In this month’s “Meet Your Merchant” spotlight, we’re proud to feature Cindy Westfall, the master jeweler at Roberts: The Fine Art of Jewelry in Downtown Champaign. With more than two decades at Roberts and nearly 30 years in the craft, Cindy brings artistry and precision to every piece she touches—from designing custom creations to restoring treasured heirlooms. Her journey began with a love of drawing and painting that blossomed into metalsmithing at Eastern Illinois University, where she discovered the art form that would define her career. Today, Cindy’s work reflects a rare blend of technical skill and creative vision, transforming stones and metals into wearable works of art that celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Read on to learn how Cindy’s passion for craftsmanship, community, and the “journey of discovery” continues to make Roberts a beloved destination in Downtown Champaign.
1.Can you introduce yourself and share your role here at Roberts?
Hi, I’m Cindy Westfall, and I am the jeweler here at Roberts, The Fine Art of Jewelry. I’ve been in the jewelry field for between 25 and 30 years, and I’ve been at this location for just over 20. I create and design jewelry, and I also handle restoration, repairs, and stone setting.
2. What led you to this career path?
I’ve always been drawn to creative pursuits—drawing, painting, all forms of art. While studying at Eastern Illinois University, I minored in art and took a few metalsmithing classes with David Griffin. I loved it so much that I went on to earn a one-year Master of Art and pursued jewelry and metalsmithing full-time.
3. When a customer brings you a vision for a piece, how do you bring it to life?
I like to think of it as a “Journey of Discovery.” Someone may come in with a general idea, and it’s my job to refine that into something beautiful, practical, and personal. I consider the best stones, durability, and ways to merge multiple ideas into a single piece that can last a lifetime.
4. Beyond custom design, what services make Roberts stand out in the community?
We have our own jewelry studio in-house, so all repairs and restorations are done here. Nothing leaves the building unless we’re shipping to an out-of-town customer. Also, we don’t have traditional salespeople—everyone you meet here is trained in jewelry, repair, and gem knowledge. That makes the experience very personalized.
5. Roberts has been a downtown Champaign destination for many years. How has being here shaped your work?
The building itself was originally built as a jewelry store in the early 1900s and has remained one ever since. We’re part of the fabric of downtown. Many of our customers are locals we see every day, and in some cases, we serve multiple generations of the same family. It’s very community-driven and deeply personal.
6. Having worked here for more than 20 years, what changes have you seen in downtown Champaign and in the jewelry world?
When I started around 2002–2003, downtown was really beginning to revitalize. Since then, I’ve watched businesses come and go, and others grow. In the jewelry world, online shopping has become huge, but we’ve chosen not to sell online. For something as intimate and emotional as jewelry, we believe face-to-face connection is essential. Trying on a piece, feeling it, and seeing it on your hand—nothing replaces that experience.
7. With younger generations, cost can be intimidating. How do you reassure them about investing in jewelry?
I love the growing trend of non-traditional engagement stones—sapphires in unusual colors, tourmalines, moss agate, and more. They’re often more affordable and unique. Because we specialize in fine and unusual colored stones, we’re well-suited to help customers find something distinctive. Plus, I’ve created custom rings at every budget level—from platinum heirloom settings to sterling silver rings under $1,000. Jewelry doesn’t have to blow up your budget, and you can always upgrade later in life.
8. Outside of engagement rings, what do people come to Roberts for?
So much! We do engagement rings, wedding bands, graduation pendants, and heirloom restorations. But we also create fun, funky, one-of-a-kind jewelry “just because.” Jewelry doesn’t have to be tied to an occasion—if you love a certain stone or color, treat yourself and wear it every day.
9.What do you hope people feel when they wear a piece you’ve created?
I want them to feel joy, uniqueness, and pride. Knowing that a piece is one-of-a-kind, made just for them, makes it special. Even our casework features original designs created in-house, so customers always walk away with something distinctive.
10. Any lasting thoughts you’d like readers to know?
I’d encourage people to stop by and explore our collection of loose gemstones. There’s a whole world beyond diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds—stones in every color, each with its own story. Even people who say they don’t “wear jewelry” often find something they fall in love with. There really is something for everyone here.
Roberts: The Fine Art of Jewelry is located at 28 E Chester andcontinues to be a cornerstone of downtown Champaign—blending craftsmanship, creativity, and community connection with every piece.
