By KRISTI MAYFIELD
kmayfield@oakdaleleader.com
Rooted in family and connection, Oak Valley Jewelers is taking the time to celebrate its 30th year in Oakdale and serving the surrounding area while also honoring the community that has welcomed them with open arms. Don Contreras, founder of Oak Valley Jewelers, who recently celebrated 100 years on earth, spent some time in Oakdale as a youngster and attended local schools before his family moved to the Stockton area. His son Kim and daughter-in-law Lori are celebrating Don’s 100th year of life by offering some special discounts such as providing customers $100 toward the purchase of jewelry in their store through the end of 2024.
Oak Valley Jewelers is at 1449 E. F St., Oakdale, Suite 103-B in the Foothill Oaks Shopping Center.
Don Contreras found his calling in the jewelry business and opened a store in Palo Alto and eventually moved the store to San Jose before opening another store in Sonora, where he and his wife Dee eventually settled. Don passed that love along to his son with Kim noting he “felt that urge to help my parents to follow their dream and (it) turned out to be a wonderful career.”
Kim Contreras learned his craft by carefully studying alongside his father and by continuing his education through attending the Gemological Institute of America and Revere Academy of Jewel Arts. Working in the family business came naturally to him and Contreras worked in the San Jose store along with the Sonora store and eventually made his home in the Oakdale community where Oak Valley Jewelers opened its doors in 1994.
Oak Valley Jewelers offers many of the same benefits that the bigger stores offer including financing and custom designs but in addition, they offer their own personal touch and commitment to quality. They can design custom pieces along with refurbishing, repairing and restoring jewelry to its former glory.
“Kim literally is a rock star,” said Regina Hidalgo, employee at Oak Valley Jewelers.
Hidalgo continued on describing why she thinks customers continue to visit the store and she feels that it is because of the time and attention that both Kim and Lori provide to all of their customers.
They also believe in giving back so they work with programs such as: Jewelers for Children which provides funding to support children that have been affected by illness, neglect or abuse and Diamonds Do Good, a nonprofit that celebrates how diamonds can positively impact local communities by focusing on giving back and promoting local communities that work with diamonds.
“We’re earning all year from the community and we want to spend the year giving back,” said Contreras.
If you’re in the market for a new piece of jewelry, are looking to restore a unique family heirloom or perhaps you just want to do some early holiday shopping, taking the time to stop by and visit Oak Valley Jewelers should be on the to-do list.
From the way they make you feel right at home to the special attention they pay to each of their customers, the staff will help you find the perfect piece of jewelry to fit your budget.
