Continental Jewelers Celebrates 60 Years in Business!
Whether a family heirloom or a new diamond engagement ring, Continental understands the emotional connection to jewelry. Chrysa Cohen, the current owner and president, says “We help people celebrate moments in their lives with beautiful jewelry to be enjoyed by future generations.”
Since opening its doors in a small New Castle shopping center in 1955, the store has always stayed true to its philosophy of superior knowledge, ethics and integrity. It was in 1959 that Continental Jewelers relocated to the Graylyn Crest Shopping Center in North Wilmington. The business flourished there for thirty years, and in 1989 had an opportunity to move around the corner to a brick and stone house that could (and would) be renovated into a lovely store with a fireplace in the showroom and gardens all around.
Chrysa has been with the company since 1980, and she believes the store’s fabulous reputation has kept them in business for 60 years. “We are known for the custom and repair work that we do as well as the beautiful jewelry we sell,” she says. Continental not only helps customers restore their family heirlooms but also gives them advice on what to buy.
“Jewelry is a tremendous emotional tie and connection between people—we respect and understand that,” Chrysa says. She does all of the buying and selecting of the jewelry for the store, and she relies on items that are both beautiful and practical, to be able to go from day to evening, weekend to vacation, in all price ranges. “I look to fashion and art for inspiration.”
Chrysa says that some of the latest trends in jewelry include yellow gold, vermeil (gold over sterling) and rose gold. “I like to buy unusual but beautiful designs, because it is such a compliment when customers come in and say, “You have such pretty jewelry!” The store has evolved from carrying Timex watches and costume jewelry in the 1960’s to today’s selection of diamond bridal jewelry, colored gemstones, Pandora and other sterling fashion designs, as well as their collection of pre-owned and previously loved jewelry, “Miriam’s Attic”, a tribute to one of the previous owners of Continental Jewelers.
“It’s fun celebrating the 60th anniversary and revisiting the company’s history. I would love for people to share their stories from a historical perspective,” she says, adding that some of her clients still have receipts dating back over 40 years. Check out Continental Jewelers’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ContJewelers for upcoming announcements on the anniversary.
Continental Jewelers
2209 Silverside Road, Wilmington, (302) 475-2000, www.continentaljewelersinc.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm, Wednesday and Friday 10 am-8 pm
