Maybe you want to wow that special someone with a gift that’s both beautiful and meaningful. Or maybe you want to reward yourself for having a spectacular year, or surviving a tough one. Either way, you can’t go wrong at Genovese Jewelers. “The holiday shopping season is our busiest time of year, and we love helping our customers find just the right gift,” says owner Joe Genovese.
Genovese’s father, Michael, began the business in a small basement in 1981. Today, a 7,000-square-foot Creve Coeur showroom dazzles visitors with more than $10 million in inventory, from $200 stocking-stuffers to high-ticket luxury items. More than 50 percent of the store’s inventory is designed and manufactured in-house by 14 jewelers. “We have about 14,000 items in stock, and we also can turn around a custom piece, designed to your specifications, in less than a week,” Genovese says. He invests in the latest computer-aided technology for his staff, including a leading-edge 3-D printer that enables designers to make jewelry molds on site. “Doing our own manufacturing gives us that competitive edge, allowing us to offer gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces at a low retail price,” he explains. He takes great pride in hiring local jewelers: “Our team creates beautiful pieces you’ll treasure far beyond the holidays, not mass-produced junk outsourced to China.”
One of the store’s top sellers is Novia by Genovese, a signature line introduced last year. “It’s a graceful, feminine look that combines modern flair with vintage glamor,” Genovese says. The collection is crafted in white gold set with diamonds or precious colored stones, such as sapphires and amethysts. “Half the line is one-of-a-kind, the other half we only make once a year, so you’ll never show up at an event and see 20 other women wearing your necklace or bracelet,” he says. Novia is surprisingly affordable, he adds. “Prices range from $500 to $100,000, with most pieces going for $1,000 to $2,000. It’s a designer look without the designer price.”
Business is better than ever, Genovese notes, and the family believes in sharing their good fortune. “We feel strongly about giving back to the community that supports us,” he says. The business contributes some $350,000 each year in auction merchandise and monetary donations to hundreds of local nonprofits, especially those that help children. “My dad’s heart was always open to those in need, and we’re carrying on the tradition.”
A lot has changed since Michael Genovese opened his first store. “But we’re still guided by his philosophy: Make every customer a friend by advising reliably and pricing reasonably,” his son says. “I began working for Dad at the age of 13, cleaning floors and polishing jewelry, and this business is still my passion. There’s no better feeling than seeing a customer’s face light up when they find the exact right gift, and no greater privilege than being part of so many family celebrations and holidays over the years.”
[Genovese Jewelers is located at 12460 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur. For more information, call 314.878.6203 or visit genovesejewelers.com.]
Photo courtesy of Genovese Jewelers
