Famulare Jewelers Celebrates Milestone Anniversary in Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, CA — About 200 people turned out on Saturday, Sept. 17 for what was a very special day for John and Rita Famulare, owners of Famulare Jewelers in Carlsbad Village: a celebration of their 17th anniversary of being in business.

According to Rita, it was only natural they celebrate their 17th anniversary, as the number 17 has real significance for the owners of the shop situated on Carlsbad Boulevard, near Daily News Cafe and Norte Mexican Food.

“It was John’s grandmother’s lucky number, and John always remembered that growing up,” Rita said. “So then it became his lucky number, and throughout our marriage and our time together it has gained significance for me, too.”

Since opening in 1999, Famulare Jewelers has become significant in its own right. The business that employs a staff of 10 is known for its community involvement and its support of local organizations.

And just last week, during Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s annual Small Business Awards, Rita took home the “Woman-Owned Business of the Year" award.

A graduate gemologist from Gemological Institute of America, Rita said the Carlsbad-based school is the reason she first came to North County. But as fate would have it, she recalls, it was while she was at the school interviewing for a teaching position that she saw a flier for a jewelry shop for sale in Carlsbad Village. That shop would later become Famulare Jewelers.

With John as CEO and Rita as the resident jewelry expert, the two continue to pride themselves on “hiring very talented people” and running a customer-centric business.

“Our motto has always been, “The customer first; good quality; and do what you promise people,’” Rita said.

Photos courtesy of Christina McGoldrick