BIG COOL

Zadok Jewelers
Houston TX, founded 1976

Judges say Zadok Jewelers is a fine example of an elite luxury retailer across all facets of their business. Their fully revamped e-commerce website, launched to coincide with the opening of their new store in 2021, is one of the best in the business. The move, which brought the showroom to a sprawling 18,000 square feet, also delivered 14 shop-in-shops, four boutiques, and interior finishes best described as opulent, rich and elegant. Zadok was founded in Houston by Dror Zadok and his wife, Helene; their sons, Jonathan, Segev and Gilad represent the seventh generation of the family business with roots in Jerusalem and Yemen. Architect and design firms include Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and Nina Magon Studio.

Craig Husar
Brookfield, WI, founded 1968

Craig Husar, in honor of the company’s 50th anniversary, decided to pursue his lifelong dream of building a freestanding store and designing it himself. He collaborated with Swarovski to create the Star of Husar, the largest star-shaped chandelier in the Midwest, which is suspended inside a 40-foot tall, halo-topped tower. Judges also noted that Craig’s personal story adds allure to his brand. Before returning to the family jewelry store founded by his father, Lyle, Craig worked as exhibition director for treasure hunter Mel Fisher. “Who wouldn’t want to buy jewelry from a treasure hunter?” says judge Mitchell Clark. The architect was Jeff Stowe, So Architecture, LLC.

Murphy Jewelers
Whitehall, PA, founded 1913

Judges describe Murphy Jewelers’ third store, which debuted in 2020, as warm and comfortable. Modern, open-air casework, a cozy fireplace, 86-inch TV and a bar serving Pottsville, PA-made Yuengling beer, combine to make everyone feel at home. The factory building-style exterior design has a retro vibe that speaks to the company’s storied history, while the online presence is well integrated into the business and by no means an afterthought. The store was designed by owners Mallory and Kim Murphy, with some help from their cousin, Annie Murphy, an interior designer.

Hale’s Jewelers
Greenville, SC, founded 1856

Lucian Lee opened a stunner of a new store in 2021 with an update of Hale’s, the 166-year-old retail jewelry business that he spent a lifetime growing. Judge Bruce Freshley of Freshley Marketing describes the architecture as jaw-dropping. “It’s actually one of the most dramatic retail stores of any kind I have seen in years,” he says. But the raves didn’t stop with the store design. Judges were also impressed with Hale’s community involvement and family-first spirit. “Hale’s may be the oldest business in Greenville, but this store is a breath of fresh air,” says judge Mitchell Clark. Architecture and interior design by DP3 of Greenville.

Revolution Jewelry Works
Colorado Springs, CO, founded 2013

Revolution Jewelry works has grown by leaps and bounds since Jennifer Farnes founded it in 2013. The latest iteration of her custom operation brings the total footprint to 4,300 square feet and features a 350-pound showstopper of a chandelier as showroom centerpiece. The floors are liquid metal, and gemstones are embedded in the countertops. Judges say creativity and joy is masterfully expressed through the interior, which Farnes designed, while authenticity and warmth are conveyed through the online experience. The marketing message is fresh, bold and edgy, just like the store.

SMALL COOL

WEND Jewelry
Seattle, founded 2020

Owner Wendy Woldenberg creates handmade, gender-neutral jewelry from sustainably sourced materials. She opened WEND, a combination studio, showroom, classroom and art gallery in 2021. The small but soaring space was designed by Zero Plus Architects with 17-foot-tall ceilings and a wall of glass. Judges note the versatility and efficient use of space. Every element of the WEND brand feels seamlessly interconnected and infused with natural elements.

Walton’s Jewelry
Franklin, TN, founded 1974

After the business suffered a fire in January 2021, the resulting unplanned renovation uncovered a treasure trove of historical features: hardwood floors, a beadboard ceiling and old brick walls among them, which add to the character of the place. The business, which specializes in antique and estate jewelry, is owned by Julie Walton Garland and her father Michael Walton. Judges say Walton’s is a rare window in time that exudes Old World charm while also being seamlessly integrated online for a 360-degree experience.

Malka Diamonds & Jewelry
Portland, OR, founded 2008

Malka Diamonds & Jewelry, owned by David and Ronnie Malka, is a full-service jewelry store that showcases exceptional craftsmanship. The new location, which opened in 2020, is on the second floor of a building in Portland’s lively Pearl District. The showroom, designed by Elk Collective, is divided by a custom cube with windows, which houses a full shop. Judges found the space beautiful and inviting. Judge Joanne Slawitsky said the abundant natural light pouring in from the windows and reflecting the light in the glass-on-glass cases gives the space the pleasant illusion of spending time outdoors.

Anna Zuckerman
Boca Raton, FL, founded 1996

Anna Zuckerman outfitted her 750-square-foot showroom with luxury finishes and custom showcases to display the eponymous, affordable jewelry brand she launched in 2020. The storefront, designed by BE Designs, brings to life her vision of making luxury accessible to all, offering fine sterling silver jewelry styles with an average retail price of $199. “Every woman deserves to sparkle” is her mantra. Judges say the space is stylishly luxurious and beautifully upscale.

Karina Brez
Palm Beach, FL, founded 2011

Judges find Karina Brez’s showroom to be open and inviting despite its tiny 125-square-foot showroom footprint. Brez’s jewelry brand is founded on her love for jewelry and horses, which takes shape in equestrian-themed pieces crafted with exquisite detail. That love of detail is reflected in the store’s interior design from the gilded ceiling to the braided carpeting. The showroom opened in 2021 and was designed by Romanov Interiors to make the best use of the space.