Title: Owner
Company: Austin’s Fine Jewelry
Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
Keith Austin, Owner at Austin’s Fine Jewelry, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements and leadership in Jewelry Trading and Appraisal Work.
Mr. Austin has established a distinguished career in the jewelry industry, marked by more than three decades of expertise and entrepreneurship. As the owner of Austin’s Fine Jewelry since 1988, he has operated the business with a commitment to quality and customer service, personally managing store operations four days each week. Under Mr. Austin’s leadership, the store has become a respected fixture in Las Cruces, New Mexico, recognized for its extensive inventory of fine and previously owned jewelry as well as appraisal services. His dedication to his expertise and his clients has positioned him as a sought-after professional in fine jewelry and appraisal work.
In 1993, Mr. Austin achieved a significant milestone by acquiring the building that houses Austin’s Fine Jewelry. This strategic move allowed him to secure a permanent location for his business, which he has maintained for over 25 years. By paying off the building loan ahead of schedule, Mr. Austin ensured long-term stability for his enterprise and eliminated rental expenses, further strengthening the foundation of his business.
Before establishing his store, Mr. Austin gained valuable experience as the manager of Glenn Cutter’s jewelry store in Las Cruces from 1980 to 1988. Initially hired with limited experience in jewelry retail, he quickly adapted to the industry and advanced to a store manager position. When Glenn Cutter expanded operations to El Paso, Mr. Austin was entrusted with managing the Las Cruces location, demonstrating his leadership abilities and earning recognition for his contributions.
Mr. Austin also explored entrepreneurship as the owner of a local gift shop from 1982 to 1983. Although this venture was ultimately impacted by economic downturns in Hobbs, New Mexico, it provided him with important lessons about business ownership and resilience. These insights would later inform Mr. Austin’s success in the jewelry industry.
Having begun his career at the age of 19, Mr. Austin joined Sears Roebuck in Alamogordo, New Mexico. After excelling in catalog sales and customer service, he entered Sears’s management training program the following year and became a store manager on his 21st birthday in 1967. Over the next decade, Mr. Austin managed four Sears stores across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, developing strong skills in retail management and operations.
Mr. Austin’s educational path reflects both traditional learning and self-directed study. He attended high school in Tularosa, New Mexico, where he achieved the third-highest grade point average in his class and earned early admission to college at age 16 on a scholarship. Despite leaving college after one quarter in his second year due to academic challenges related to dyslexia and social distractions, he found success through hands-on learning and practical experience. Recognizing the importance of formal credentials in the jewelry field, Mr. Austin completed gemology coursework through correspondence over three and a half years, managing family responsibilities with the support of his wife. This achievement enabled him to open his own jewelry store and build an extensive inventory through buying, selling and appraising items.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Austin has demonstrated civic engagement through service on the board of Mesilla Valley Hospice. His achievements have been recognized with several honors, including the Bulletin’s Best of the Mesilla Valley Award in 2025, which underscores his reputation for excellence within the region. Looking ahead, Mr. Austin plans to reduce his work schedule at Austin’s Fine Jewelry as he embraces a more relaxed pace while remaining engaged with the business he built from the ground up. His enduring passion for fine jewelry continues to inspire both colleagues and customers alike.
Contact Mr. Austin: