Carreras Jewelers Captures Richmond’s Moments for 50 years
After the death of her husband in 2006, Rejena Carreras decided to keep the show room sparkling.
Known to many in the Richmond art world, Rejena said “Ignorance is bliss. I didn’t have much experience running a solo business, but Bill Carreras had put too much time and effort into Carreras Jewelers to close the doors just as the store was entering adulthood. I had to keep it open.”
Getting through the day without her other half was hard; they had run the store together since 1970. Looking back, Rejena believes having the right team in place and customer loyalty was key to the success of Carreras Jewelers during that time of transition and into the future.
Rejena started to feel like Bill’s dream and vision became hers as well. She turned the showroom into a creation of art. Every detail was calibrated to mix premier jewelry displays with Rejena’s passion for art.
As Carreras Jewelers celebrates its 50th anniversary, Rejena still comes into the office every day (when she is not cruising the seas with her new husband and Bill’s former best friend, Tom Jones). She says “We have the best and most professional team in Carreras Jewelers history. With 2 Certified Gemologist Appraisers, a Registered Jeweler, and the rest of the staff working towards professional designations, my team is the most knowledgeable in town. We are members of the American Gem Society (AGS) and believe in their mission of having the highest standards of business practices and ethics so that the consumer can buy with confidence from jewelers they trust”.
Rejena has set Carreras Jewelers apart with their one of a kind estate jewelry hand selected by her Certified Jewelry Appraiser. People travel from throughout the state to peruse the cases and see what has been added since their last visit. She also works with her team to make sure they are capturing their clients’ moments: engagements, weddings, births, birthdays, anniversaries and many more. “It is the connection with the customers that have kept us open for 50 years and will keep us open many more,” says Rejena.
While adjusting her dreams and vision she never lost her passion for the arts and the Richmond community. Rejena is and has been involved with SPARC, VMFA, Richmond Symphony, Richmond Ballet, Theatre Virginia, Firehouse Theatre, Hand Workshop/Visual Arts Center, Virginians for the Arts, VCU Alumni Association, and the Richmond Montessori School. And, just recently, she was named one of Style Weekly’s 2017 Women in the Arts Honorees.
Rejena also believes in Carreras Jewelers being part of the community. Through sponsorships and donations Carreras has been involved with over 100 different Richmond non-profits.
“We started a new program 3 years ago where we gave 12 local non-profits a chance to recognize a volunteer with a piece of jewelry from Carreras. Last year the programs blossomed into an event before the holidays where all of the volunteers, board members, and employees from the select non-profits were invited to our store for a true celebration of giving back. Each volunteer was publically recognized for their commitment to do great things in RVA and my employees showered them with jewelry, food, and fun. It was a special event,” said Rejena.
They are looking forward to another 50 years, and even though Rejena admits she might not be here for the 100th anniversary she sees the future of Carreras to be one where “Carreras Jewelers is a household name and one where we will keep taking a role in the evolution of the jewelry industry.”
Carreras Jewelers will have special celebrations happening throughout the year to mark their golden anniversary.
Specializing in one of a kind Estate pieces, diamonds, fine gold, sterling silver, color gemstones, and pearls, Carreras always has the perfect gift to celebrate every life event and capture each moment. Carreras also provides detailed appraisals for insurance purposes, jewelry redesign, repair services and jewelry buying. For more information on Carreras Jewelers visit www.carrerasjewelers.com
