In 1973, Charles saw a great opportunity when the Blickle Family wanted to sell their jewelry store in the Kahler Grand Hotel located across from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Charles purchased the business and renamed it Lasker-Blickle Jewelers. Today it is known as Lasker Jewelers. Steps from the Gonda building near Mayo Clinic our downtown Rochester location is a favorite stop for many patients visiting the area as well as locals.
About Us
Third Generation Family Jeweler
Lasker Jewelers is a third generation family-owned fine jewelry store that has served Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Rochester, Minnesota for close to 100 years. Our first location, Lasker Jewelers was established in 1928 in downtown Eau Claire,WI by Max Lasker. Max Lasker's mission was simple: to provide each customer with the attention and respect that they deserve. Our second location was founded by the Blickle family in 1884 and acquired by Lasker Jewelers in 1973. Max Lasker coined the phrase “Ask her then see Lasker” in 1938 and we hear it to this day!
Buying jewelry from Lasker Jewelers is a simple, no pressure experience.
History
Lasker Jewelers was founded in 1928 by Max Lasker, a Polish immigrant who entered the US through Ellis Island. Max fought in World War I and earned his US citizenship. He then settled in Eau Claire, Wisconsin where he opened a jewelry and watch store in 1928, just prior to The Great Depression. Despite The Depression, Max’s strong work ethic and community involvement allowed him to create a successful business. He always said his favorite part of owning a business was creating relationships and helping people celebrate the milestones in their lives. Max’s wife, Millie, volunteered at the Red Cross, Luther hospital and many other organizations. She always said her job was to make other people’s lives better. This commitment to making her community a better place is deeply instilled in the Lasker culture.
Max died suddenly in 1963 and his son, Charles Lasker, left college and quickly learned the business. Charles was a true entrepreneur and was often the first to bring trends to the midwest.
Adding to the Lasker Family
An Enduring Legacy
In 1998 Nicole Lasker, Charles’ daughter, joined the business. Nicole gained experience in the industry working for other jewelers. This experience allowed her to bring new ideas into the family business. Charles and Nicole worked together building the two stores into the largest jewelry stores in each market. Nicole’s sister, Liz Lasker Falkner, joined the staff in 2006, allowing Charles to step back from day-to-day operations. Charles passed away in 2016.
In 2021, Nicole and Liz opened a third store, Lasker Diamonds. Lasker Jewelers and Lasker Diamonds are 100% female owned by Nicole and Liz.