Bejeweled: John Givelekian of Royal Jewels of Rye
Bejeweled Rye is an occasional feature to meet the owners and managers of local jewelry stores. These folks make us look good everyday.
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Today, we meet John Givelekian or Royal Jewels of Rye.
Your Name: John Givelekian
Your Role: Owner
Your Store: Royal Jewels of Rye (located at 56 Purchase Street in Rye)
MyRye.com: Describe yourself in one word:
Givelekian: Confident
How long has your business been in Rye?
Givelekian: 16 years
Why did you originally choose Rye for your business?
Givelekian: Opening up a business in Rye came by way of recommendation from a friend who had a dry cleaning business for many years (Falcon Cleaners).
What attracted you to the jewelry business?
Givelekian: It is a family business started in 1977 with my brother Hachik Givelekian, who continues to run the Diamond District branch of our business under the name of Royal Jewel Setting Company.
Describe your customers:
Givelekian: We opened our doors in 2008 when the economy was tanking and many businesses were shuddering. At that time, clients were interested in restoring their jewelry instead of purchasing new items. Since I am well versed in repair and restoration, relationships were formed and strengthened after they received their old, broken items back restored to their original state. Over the years, it has been our privilege to witness the cycle of life defined through jewelry – from the promise ring to the engagement ring to the wedding band to the push present to the First Communion cross and then graduation gift! Our loyal clients are predominantly from Rye, however, our reach now extends to Westport, Connecticut and beyond thanks to the powerful Mom groups online.
Describe the environment in your store:
Givelekian: We just recently gave our store a face lift by repainting in a softer, calmer light blue hue. We have relaxing music playing in the background and have comfy chairs to rest. We treat our respected clients as friends or family members rather than simply as customers.
Tell us about the array of products you offer:
Givelekian: Since we are a full service jewelry store, we offer a wide array of products including children’s first earrings, bridal jewelry, natural as well as lab grown gems, pearl strands and studs. Additionally we service watches and carry watch bands. We carry the Luvente brand (NYC) but our primary focus is creating bespoke jewelry with our CAD design team.
Tell us about the array of services you offer:
Givelekian: We offer ear piercing, jewelry restoration (whether polishing and rhodium plating or soldering something that has broken), and ring resizing (up or down in size on all metal types). We also offer jewelry appraisal, which is done by our in-house gemologist.
Tell us about you:
Givelekian: I was born in Istanbul of Armenian parents and emigrated to the US when I was 11 years old. I apprenticed as a bench jeweler straight out of High School. My love for creating fine jewelry has lasted over 45 years. There is nothing like the feeling I get when my creation is appreciated by the recipient. Sometimes they are so happy – they hug me! Being a part of the special moments in my clients’ lives through jewelry is a gift that I receive every day. At Royal Jewels of Rye, we follow the golden rule and treat our clients the way we would expect to be treated – with respect.
In my spare time, I like to unwind by being one with nature and go fishing. I enjoy catching a big bluefish or striped bass. The excitement of reeling in the big one is like no other!
Tell us about your staff:
Givelekian: I work with my son Michael who studied gemology at New York’s Gemological Institute of America (GIA). He received his degree in 2016 and is proficient in evaluating diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. My wife Nanette (Anoush) joined the team in 2013 and is our resident ear piercer. She also does sales and bookkeeping.
What are some most important things people should do to take care of their jewelry?
Givelekian:
- Treat your jewelry with the respect it deserves. Don’t sleep with it on, don’t swim with it on and keep it in a special place where each piece has its own designated spot so nothing gets scratched or tangled.
- For pearls – last on, first off is the rule. It should be the last piece you put on when dressing and the first off. Avoid spraying perfumes on it or other make-up which can lead to discoloration.
- Have your jewelry inspected by a professional at least once a year to assess its integrity and to see if anything needs to be fixed.
- Jewelry should also be professionally cleaned periodically. This is especially true for engagement rings, where the prongs can come loose or worn down.
- Insure high value items to prevent heartache if lost or stolen.
Thank you John!
