Full of Sparkle, Craig’s Fine Jewelry Celebrates 60 Years
Lately it’s been one party after another at Craig’s Fine Jewelry on Main Street. Designer Thursdays (complete with wine and cheese), fantastic trunk shows, even a Tiki and Bob Marley party with free Coronas. What’s going on? Well, the third generation, family owned jewelry store has a whole lot to celebrate…like 60 years!
It was Francis Martin who first opened a jewelry and optical store in 1911. In 1950 Martin sold it to his employee Helen Craig, who is present owner Billy Craig’s grandmother. Later, Helen sold the store to her son and daughter- in- law, Norman and Elise Craig, Billy’s parents. Once again, it was passed on from parents to children.
Billy Craig had outstanding role models in his parents, Norma and Elise, who instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication, not only professionally, but in the sense of community. At the age of 19, after graduating from Gemological Institute of America in NYC he began working full time at Craig’s. By 23, he was named president of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce. Today, he continues to support and enhance the town he was rooted in. He is a founder of the Downtown Ridgefield group, involved in the Holiday Stroll and countless other town committees.
As one of the oldest businesses in Ridgefield, Craig’s typifies the very essence of our town: elegance, charm and legendary customer service. Billy Craig has embraced the change of the times by adjusting his business model accordingly. Shopping for jewelry while sitting on the shop’s cozy couch, sipping champagne (I’ll buy that) and jotting down your favorite item(s) in the Craig’s “wish list” book are a few of the ways Craig’s makes shopping a pleasurable experience. In addition, he now has a full time social networking and marketing person to get the “Craig’s” name out there. He has a presence on Facebook and Twitter (and now the town blog).
So, when is the next party? How about this weekend. During the “Fall in Love With Ridgefield” festivities, Craig’s will host a trunk show of I. Reiss pieces from 10-4pm. And rest up for the 60th anniversary bash on Thursday, October 29. The celebration begins at 4 and in honor of Craig’s “diamond jubilee year” they will showcase exquisite diamond jewelry from designer, A.Link.
Happy 60th Craig’s!
Click the link to learn more about Craig’s: www.craigsfinejewelry.com
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