Saxon Jewelers and Gemologists Specializes in Custom Designs

Maybe you’ve wondered what goes on behind the plain, locked door at 47 Alpha Park on Alpha Park Dr., Highland Heights. The only clue is the name "Saxon" emblazoned in large letters above the unadorned and anonymous window.

It’s Michael Saxon’s jewelry store, , where much of the business has come to involve custom jewelry design, like the micro pave diamond platinum wedding band he created for his daughter’s Sept. 2 wedding. "Only the best," Saxon said softly.

"I’d rather have raw materials than have a ring in my case that I have to try to sell you," he said. "That way there’s no pressure to push anything in my showcase."

Saxon make prototypes of his special orders in sterling silver. "It’s as much work as making the real ring," he said, "but with a really expensive ring, you want to make it right."

In addition to original creations, his shop features 50 feet of display cases filled with the usual fare, watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets and such. But he also does gem identification, appraisal and insurance replacement work, major repairs and re-cutting and polishing stones.

"Everything is done here by me or my associate," Saxon said.

For his first 20 or so years at Alpha Park, Saxon was a wholesale manufacturer with 12 employees. It was a good living, he said, but no fun. So he embraced the creative end of the jewelry business, the part that caught his attention when he was only 10. That’s when he started taking Saturday classes at the Cleveland Institute of Art, learning to solder and make jewelry.

"I learned enough to become an apprentice at a very small jewelry shop when I was between 13 and 14. I took the bus downtown everyday to work," Saxon recalled.

He struck out on his own at 18, eager to earn a living "so I could get married."  He was able to open at Alpha Park when he was 21. That was 31 years ago.

For appointments, call 440-461-9296. His website is saxonjewelers.com.