Photo courtesy of Wedig & Ruxton
Family ties are strong in many industries. But nowhere in Atlanta is this more true than in the jewelry industry. Many local businesses have deep roots in their communities, spanning decades and generations. Sarah Beth Brown Prendeville, president of Brown & Co. Jewelers, believes customers are drawn to independent and family-owned stores because of their experience, which has been around for generations. They are often based on core values set out previously. When investing in fine jewelry, buyers value long-term relationships. “Purchasing jewelry is more than just a transaction,” she says.
Ronnie Agami, owner of Universal Diamonds, added, “The relationships we build in this industry, from clients to suppliers, are invaluable. We are now working with the children and grandchildren of my father's original customers. I'm at work. It's a privilege to work for a family-owned business.”
Photo courtesy of Wedig & Ruxton
Here are seven family-owned jewelry stores in the Atlanta area to visit this Valentine's Day.
Brown & Co. Jewelers
Brown & Co. Jewelers is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with big news, including the addition of the state's largest David Yuman boutique at its Roswell store and the recent move of its Buckhead store to the Buckhead Village District. Starting in May 2022, the company has been led by President Sarah Beth Brown Prendeville, a second-generation member of the Brown family (her father, Frank, continues to serve as CEO). The Buckhead outpost is home to Rolex, Cartier and designer watch boutiques, and will add a Patek Philippe boutique this year.
D. Geller & Son
Founded in 1939 by Dan Geller, D. Geller & Son was the Southeast's first jewelry wholesaler and diamond dealer. (The Geller family's industry ties go back 15 generations before him, with a branch of the Geller family working as jewelers for the Russian tsars.) At his three retail showrooms in Kennesaw, Atlanta and Sandy Springs, bridal jewelry, retail jewelry, repairs, and appraisals. . Mike Geller is the current owner and CEO, and his son Jonathan serves as managing director.
Guven Fine Jewelry
The Guven family has been serving customers at their Buford store for 40 years. Started by Isa Guven, who started the business in Turkey in 1969 before coming to the Atlanta area, the business is now a family operation that includes Isa's wife, son and daughter. Retail jewelry, custom his pieces, watches, certificates of authenticity, etc. We can respond quickly.
ice box
Brothers Zahir, Rafi and Mo Jooma run Icebox, a jewelry store founded by their parents in 1976. The brand is known for its custom designs for celebrities such as Ludacris, Grady's Jarrett, and Lil' Baby, and has millions of social media views. In 2024, the 24,000 square foot store will include a boutique focused on pre-owned luxury watches. The brothers also expanded into wholesale distribution to Saks Fifth Avenue, e-commerce, diamond manufacturing, and leather goods.
Pickens Jewelers Co., Ltd.
Hayes Pickens is the third generation to take over her family's jewelry business, one of Buckhead's oldest established jewelers. He currently serves as Vice President and officially joined the company in 2010 after graduating from university. Pickens Jewelers started as a trade store servicing other jewelers and continues to do so today in addition to selling retail and custom items. They have his nine benches his jewelers. It pays homage to Pickens' grandfather, who started making fine jewelry in the '40s.
brothers solomon
Brothers Ivan, Howard and Anthony grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. Ivan first came to Atlanta and started his jewelry business in 1982. He was soon joined by his brothers, and now Ivan's son Jaron is the president. We have locations in Buckhead and Alpharetta.
universal diamond
One of the largest diamond wholesalers in the Southeast, Universal Diamonds specializes in engagement rings and diamond jewelry. Amos Agami founded the business over 40 years ago and now runs it with his two sons, Ronnie and Jonathan. His Buckhead boutique also offers estate and loose diamonds that can be fabricated into custom pieces.
This article will be published in the February 2024 issue.
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