Valle Jewelers marks 65th anniversary

For 65 years, Batavia has been the perfect setting for Valle Jewelers.

Spouses together for 65 years have reached the blue sapphire anniversary, and for three generations they have been able to go downtown for not only engagement rings, but symbols of every milestone in a relationship.

It’s not uncommon for the grandmother whose engagement ring was purchased from Dominic Valle — who founded the business in 1951 with a trek down and back from New York City — to walk into the Jackson Street showroom with a grandson ready to pop the big question.

For Stephen Valle and Carrie Lawrence, the third generation to own and operate the Valle Jewelers, honoring traditions that have — like their rings, watches and necklaces — been cherished for decades is part of the business.

“We are so thankful for our parents and grandparents, what they’ve built, and for us to be able to continue to run it,” Lawrence said.

Together they manage every step of the business, from advising customers to purchasing diamonds and marketing, with Valle following his father’s lead as a bench jeweler whose precision in diamond setting and repair work is visible behind a large showroom window.

“There’s a lot of pride in treating people like they were treated by my grandfather, and to keep that tradition going,” Valle said.

Having moved from the Cary Mansion to two spots on Main Street, and the Genesee Country Mall in the jewelry store’s first 50 years, 21 Jackson St. has quietly become one of the longest-standing stays for a business that operates in a frequently evolving field.

“With Carrie and I, and our team, we’re keeping up with the times and styles,” Valle said.

As Valle Jewelers prepares to celebrate both the arrival of one of the biggest diamond and jewelry deliveries of the year and its 65th anniversary, the seven-member team is seeing customization growing.

More customers have a dream jewelry designs either in mind or in hand.

“We’re designing to suit customers’ specific needs, to keep up with ever-changing styles,” Carrie said. “If you bring a picture to us, an idea, we can make that. Exactly.”

The children of Mary and Dominic Valle Jr. understand the role they now play in Batavia, and the one they inherit. A 65th anniversary blue sapphire symbolizes trust, loyalty and integrity.

“What’s nice is that we’re either pleasing someone, or they are pleasing someone else,” with their purchases, Valle said.

“It’s about satisfying our customers,” Carrie said. “What separates us is great service.”

By JIM KRENCIK, Batavia Daily News