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Tradition Meets Innovation— Colonial Jewelers Creates Unique Custom Jewelry

An Exclusive Interview with Sarah Hurwitz Robey and Chris Robey on Craftsmanship and Family Legacy

Article by Sierra Moore

Photography by Kimber Morgan of Darling & Dear

Originally published in Frederick Lifestyle

Colonial Jewelers is a fourth-generation family business known for their expertise in the industry and cutting edge custom jewelry. We sat down with the dynamic duo, Sarah Hurwitz Robey, President, and Chris Robey, Jewelry Designer, to hear what they had to say about their family's legacy and the craftsmanship that brings custom jewelry vision to life.

How does Colonial Jewelers honor its legacy while continuing to serve its customers today?

Sarah: We are so lucky to be in a business that appreciates the past generations for all they have done to get us here. Our business has always been centered around helping people celebrate their love, and we continue that mission every day.  Diamonds, gemstones and precious metals are timeless and will always have value.

What significant changes or milestones stand out? What has stayed the same?

Sarah: Some of our significant milestones include my grandparents, the Hurwitz family, relocating Colonial Jewelers to Frederick in 1948. My parents joined the company in 1978 and moved to our current location on South Market Street a year later. In 2021, we underwent a full store remodel and expanded our jeweler's workshop by adding new equipment. In 2023, we celebrated our 75th anniversary in Frederick and I transitioned into the role of President of Colonial Jewelers. Chris joining us as our Custom Designer strengthened our already robust custom department.

How did you get started in custom jewelry design?

Chris: Before doing jewelry design and CAD (Computer Aided Design) production, I started as a bench jeweler 13 years ago at Colonial. I remember going to a jewelry show in New York around that time and seeing the most incredible jewelry pieces.  After asking the designers how they created such remarkable pieces, we learned they were using CAD.  It was at that moment we realized this was the future of jewelry and the next step for Colonial.

What makes custom jewelry from Colonial Jewelers stand out?

Sarah: Colonial Jewelers stands behind the quality and the highest level of craftsmanship, which extends to our custom jewelry. We are well versed in a variety of styles and techniques to be able to provide a huge variety to our clients.

Chris: Custom by Colonial pieces stand out because they are unique to each individual.  My time at the jewelers bench has given me an understanding of what’s required to build structurally sound jewelry.  Each piece is crafted to match the customer’s aesthetic and diamond or gemstone selection, which can be sourced from Colonial or provided by the customer. Our goldsmith excels in setting diamonds and gemstones and refining jewelry, seamlessly bridging the gap between digital creation and traditional jewelry-making techniques.

Can you walk us through the process of creating a custom piece, from the initial consultation to the final product?

Sarah: The process of creating a custom piece begins with an initial consultation in our showroom. Some customers arrive with a clear idea for a custom piece, while others decide on customization as they discuss and visualize their ideas with us. We showcase a wide variety of styles and designs to inspire and guide our customers. Our skilled sales associates excel at understanding and articulating the customer's vision. They gather essential details such as preferred style, intended use and other considerations to shape the design process.

Chris: Once I receive this information, I translate it into a detailed 3D CAD design. The process of creating a custom piece varies for each individual. Some customers entrust us with total creative freedom, while others have specific ideas in mind. In every case, I create a 3D model to ensure the gemstones fit perfectly. This model is then presented to the customer, providing an accurate depiction of the jewelry piece, including the arrangement of diamonds and gemstones. Upon approval, the piece is cast in the chosen precious metal and meticulously finished by our master jeweler.

What do you hope clients take away from their experience with Colonial Jewelers?

Sarah: We aim for our clients to enjoy a fun, relaxing and professional experience during their visits to our store. With our well-trained sales team, we always strive for complete customer satisfaction. With over 75 years in Frederick, clients can trust that they are receiving a beautifully crafted custom design from a reputable company that will continue to serve for many years to come.

Chris: I hope the custom experience at Colonial leaves our customers with a unique piece of jewelry they can proudly own and wear, confident it will endure over time. It's rewarding that customers can actively participate in the creative process, ensuring their jewelry is truly one-of-a-kind.

What is your vision for the future of Colonial Jewelers?

Sarah: Our vision for Colonial Jewelers is to honor our family tradition in Frederick by remaining true to our core values. We strive to be a beloved shopping destination and a rewarding workplace. Innovation is key as we aim to offer the best in jewelry and service to the Frederick community.

Chris: With such a deep history in the jewelry industry, it’s important to me to stay on the forefront by embracing current trends while preserving the craftsmanship and quality that define traditional jewelry. 

Colonial Jewelers stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of family, tradition, and excellence in craftsmanship. Whether it’s the precision of modern CAD design or the timeless skill of traditional jewelry-making, Colonial Jewelers combines the best of both worlds to create stunning, personalized pieces. Visit Colonial Jewelers to experience their unmatched dedication to excellence and become a part of their storied tradition. ColonialJewelers.com

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