Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Hornik.
Jillian – please kick things off for us, we’d love to hear the story.
JAE’S JEWELERS was founded in Miami in 1945 by watchmaker George Hornik. The Brooklyn native, who moved to Miami in 1938, served in the Navy during World War II.
After his discharge, George moved to Colorado, where he studied the craft of watchmaking and discovered his passion. Mr. Hornik started the business repairing watches for $1 and considered it a bonus if he could also sell a 25 cent leather band to go along with it.
In 1956, Hornik and his wife & business partner of 60 years, Helena, moved the business to its Coral Gables home at 237 Miracle Mile. All up and down The Mile, the Horniks were known as “Mr. and Mrs. Jae.” They were very active in the Coral Gables community, and we have continued their interactive traditions to this day.
Their son, Bruce, joined the business in 1972 and is the store’s current President. He is a Graduate Gemologist and one of the most knowledgeable jewelers in the city. Bruce is extremely dedicated to his customers and is proud to call many of them friends, as well. He is known to many as “Jae.” It is Bruce who is responsible for transitioning the store from simple watch repair to the full-service fine jewelry establishment that it is today.
We are proud to say that our little family business has now entered into its third generation! I am Bruce’s daughter and also a Graduate Gemologist & Registered AGS Jeweler. I stayed in California for 6 years, after graduating from GIA, to work for one of the largest independent jewelry stores in the country; I am now back at JAE’S, serving as our store manager.
In December 2014, Jae’s Jewelers was recognized as the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce’s Retailer of the Year. The celebration continues throughout 2017, into our 72nd year of business.
We are fortunate to make a living doing something that is very much our passion and realize that family businesses like ours are few and far between. We look forward to many more years serving the South Florida community.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning & operating any business is a tough journey, requiring dedication & perseverance along the way. From our modest start in 1945, we have focused on consistent quality of service, & slow growth. I remember when my father worked 6 days a week for decades, in order to raise 3 children. Money comes & money goes, so you have to always be conservative in business expenses. A lot of people have this misconception that jewelers are rich. Those who price their product fairly & earn an honest living will be able to stay in business long-term.
Please tell us about Jae’s Jewelers.
Jae’s Jewelers is a family & personal jeweler. We focus on the needs of our clients, offering full-service from selling jewelry & watches, to repairs, to appraisals, to purchasing jewelry from the public, & custom jewelry creation.
I currently serve as the store’s sales manager, in charge of the day to day operations, business development, & HR. I am one of only 2 American Gem Society Registered Jewelers in Miami-Dade, and am known for my expertise in diamonds, colored stones, and fine mechanical watches.
As a company, I am proud that we can offer the same services to our clients generation after generation. Nothing makes me happier than hearing that a new client’s parents or grandparents got their engagement ring from my father or grandfather!
What sets us apart is our personal attention, ethical practices, and continuing education in the fields of manufacturing & gemology.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
As a young child, I would come to Jae’s Jewelers buy a gumball from our vintage 1 cent machine & watched our watchmaker work on timepieces on the salesfloor.
Pricing:
- Gifts from $50
- Appraisals from $100
Contact Info:
- Address: 237 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida 33134
- Website: www.JaesJewelers.com
- Phone: 305-443-7724
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jaesjewelers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaesjewelers
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaesJewelers
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jaes-jewelers-miami
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/JAESJEWELERS
Image Credit:
Roberto Montoya
Ada Stevens
Nicole Diez
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