FAMILY IS ONE of life’s most precious treasures.
The allure of the earth’s beautiful resources has inspired the creation of deJonghe’s special accessories for more than 35 years. That’s when Dennis deJonghe opened deJonghe Original Jewelry on Caroline Street.
In 1988, the store was relocated to Broadway. Since then it has served as a second home to him and his family.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE
“The kids would hang out here because they had to,” recalled Dennis. His wife Peggy is the store’s accountant, and his three children Sarah, Rebekah, and Evan, all had jobs to do here while they were growing up.
Whether they were joining the jewelers in the back doing repairs and stringing pearls, or selling finished originals in the gallery, deJonghe’s heirloom jewelry became a family-run business.
Today, Sarah promotes deJonghe originals on Etsy, has her own line of jewelry, and has two small children. Rebekah works as a physical therapist and is mother to two children, as well. Evan became a father in September and works with his own father at the store to design and market deJonghe jewelry.
“I always knew I wanted to be here. I always knew it was my end game,” said Evan.
GRACEFUL CURVES
Dennis characterizes himself as a creative who learned the art of running a business through trial and error.
When Evan came into his current managerial role at the store in 2013, Dennis said he welcomed his son’s business savvy and gemologist training.
“It did surprise us – he takes things to a whole other level,” said Dennis.
The transition includes Evan taking the initiative to teach new computerized design software, digital cataloging, and other advanced systems to his family and the colleagues he’s known since boyhood. This requires strategic scheduling and is eased by the shop’s sincere and collaborative work environment.
“It’s a very open and laid back atmosphere here. They trust me, and that goes both ways, too,” said Evan.
ELEGANCE TO BE REMEMBERED
Estimating that approximately 80 percent of their business is custom orders, fortune lends them to design award-winning earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other stylish pieces with a flair for the dramatic.
Their flowing, asymmetrical style features an awe-inspiring collection of hand-selected, ethically-sourced gemstones.
“I have a bad addiction for buying stones, often right from the miners themselves,” said Dennis.
With a legacy of active involvement in the community’s business, arts, and recreational associations, the deJonghes have also incorporated many of the city’s most important milestones into their distinguished designs.
Beginning in the 1980’s when Dennis incorporated the Spirit of Life into his work, it is continuing into the present with jewelry celebrating SPAC’s 50th Anniversary last year, and with this year’s line of jewelry supporting Universal Preservation Hall.
“I’ve always wanted one of your pieces,” Dennis hears often from the community of customers that, like his family, respect deJonghe’s uncompromising commitment to integrity.
The 2017 Holiday deJonghe Jewelry Collection features sensually curving handmade gold earrings, exquisite gemstone rings, and statement-making pendants.
For more information call 518-587-6422 or go to www.djoriginals.com.
