Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennis DaValle.
Dennis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
DaValle Jewelers is a third generation family business celebrating over 100 years in business.
My grandfather, Pietr DaValle, a certified watchmaker, immigrated to Chicago from Italy in 1905. He opened the first DaValle Jewelers location on Grand Ave. in Chicago in 1914. In 1947, his son and my father, Marino DaValle, opened a second location on Belmont and Central Avenues in Chicago. My brother Gary and I started working at that store from a very young age and ultimately took over the business upon my father’s retirement. When shopping malls became very popular, we opened a store in both Harlem Irving Plaza in Norridge and Golf Mill Mall in Niles and closed the store on Belmont Ave. In 1997, we consolidated those two mall stores into one 3,200 square foot store in our current location at 5116 N. Harlem Ave in Harwood Heights. My brother, Gary, has since then retired and I continue at the helm of DaValle Jewelers with a staff of dedicated professionals, some of whom have been with DaValle Jewelers for almost forty years.
In 2014, we celebrated 100 years in business!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with any business, there have been ups and downs along the way. One of the biggest challenges has been responding to the ever changing shift in consumer buying habits, particularly the increase in online purchasing which has affected the jewelry business along with most other businesses. Fortunately, every diamond and every piece of fine jewelry is unique and has its own personality so many consumers, thankfully, prefer to see an item in person before making a purchase.
Also, going through economic downturns, such as the recent recession, is always a challenge, particularly since luxury good purchases are often the first to go when money is tight.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a full service jeweler with a huge in-store selection of diamonds, bridal and fine jewelry, 14 and 18kt gold chains and medals, timepieces, and designer sterling silver. However, we have become very well known for our custom work., particularly for engagement rings and wedding bands. If a customer brings in a photo of an engagement ring of other fine jewelry, we can create the CAD, wax and finished product in 4-7 days.
This segment of our business has increased greatly since customers are able to peruse sites such as Pinterest and The Knot to find their “perfect ring.”
We are also well-known for our huge selection of 14 and 18kt gold chains and particularly religious crosses and medals. We have many customers who visit us exclusively for their baptism, communion and confirmation gifts.
We also do a very large jewelry and watch repair business, as we have an expert bench jeweler on site. In addition, we offer other jewelry services such as appraisals and purchasing unwanted gold, diamonds and other jewelry.
I think I am most proud of the approachable and “family atmosphere” that we have created in our store.
We have many third generation customers whose grandparents bought their engagement ring and wedding band at our Belmont location. They come back to DaValle because they are treated like family.
Our long-time sales staff are very approachable, helpful and friendly. We do not want our customers to feel intimidated about the jewelry buying process.
What were you like growing up?
I was very active and rambunctious – a real handful for my parents! Playing baseball, fishing and coin collecting were some of my interests when I was young. I also always had an entrepreneurial spirit and knew that I would someday be in business for myself.
Contact Info:
- Address: DaValle Jewelers
5116 N. Harlem Avenue,
Harwood Heights, IL 60706 - Website: www.davalle.com
- Phone: 708-867-8200
- Email: davalle@davalle.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaValleJewelersHarwoodHeights/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/davallejewelers
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/davalle-jewelers-harwood-heights
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