QUALITY AND VALUE: “We are a factory-type jewelry center, focusing on diamonds and custom design. We offer the finest jewelry at wholesale prices that are fair to the customer,” says Hector Olaya, owner and general manager of Princeton North Diamond Co. Shown is an 18K gold diamond pendant, which Princeton North Diamond had repaired and restored with high quality diamonds.

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” says the song, and they can be a jeweler’s best friend, too, notes Hector Olaya, owner and general manager of Princeton North Diamond Co. in the Princeton North Shopping Center.

He and his brother, the late Orlando Olaya, a respected gemologist, originally opened the store in 2003. Hector took charge of the store after his brother’s death last year, and is continuing the family tradition.

“We have been in the jewelry business for 25 years,” he explains. “Diamonds are our focus, and we give everyone in the Princeton area access to the top jewelry craftsmen that New York City has to offer. They are all experts with long experience. The diamond cutters are very precise and know every millimeter of the piece. We can do all kinds of custom work.

“We offer the finest quality diamonds, and create custom pieces, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pins. We also redesign older pieces into more modern settings. The diamond dealers work directly with us, and we have the ability to get items from all over. We eliminate the middle man, and can supply fine jewelry at wholesale prices. We have jewelry for everyone’s budget, and we offer great value.”

Full Selection

Diamond engagement rings are always popular, of course, and wedding bands to match the engagement ring are in demand now, reports Mr. Olaya.

In addition to diamonds, the store offers a full selection of precious and semi-precious stones, as well as fashion jewelry. “The trend is toward big and bold stones,” he points out. “Big semi-precious stones in necklaces and earrings are popular, often with sterling silver accents.”

Pearls are classic and never out of style. Strands, bracelets, and earrings are all available, as is restringing.

Customers will find everything from cameos to cuff links to giftware in the store, with displays conveniently and attractively arranged.

State-of-the-Art

Princeton North Diamond also offers a large selection of antique and estate jewelry and high end, slightly-used watches. “We are one of the few stores in the area to specialize in antique jewelry repair. All the antiques have a story,” notes Mr. Olaya. “We repair, recondition, and remodel. We also buy jewelry, gold, and silver from customers, and we trade watches. Cleaning and repairing watches is another service.”

The store offers full repair service, with state-of-the-art laser machinery available.

Mr. Olaya, who is also a real estate broker and formerly involved in the restaurant business in Princeton, is now fully engaged in Princeton North Diamond. “One of the things I like about this business is that jewelry, because of its inherent value, is an item that you can recycle, trade, and bring back. So, it works in a good economy or when times are harder.”

Providing quality products and attentive service to customers is very important, he adds. “We are going to take care of you here. We take time with customers. Sometimes, people think they have to go to New York for fine jewelry, but they can trust us. We invite anyone with questions about jewelry to come in and see us.

“We are a real part of the community and want to be known as the jeweler people think of in the Princeton-Montgomery area for professional service and fine quality jewelry at fair prices. We have many regular customers from the area and beyond, and we look forward to continuing to offer them the best service. We do things the right way here.”

Princeton North Diamond also accepts items on consignment, offers appraisals, and fills special requests.

The store is open Monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 10 to 5, Saturday 10 to 4, and by appointment. (609) 924-9400.