Whiz Biz: Benjamin & Co. Fine Jewelry

Whiz Biz: Benjamin & Co. Fine Jewelry

Address: 22421 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita customer Service: (949) 709-2070

Phone: (949) 709-2070

Website: benjamincojewelry.com

What’s Nearby: , , Olivia’s Closet

What Makes It So Awesome: Benjamin and Co. is much more than just a jewelry shop; it’s a unique, elegant place you can trust for all your custom fine jewelry needs.

What’s the Scoop: Janet Benjamin was just 13 years old when she began assisting her father in the jewelry business. She started off as a bench worker at her family’s store in Redlands, gaining first-hand experience and insight into the world of fine jewelry. The second oldest of seven children, Benjamin soon discovered a passion for jewelry and knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life in the field. She married, had two sons and continued to work for her father. But one day, her husband encouraged her to go on her own. The rest, as they say, is history. Benjamin worked with a broker to scout out various locations for her business and settled at last on a storefront in the family-friendly community of Rancho Santa Margarita. Benjamin and Co. Fine Jewelers has now been in operation for five years.

“I love the small-town community,” said Benjamin, who currently lives in Redlands but plans to purchase a second home in Rancho Santa Margarita. She commutes into the store Monday thorugh Friday and closes her doors on the weekends so she can spend time with her family. Benjamin added that her favorite local restaurant is Tutto Fresco, conveniently located just around the corner from her store.

Benjamin’s day consists of assisting her valued customers, working on jewelry pieces and maintaining the store. “I love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else,” she said. “I adore all of my customers.” She added with a laugh that it’s sometimes difficult to get everything done because she so enjoys chatting with each person who comes through the door. During our interview, several customers walked in for service; one needed a ring polished for a last-minute trip, while another came to pick up a special custom piece. Benjamin dropped everything to talk with them and listen to their needs as well as the goings-on in their personal lives. It was obvious Benjamin is well-loved not just for her excellent service but for her listening ear and bubbly personality as well.

“My customers trust me,” she said. “They leave it up to me to design a piece of jewelry for them.” When asked where she gets her inspiration for custom pieces, she said that she gets it "from every day life. I can usually look at someone and get an idea of what they would like.”

What’s Unique: One step into the store and one almost feels as if they have entered an ethereal museum. A beautiful mural decorates the ceiling, and lovely chandeliers glitter above. Several glass cases of fine jewelry sparkle, and shiny marble floors, elegant arches and pillars accent the store. On the website, K. Benjamin, Founder and CEO, states of this award-winning design and architecture, “The goal is to bring a luxurious and surprising shopping experience to midtown retailing, to bring something that is new, not anything that has been seen already in a shopping center.” And indeed the store is all of those things. But what makes Benjamin stand out most is her custom jewelry, the primary focus of her business.

“Most of my jewelry is custom made,” she explained. “In a down economy, people are still able to enjoy a new piece of jewelry by taking their old, timeless pieces and letting me make them into something new.” She slipped on a stunning pearl necklace. “I just made this for a woman whose mother had passed away and left behind a beautiful pair of earrings,” Benjamin said, nodding toward the emerald and diamond snowflake-shaped earrings embedded in the necklace. She explained how she was able to take the heirlooms, string them into a pearl necklace and create an entirely new and unique piece. This is just one of the many custom pieces she has made over the years.

“Vintage jewelry is my favorite,” said Benjamin. “Everyone should have at least one timeless piece to wear.”  She invites customers to make an appointment for a custom consultation, during which they can share their ideas, look at examples and receive a sketch of their custom piece for approval. With Valentine's Day approaching, a reworked piece of jewelry could make a wonderful, thoughtful gift.

Though custom jewelry is her specialty, Benjamin also does watch repairs, jewelry appraisal and reconditioning, and jewelry repair. She also offers a beautiful collection of showcased pieces, from elegant engagement rings to diamond earrings to necklaces. Truly, there is something for everyone.

Elegance, romance, femininity and tradition are the emphasized words on Benjamin’s website. One visit to the store and you’ll see why these very words indeed capture Benjamin’s passion, and why her custom jewelry will continue to shine in the community for years to come.