MANSFIELD — A young, earnest theater man with his sights on New York City walked into his father’s jewelry store in Mansfield 30 years ago; his nervous hands were ready for the most important transaction of his life.
She was the one — the diamond needed to be perfect, one that lasted. After hours of browsing, examining, soul searching and a payment plan, he found it.
The ring still bands Deborah Miller’s finger perfectly.
An idea
Mike and Deb Miller’s 30th wedding anniversary is in October. But first they plan on celebrating the family’s jewelry store, Miller’s Diamond Jewelry, a shop that opened against the odds in 1951, 65 years ago.
“They were told they wouldn’t last a month,” Mike said. “Here we are.”
When Mike and Deb married, they moved to New York City, where Mike acted and Deb worked as a CPA. A while later, the couple followed their hearts to the west coast to further their careers and start a family.
Around the time when Deb gave birth to their son in California, the couple felt a pang of homesickness. They moved back to the area in 1996 and Mike landed a job in his dad’s shop. Then, Mike had an idea.
“I came home one day and told my wife, ‘Hey, what’d you think if we took over the business?’” Mike said.
“And I said, ‘Who are you and what have you done with my husband?’” Deb said, laughing.
But they did it. The keys turned over in 1997 and since then, Miller’s Diamond Jewelry has joined the International Jewelers Organization. It has also outgrown the location in downtown Mansfield.
Since 2005, the shop operates out of a storefront in the Appleseed Shopping Center — and the business is growing its employee base.
Deb manages the financial side, while Mike helps with a little bit of everything, from repair to sales. He also works full-time at Mansfield’s Renaissance Theater as its CEO. Their son and daughter also help out in the shop whenever possible. Currently, they employ two salespeople but are seeking to hire one additional sales person.
Mike said the store specializes in jewelry repair and the selling of unique jewelry. The couple tries to focus on American manufacturers to ensure the best quality.
“We sell items that range in price from $50 to $50,000,” Deb said. “So we really have something for everyone.”
And they love the business.
“When you have a relationship that is founded in love and lasting that people want to give something that’s going to last. So flowers and candy, you know, they get eaten and they die. Jewelry, when properly taken care of, lasts for generations,” Deb said.
“We sometimes say we’re in the happiest business in the world … There’s a lot of joy that comes in the door. We’re with them maybe during the happiest point in their lives. We’re here because we like sharing the joy,” Mike said.
A party
Miller’s Diamond Jewelry is celebrating its 65th year of business during August with special deals and giveaways. The month-long celebration will culminate Saturday, Aug. 27 with a party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The party will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a visit from Miss Ohio Alice Magoto, refreshments, music and additional giveaways.
The couple also offers its shoppers a chance to win $650 to spend in the store. Winners will be drawn on Sept. 7.
For more information, call 419-756-8700 or visit the website.
