By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

Randy Reynolds has been a jeweler for 33 years. But for Reynolds, going to work isn't only about the job -- it's about family.

He and his wife, Sari, purchased Kuhn's Diamond Jewelers, 1009 Main, in 2000 after the business -- founded by Sari's grandfather -- was handed down to a third generation.

Randy Reynolds learned the tricks of the trade from a family friend and has been working as a jeweler ever since.

"I enjoy it," Reynolds said. "I enjoy taking something that doesn't look too good and making it look a lot better. And the customer comes in and, 'Wow, it hasn't looked that good since I bought it.' "

Most days, Reynolds has more than enough work to keep him busy. He welds pieces of jewelry together, retips diamonds and replates gold jewelry.

"Sizing, of course, is like breathing," Reynolds said. "I mean, I do it every day. I don't know how many times a day you size a ring."

And during the holiday season, he stays extra busy working on golden Christmas gifts. The work is intricate, with new styles of rings featuring tiny, full-cut diamonds. Needless to say, it's a job that requires patience.

The technology has changed considerably throughout the years, and Reynolds now uses a laser welding device for some of his projects. But his old methods -- and tools -- haven't been replaced completely.

"You'll find a lot of homemade tools," Reynolds said as he demonstrated the traditional torch welding technique.

The business has been a Hays fixture for most of a century and will celebrate its 80th anniversary in May. Sari Reynolds said she remembers watching her father work in the store when she was a child and is grateful for the opportunities the business has presented her family.

"We're in the most beautiful business," Sari Reynolds said. "It's a beautiful, happy business because we get to see people get engaged, and we see them on their anniversaries, birthdays."

And on certain occasions, Randy Reynolds still likes to surprise his wife with jewels of her own. Keeping a secret, however, is no easy task. Sari Reynolds has managed the business for the past 10 years.

Despite changes through the years, family remains key. In fact, a fourth generation already is showing interest in the family business. On Randy Reynolds' desk is a framed picture of his young grandson, Jace, intently watching his grandfather change the links on a watch.

"I've had him sit here for 45 minutes and just watch," Rey ­nolds said. " 'Grandpa, can I learn to do that?' "

But at only 6 years old, it might be a bit soon to start planning his grandson's future.

"You never know," Randy Reynolds said. "He has the ability, I think, to do it. He's pretty mechanical."