In this mechanized, mass-produced, get-it-done-quick-and-cheap world we live in, it’s rare to find true craftsmen and artisans who prize quality and attention to detail above all else.
Fortunately, there are still places like Mark A. Young Jewelers in downtown Oxford where perfection is not just some lofty goal, it’s the everyday standard.
‘Maybe it takes a tinge longer to get something done, but that’s only because we don’t cut corners,? said owner and jeweler Mark A. Young. ‘People are willing to wait for quality.?
Young’s words are backed up by the fact his business is continuing to grow and prosper as it enters its fifth year at 31 N. Washington Street.
‘I really appreciate our customers,? he said. ‘Without their support, we wouldn’t be going on five years.?
Business has been so good lately that Young hired another jeweler, David Bullinger, in August 2006.
Although Young is 25 years Bullinger’s senior, they both apprenticed under the same jeweler, ensuring a continuity in the quality of each piece of jewelry that’s created or repaired.
‘I’m very lucky because I can hand him a piece and it will come out just like I did it,? Young said. ‘He’s very strong in the construction side of things.?
Bullinger’s worked as a jeweler for seven years. ‘It’s the only thing he’s ever done,? Young noted.
Surrounding himself with top notch staff is how Young ensures his store’s high level of professional service is maintained.
When it comes to evaluating and appraising stones, Michelle Corcoran is there to offer clients her expert opinion as a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America, the foremost authority on gem stones and the most respected organization in the trade.
Julie Krug is there to aid clients looking to design their own piece of jewelry.
‘She has a pretty good eye for design,? Young said. ‘She’s very helpful to me.?
Designing and creating unique, personalized jewelry for clients is the mainstay of Young’s business.
‘We’ve seen there’s quite a need here,? he said. ‘People want to express themselves.?
‘We can walk them through each step from the design process to the fabrication to the finished piece,? Young noted. ‘It’s all tailored to them.?
Aside from using only the finest gem stones, precious metals and construction techniques to create individual masterpieces, Young’s most valuable tools are his ears.
‘If the jeweler’s not willing to take the time to stop talking and listen, you’re not going to have a happy customer because they’re not going to get what they want,? he explained.
Although a jeweler’s individual style is important, Young said, ‘What’s most important is the ability to read what the customer wants and understand what they’re ultimately trying to achieve with their piece.?
‘If they know it’s been constructed well and they had input in it, they’ll be 100 percent happy.?
It’s also important to educate each client so ‘they understand what they’re purchasing,? especially when it comes to gem stones. ‘We are extremely particular about how the stones are fashioned,? Young said.
Color and clarity are extremely important in a stone, but so is the cut because that’s what the client and the average person sees when shown a diamond or colored gem, he explained. Young said he likes to offer his clients a selection to choose from ‘as opposed to here’s the stone, here’s the ring, let me have the check.?
In addition to his creations, Young also carries an extensive line of high quality jewelry and watches from other companies. ‘We’ve expanded our inventory quite a bit, probably by 40 percent or so,? he said.
Young now carries the Kirk Kara line of engagement rings, which have a ‘heritage feel.?
‘A lot of people like that antique style of jewelry with the hand-engraving and bead setting of the diamonds,? he said.
The store also carries Cyma watches for men and ladies. ‘They are absolutely top quality,? said Young. ‘They’re one of the last privately-owned watch manufacturers in Switzerland.?
When he’s not working, Young has demonstrated his commitment to the community by his previous service on the Oxford Downtown Development Authority and his store’s winning of a Beautification Award in 2005.
‘I’ve found Oxford to be a pretty wonderful town,? he said.
Things will probably continue to change for the better at Mark A. Young Jewelers as the store becomes more and more successful, but one thing will always remain the same.
‘We’ll go to almost any length to make our customers happy,? Young said.
For more information or to make an appointment call (248) 969-3211.