Hillsborough Grad Takes Over Bentley’s Fine Jewelers, Looks To Be Staple Of Community

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Brandon Loree, a Hillsborough native who started working at Bentley’s Fine Jewelers while in college, has recently taken over the longtime local business, marking a new chapter for the shop.

Loree is taking over for former owner Kevin Sweeney after working for him for almost a decade. Loree said he is honored to continue the legacy Sweeney has built as a pillar of the community.

"After 50 years in the jewelry business and serving Hillsborough and the surrounding communities since 1985, it is bittersweet to finally pass the torch over to my existing staff. As a multi-time winner of Best Jeweler in Somerset County, I have all of the confidence in the world that my 10-year amazing manager, now owner, Brandon Loree, will continue to exemplify the high standards Bentley’s has accomplished consistently for so long," said Sweeney to Patch.

Loree moved to Hillsborough Township in 2008 with his family and graduated from Hillsborough High School in 2015

He began working at Bentley’s in about 2017 while studying at Rutgers University.

He said the business became a natural fit because of his interest in customer relationships and the personal moments tied to jewelry purchases.

Loree received his Associate's degree in Communications, where he said working at Bentley's allowed him to explore his biggest strength in working with people.

"I saw, more on a personal level, how the jewelry industry was," said Loree.

He said he can work with people on pieces "where it's a life journey culminating in an engagement ring," but also on milestones such as "anniversary gifts for a couple that has been together for 60 years."

Over time, Loree learned the business from Sweeney and saw how well he's worked and has been "a pillar of the community."

When Sweeney began looking to retire and step back, Loree said the transition was "natural."

"People got to know me for the last 10 years and build up that rapport, and he was able to pass the baton off seamlessly to somebody that he entrusted to carry on his legacy, too," said Loree.

Sweeney said Loree "will bring a fresh and current energy to the store."

Loree said being able to take over Bentley's and run his own business has been "a very fulfilling feeling."

He said the opportunity reflects years of hard work and a longtime entrepreneurial streak that also included sports writing and performing in a band with his brothers.

Bentley’s recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand reopening in March.

Looking ahead, Loree said customers can expect much of the same experience they have known at the store, "that very family-oriented feel."

He said the shop also plans to explore newer tools for custom work.

"We're trying to look into being more on the forefront of a lot of our custom design, and a big way through that is through some AI innovation," he said.

The store offers a full-service repair jeweler on-site, custom work, custom engagement rings, appraisals, and gold buying.

Bentley’s Fine Jewelers can be found on Instagram at instagram.com/bentleysfinejewelers and Facebook at facebook.com/BentleysFineJewelers.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunity and very honored that I get to be in a position where I get to continue the legacy of Bentley's," said Loree. "It's not anything I take for granted and take lightly, and it's something that I'm looking forward to being a staple of the community for a long time, and being able to help out any way that I can — make some beautiful pieces and beautiful memories."

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