— LISTEE'S SPOTLIGHT —

Keith Austin is the owner of Austin’s Fine Jewelry, a community mainstay offering new and pre-owned jewelry, collectibles, appraisal, and repair services to the Las Cruces community since 1988. His interest in jewelry stemmed from an early passion for collecting, including antique glass bottles and railroad nails, and he became a certified gemologist in the 1980s. He began his career as a retail manager and entrepreneur, managing stores for Sears Roebuck for over 15 years and operating his own gift shop before becoming the manager of Glenn Cutter’s Jewelry Store in 1980. Mr. Austin credits Glenn Cutter as a significant mentor who allowed him to develop his industry knowledge and play a key role in the launch of a second location. 

Austin’s Fine Jewelry is unique in offering appraisal services and features an extensive inventory of fine jewelry in addition to a two-room museum of notable rings acquired by Mr. Austin. The store has been included in the Best of the Mesilla Valley list since 2025, and Mr. Austin remains passionate about his role in the local business community as he moves to reduce his workload and help train the next generation of leadership.