Hugh Breslin’s love for antiques started at a young age. During his childood he fondly remembers frequent day trips to Fairfield with his beloved Grandfather to hit all the tag sales, stocking up on thoughtfully selected goods for his family’s auction house. “He would ask me if I wanted to go 'sale’ing,’ - no, not meaning sailing, but yard sale’ing. We would always end up at Rawleys after a hard day of work!” Now the owner of Hughie's Jewelry and Coins, the self-described history buff credits both his grandfather and his father for shaping his passion. He’s a collector’s collector, having gathered enough pieces over a lifetime, along with what his father left him. Leaning into the estate side with his family’s long legacy behind him and with that same thoughtful intention, he opened his own curated shop, Hughie’s Jewelry and Coins. Hugh shares his expertise and the exquisite heirlooms you’ll find in the Southport store
FLM: When was the shop founded and how did it get started?
Hugh Breslin: We opened exactly 2 years ago. I am Hughie the 3rd, named after my father and his father. So I named the shop after my legacy. I think my grandfather would be shocked to learn that one day his name would be used for a fine jewelry store in Southport. The name and he came all the way from Ireland by boat in the 1920’s. So it’s the biggest honor I could think of at the time to be able to honor him like that.
FLM: What is Hughie’s known for? What do you specialize in? What services do you offer?
HB: We are a full-service jewelry store. We do custom projects, repairs, and anything a client might want, really. But what we truly specialize in is buying and selling fine estate jewelry. We offer the largest selection of fine estate jewelry in the area. From Georgian to Modern, we truly have all eras covered. With my 80 years of connections, if we don’t have it, we can get it. Anything and everything is just a call away. You want a rare vintage Rolex or Patek watch, or that rare Van Cleef or Cartier piece, it’s just a phone call away. We offer entire estate liquidation. We do an old-fashioned house call and can make an offer on the entire contents. Antiques, collectibles, and even vintage cars. We’re also known for offering the best prices for gold & silver in the area when it's time to sell.
FLM: How does Hughie’s Jewelry and Coins stand out from other dealers or stores?
HB: It’s all about honesty and integrity; something that takes a lifetime to build and 30 seconds to ruin. We have been here 2 years and are humbled to have made our mark in the area. It is what I have always dreamed of: to be the go-to jeweler in the area for determining the true value of your family heirlooms, jewelry, and antiques. We love and respect everyone - we cater to pretty much everyone. Billionaires to young couples just starting out. You'll always get quality here. I love making people happy and finding that perfect gift, no matter the price point!
FLM: What do you look for when you are acquiring pieces?
HB: We really have a broad selection to merchandise our showcases. To make it in one of my showcases, it has to be at least vintage and unique. I buy a lot, so it has to be something special. We take pride in curating the best selection for our customers. Anything Art Deco, Mid Century Modern, and any rare signed pieces. Van Cleef, Cartier, colored stones, Emeralds , Burma Rubies, Ceylon Sapphires, and antique Diamonds, to name a few.
FLM: Have you handled any particularly rare or historic pieces? What have been some of your favorite pieces that you’ve come across?
HB: I really liked these 8ctw natural stone treated Columbian emeralds earrings I recently sold. Anything that large has to have GIA or AGL paperwork, or it won't be able to demand the proper price for it. It was a whole process to get the emeralds and then submit them to GIA. My customer handed them to me without even asking for a receipt- that’s how important trust is in this business. That’s the extra step no one wants to talk about in the industry. I want to give you the most for your heirlooms.
We also recently brokered a signed letter from Lincoln to his Attorney. Anything Lincoln is blue-chip collecting. His merchandise just goes up in value every year. We were in luck, the letter wasn’t glued to the frame, which 80% are. It realized $12k at Christie’s.
FLM: What are your favorite parts of the process? What do you find most rewarding?
HB: The personal connections are truly rewarding. To be able to continue someone’s legacy is a cool part of my business. A piece lived its whole life and somehow found its way to me in Southport and I’m able to breathe a second chance of life into it. It’s going to be sold to someone younger and it’s got a whole new life with many more decades to be loved and cherished, while sometimes bringing life-changing returns to its seller.
I also love the fact that in my industry, I get on the elevator in any jewelry district and there are 10 people on there speaking 5 different languages. No matter what, everyone has one thing in common. Everyone, including me, is going after the American dream.
FLM: What does being a family-owned business mean to you today?
HB: I really appreciate the history woven into this business. In fact, I’m doing business with my dad’s friends’ kids and with some of the old-timers still around who knew my dad. It’s keeping his legacy alive in a way. It’s important to me to pass down a legacy to my daughter rooted in integrity and respect. Making the next generation of connections so that one day my daughter might work with their kids.
It’s important to me to pass down a legacy to my daughter rooted in integrity and respect.
Hughie's Jewelry & Coins
3449 Post Road
Southport, CT
(203) 292-3084
hughiesjewelry.com