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Photo Courtesy of Ahee.
Wearing jewelry, whether it is a beloved wedding ring, an upscale watch or a sweet strand of pearls, is one way for people to not only send a message about who they are but also provides a fashionable accessory to everyday outfits.
That is why having a jeweler who takes the time to talk, will work with you on a design and cares about creating an exclusive design or piece is an essential part of a person’s wardrobe and an asset. Metro Detroit is home to a large array of independent jewelry stores, giving residents a number of local talents to tap when they want to look and feel their best.
Interestingly, large chain retailers are among the highest sellers of gems and precious jewels. For instance, Walmart is considered the nation’s largest diamond retailer. But Metro Detroit still can support one or two shop-small businesses that specialize in handmade jewelry or provide a selection of name brands within an otherwise competitive marketplace.
Shoppers such as Dave Chow say they prefer to go to independently owned stores in general but especially when they want to buy a sentimental item or what they describe as art they can wear on their hands, ears or around their necks.
“Brendan Sherwood over at Elements in Royal Oak has created some amazing one-of-a-kind pieces for us,” Chow said. “Eons ago, when I was looking to buy an engagement ring for my then girlfriend, I was like most guys and wanted to buy the biggest rock money could buy. Before I even went down that route, Brendan smartly asked me ‘What kind of girl is she?’
“He genuinely wanted to know what sort of person she was and we scaled back my initial outlandish ideas as to what an engagement ring should be,” Chow said. “He took the time to educate me about the materials and worked with me in the process of designing a ring that people still give my wife compliments on.”
Here are five Metro Detroit independent jewelry stores that will get you compliments, too.
Star Jewelers
This Canton-based jewelry store has been a family-owned custom jeweler for more than 35 years. The store and its Master Jeweler say they pride themselves on educating customers about the design and buying of their diamonds, gemstones and all other products, taking that time to explain everything they do and why. Star Jewelers also is known for its high-quality repair services as well as watch battery replacement in a jiffy.
Miner’s Den
If you are looking for a beautiful statement piece, an heirloom to enjoy today or custom fine jewelry, then Royal Oak’s Miner’s Den is the right place to visit. It is best known for its original design, which includes everything from elegant opals to masculine rings befitting a guy’s guy. Founded in 1971, this family-owned business has been in the same location the whole time, making it a space for couples to find their engagement rings and wedding bands generation after generation. They call themselves the “family diamond store,” having served the Metro Detroit community for more than 85 years. Orin Jewelers carries the classics, such as diamond engagement rings, as well as colored stones and fashion jewelry befitting your inner Kim Kardashian. They also do pretty much everything else at its two locations in Northville and Garden City from cleaning to appraisals to custom design. Call them your jewelry problem solvers. The experts at this Trenton-based jewelry store say they design, create, manufacture and service in-house with facilities and “expertise second to none.” Its staff includes a GIA-trained professional diamond grader, whose job is to help customers find the best diamond for the money. Altogether, the staff has more than 100 years of combined experience, so they know their stuff. Customers also say the store’s prices are reasonable and its customer service is described as amazing. This Grosse Pointe Woods jeweler has been a familiar sight on Mack Avenue for generations. President Peter Ahee started in the business back in 1974 when he learned from his father. Now, his son Alex works in the store as well, supervising the timepiece, diamond and jewelry collections. People in this eastside community know this family by name and feel comfortable having them design and service all of their fine jewels.
Orin Jewelers
Trenton Jewelers
Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers
