Sami Fine Jewelry - Our Story
The Story of Stephenie Bjorkman and Sami Fine Jewelry
Stephenie Bjorkman never imagined she would end up in the jewelry industry—much less leading one of the most recognized fine jewelry stores in America. A true Western girl at heart, her first passion was horses. From the time she could speak in full sentences, Stephenie dreamed of dusty trails and wide-open spaces.
Her mother, Sami Jack, was already a force in the jewelry world—designing stunning pieces, working with vibrant gemstones, and steadily building what would become a landmark business. Stephenie was raised in the jewelry store, often spending her days surrounded by sparkle, customers, and creativity. But despite growing up in that environment, she never showed much interest in the family business. Instead, her heart was set on living a full Western lifestyle—one filled with boots, barns, and horseback riding.
By 1997, Stephenie was living that dream. She was working in retail, selling cowboy boots, and fully immersed in the country-western world she loved.
But then life took an unexpected turn. That year, Sami was diagnosed with breast cancer. As the founder of Sami Fine Jewelry and the heart of its success, Sami needed someone she could trust to help keep the business going. She turned to her daughter. What started as a short-term commitment quickly turned into something more—something bigger. Stephenie didn’t just step in to help. She stepped into her own.
Finding Her Sparkle
Almost immediately, Stephenie uncovered a hidden gift: she had a natural talent for retail, connection, and attention-grabbing ideas. She wasn’t just working at the store—she was redefining its presence. Her creative promotions and community-focused in-store events began drawing more customers than ever before.
Her fresh, magnetic marketing style earned her the nickname “Queen of Marketing” from Indesign Magazine, a publication that covers the best of American designer jewelry retailers. And in 2008, Instore Magazine—the leading trade publication in the industry—named Sami Fine Jewelry one of “America’s Coolest Stores.”
Locally, Stephenie’s impact was just as profound. In 2012, she was nominated for Fountain Hills Businessperson of the Year, and in 2019, she proudly took home the award—cementing her place as a respected leader in both the jewelry world and her hometown.
When Sami officially retired in 2013, Stephenie took over as CEO and President of Sami Fine Jewelry. She brought a fresh vision, expanded the store’s American Gem Collection, and stayed rooted in the values her mother built the store upon: quality, creativity, authenticity, and genuine relationships. And yes—she still makes time to ride horses every chance she gets.
Your Brand -Your Story
Stephenie’s lifelong love for horses has become a defining part of her business. She’s built a strong and trusted reputation within the equestrian community, blending her passion for the western lifestyle with her talent for fine jewelry. Over the years, she’s become a familiar name at some of the biggest events in the industry, proudly sponsoring prestigious organizations like the National Reining Horse Association, The American Quarter Horse Association, The National Reined Cow Horse Association, The National Cutting Horse Association and many local shows. Her work goes beyond sponsorship—Stephenie has designed Super Bowl-style rings for some of the sport’s most iconic events, including The World’s Greatest Horseman, The Snaffle Bit Futurity, The Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, The Western Derby, The 100X, Sun Circuit and many more. Her deep respect for the community, paired with her creativity and attention to detail, has earned her the trust and admiration of horse people across the country—making her jewelry a symbol of pride and accomplishment in the Western world.
And you don’t have to walk into Stephenie’s store to experience her signature service. She caters to clients all over the U.S., making it easy to shop and collaborate no matter where you are. Whether it’s through email, text, social media, FaceTime, or in-person at horse shows across the country, Stephenie ensures each client receives the same personalized attention and expert guidance. It’s this dedication—and her deep respect for the horse world—that has made her a trusted name in barns and arenas from coast to coast.
Double the Steph, Double the Sparkle
No great leader succeeds alone, and Stephenie found her perfect counterpart in Stephanie Lochner, affectionately known as Steph #2. Since joining Sami Fine Jewelry in 2005, Steph #2 has brought wisdom, warmth, and remarkable gemological expertise to the team.
A GIA Graduate Gemologist, Steph #2 has earned the highest level of professional training in the jewelry world. Her eye for detail and deep gemstone knowledge ensure that every piece leaving the store meets exceptional standards of beauty and authenticity. Her calm presence, passion for education, and personalized care have made her a trusted guide for clients and a pillar of the business.
While Steph #1 is out making connections and creating brand magic across the country, Steph #2 is the steady hand at home, maintaining the store’s rhythm, mentoring staff, and making sure each client walking through the door feels like family.
Together, Steph #1 and Steph #2 make a powerful team. They balance tradition and innovation, vision and precision, strategy and heart. Whether they’re designing custom pieces, curating rare gems from across the country, or greeting longtime customers by name, they’ve built a space that’s more than just a jewelry store—it’s a place that feels like home.
In August 2025, Steph #2 will celebrate her 20-year anniversary at Sami Fine Jewelry—a milestone that reflects two decades of loyalty, leadership, and genuine love for what she does.
A Team That Shines
While the two Stephs may be the face of the store, Sami Fine Jewelry’s success is truly powered by its entire team. From our talented designers and bench jewelers to our client specialists and support staff, each member brings something unique to the table—and they all share a common love for what they do.
It’s not just about selling jewelry—it’s about celebrating life’s most meaningful moments, and doing it with warmth, honesty, and a whole lot of sparkle. That culture of positivity and pride has created an environment where customers feel valued and employees thrive.
At Sami Fine Jewelry, we’re proud of the business we’ve built, the memories we’ve helped create, and the community we’ve become part of. We are more than a store—we are a family. And whether you’re visiting us in Fountain Hills, meeting us at a horse show, or connecting from hundreds of miles away, you’ll always be welcomed like one of our own. This is who we are. This is Sami Fine Jewelry....
