Kravit Jewelers opens new place in former bank in Oceanside

Considering the fact that 1976, Kravit Jewelers has beckoned generations of devoted customers from Oceanside and outside of to its classic, just about clubby emporium in a strip procuring middle. 

In late June, the organization, which is acknowledged for its broad assortment of important gemstones, gold parts, watches and masterful custom made get the job done, built a big, brave transfer having over and renovating an whole, cost-free-standing Funds One particular lender. Although the setting up is basically a stone’s toss absent from the unique locale, “It does not glance like a typical Oceanside retail retail store,” states Idayne Kaye, 54, who co-owns the company with her brother, Bennett Kaye, 63.

New glance, same values 

“It looks like it belongs on Rodeo Drive. I want absolutely everyone who comes into the retail store to capture that similar sensation they do when they set on a wonderful piece of jewellery,” she says. Showstopping by all accounts and at 3,500 square feet, three instances the sizing of the outdated Kravit, Bennett phone calls it, “An absolute jewel box. It is heat, inviting, shiny, tasteful and a aspiration store that is significantly far more elevated than the other retail outlet.”

The new area attributes substantial-stop elements these kinds of as marble, terrazzo and onyx together with mild fixtures that resemble diamond eternity bands. There is also an whole boutique devoted to coveted Rolex watches.

Provided in the sparkly blend: Gucci good jewellery and watches Kravit’s very own KJ1927 personal label made-in-Italy gold baubles and Idayne’s eponymous assortment showcasing bold, artistic types that have been worn by the likes of Joan Jett, Criss Angel and Miley Cyrus.

There is the swanky “diamond salon,” (they a short while ago sold an 18-carat rock) exactly where glass doors immediately section to welcome prospects and with the flip of a change magically turn into frosted to ensure privacy.

Expertise has taught the Kayes that some people searching for that perfect stone, “want to sense safe and relaxed with no eyes on them,” states Idayne, even though other people, she states, have popped the problem ideal on the premises.

Require Champagne for the occasion? There is a whole bar on the showroom floor alongside with espresso and cappuccino support and even a snack menu. Correctly, the only remnant of the lender is the stroll-in vault and 40 security deposit bins.

Relatives legacy 

The practically century-outdated spouse and children business is a storied one. In 1927 Samuel Kaye, a gaucho (of course, a actual cowboy) from Buenos Aires, Argentina emigrated to the United States and opened the initial Kravit on Canal Street with a cousin. He was, in accordance to lore, a avenue boxer and a mosaics laborer liable in portion for the tile work on the 14th Road subway. On understanding that gold components, identified as ‘findings’ — clasps, earring posts, connectors — had benefit, he switched gears and received into the gold company. 

In 1946, his son, William “Willie” Kaye, (Idayne and Bennett’s father), moved the retail store to Much Rockaway. Then in 1976, Idayne, recollects, “My father explained it is time to go away Significantly Rockaway and he took me to this barren ton in Oceanside. He had a pocketful of adjust and experienced me run up down inside of the boundaries of wherever his retail store would be, tossing the coins for very good luck. I was like ‘wheeeee’ this is fun.” Apparently, it was a incredibly great omen as the retail outlet has continued to prosper below regardless of financial downturns, hurricanes and the pandemic, for near to 50 many years.

So why move? “We felt we mentally and physically outgrew the area and required to carry a various vibe to the shop. Purchasing on line is easy and we didn’t want to contend with that. We required to place ourselves in our personal lane,” clarifies Idayne.

Mixing custom with innovation

To that conclude, the siblings, who independently simply call every single other most effective pals, find to make experiential visits to the new retail store. With an overall out of doors area, Bennett suggests, “We’re likely to host all kinds of occasions from a cars and cigars evening in collaboration with Porsche, barbecues, are living music, wine tastings, and visitor cooks. Idayne’s taking into consideration private engagement soirees, VIP yoga classes with a movie star conditioning pro along with bridal manner shows sponsored by Bellmore’s Runway Couture.   

While neither of the duo planned to go into the company, jewelry was their “first language” suggests Idayne. 

“It was the only point my household would discuss about all-around the desk. ‘Diamonds, rubies, jewellery,’ those people were being in all probability my very first terms.” She put in many a working day as a youngster with her dad at the shop.

“To keep me occupied he would spend me a nickel for each individual diamond I uncovered on the flooring,” she claims noting that jewelers are famously dropping the smaller stones although performing. 

Pre-partnering with her brother, she released a occupation in established and inside structure, even though her brother was an proven chemist. “ At one issue their father requested, “Could you support me out at the store?,” recalls Bennett. 

“We’re nonetheless helping.” Equally Kayes expected to go again on to their very own paths immediately after their father became sick, but unfortunately, in 1993, he passed absent. “We went to go support. We never ever left and we finished up loving this pretty unique industry,” states Idayne. Likewise, suggests Bennett, “It was the correct factor to do at that phase of our life, to maintain and maintain this legacy heading.”

As for their father, who was beloved by family and a loyal staff members alike, everyone thinks he’s smiling down on his young ones. 

“He was usually quite very pleased of them and he’s incredibly happy now, he’s looking at,” suggests Constantin Savos, 71, who not too long ago retired after operating at the keep for 22 decades.

Lynn LaMarca, 81, who begun there when she was 34 decades old and retired just 3 yrs back agrees. “I’m discovering it remarkable to see this retailer go from a mother-and-pop form of position to this. Willie would be genuinely proud.”

Kravit Jewelers, 3151 Extended Beach front Rd., Oceanside,, 516-766-3855, kravitjewelers.com. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.