 1949, and have weathered market downturns and fierce competition to reach the historic landmark.

Many other businesses have folded or simply given up Salt Lake’s Main Street, and the area has just been through its worst ten years of business to date - but McKay Diamonds just keeps on going, and shows no sign of falling prey to the economic downturn.

Bob McKay is now 88, but still works seven hours a day, every weekday. Wife Fran was a regular in the store until she had back surgery, but still maintains the company’s books from her kitchen table. There are no other employees, and Bob lists this low staff cost as a key factor in McKay Diamonds’ longevity.

Another reason for the extraordinary sixty year run is the strong customer loyalty base that the couple has built up over the years, with it not uncommon for Bob to sell jewelry to the grandchildren of customers that he first established back in the 1950’s.

The other secrets of Bob’s success (as listed by the man himself) include never joining any business alliances or associations, keeping his nose out of the politics of the trade, enjoying meeting people, loving his work, and his wife’s excellent packed lunches (he never buys his lunch).

It appears longevity is in the McKay family genes. His father David O. McKay, was president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1951 until his death in 1970, aged 96.

With no intention of retiring, Bob intends to keep going as long as his health holds up. We salute you Bob, and may McKay Diamonds continue to sparkle for many years to come.