by Greg Raskin, Owner, Raskin’s Jewelers
I was only 7 when Grandpa Melvin Raskin showed me a cigar box full of vintage watches. He told me to pick out my favorite one, and it would be mine. I could not believe he was letting me keep one. To this day, watches are my favorite piece of jewelry.
Little did I know that 29 years later I would be the third generation in our family jewelry business that started in Oklahoma in 1939.
My Grandpa Melvin moved to Arizona in 1946 and opened Raskin’s Jewelers on Central and Adams in downtown Phoenix. My father Lynn Raskin moved to Prescott in 1963 and opened in the Park Plaza shopping center. After operating four stores in Prescott, we now have had one in historic downtown Prescott since 1969. I was born in Prescott, and my wife Renee and I are blessed with our boys Alex and Drew.
My father had his four children working at the store at different times. I remember sweeping floors, answering phones and even helping the jeweler polish rings. On rare occasions, dad would let me even help a customer or two. I learned a lot working with my dad: Honesty, treating people right, and most importantly, giving back to the community that supported our family.
We are part of many happy and memorable events in people’s lives … engagements, anniversaries and other special times. Helping them pick the right diamond or piece of jewelry to commemorate the event is very rewarding. People have told me about my grandfather or father assisting them in selecting the right piece for their important occasion.
We are in the business of serving others through jewelry and helping people create a memorable experience. Raskin’s believes that our jewelry isn’t just jewelry, it is a memory.
Raskin’s is a complete one-stop shop for all your jewelry needs, and we have a full-time jeweler on our staff. We size rings, set diamonds, gemstones and repair all jewelry, watches and clocks. When a piece of fine jewelry breaks, we can make it good as new. We are also experts when it comes to evaluating and appraising jewelry.
We continue to keep up with technology in our industry. Raskin’s has a laser welder that expands jewelry repair to beyond what traditional torch work can handle.
Custom jewelry design is also offered. If you are thinking about redesigning your jewelry or just updating your wedding set, we can assist you in designing your dream piece. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printers are a great way to redesign your jewelry. The ability to email a 3D image before the jewelry is made allows us to change design details before the piece is cast and set.
You may be wondering what is new in the jewelry business. White metals, 14-karat white gold and platinum are still the most worn in jewelry. We are seeing yellow gold as a hot trend, and many designers continue to use rose gold. Round diamonds are still the No.1 favorite shape, with cushions and oval shapes coming in second. The marquise diamond is also seeing a resurgence. Bridal designers believe less is more. Small diamonds around a large center diamond still rule. Colored gemstones as a center stone are also a fashionable option for some brides.
Alternative metals for men’s wedding bands such as titanium, cobalt wood and copper have been popular. Gold and platinum are still hot for men, and you can never go wrong adding a few diamonds.
Raskin’s has a selection of vintage and estate jewelry including pre-owned Rolex watches and an extensive selection of filigree rings and necklaces with European cut diamonds from the 1900s to 1940s.
Raskin’s has something appropriate for every occasion, need and price point.
I am proud to be part of such a great family tradition and feel fortunate to be a resident in such a wonderful community. My family, staff and I appreciate the 70 years of support.
