It is said a diamond is forever and with Hauser’s Fine Jewelry, the family business follows suite.
Celebrating 122 years in business on the Peninsula, it is in the hands of the fifth generation. This month Hauser’s Jewelers are being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at Retailer of the Year ceremony presented by the Retail Alliance.
Currently, it is owned by Amy and Brad Hart. Amy’s great great grandfather, Alfred Jacob Hauser, Sr., a French immigrant, started the business as a watch repair shop on 26th Street in Newport News in 1898.
When Hauser’s twin sons, Jake and Page, were teenagers they joined their father in the shop. Among their duties was inspecting pocket watches for C&O Railroad.
Jake’s son, Alfred, opened Hauser’s Fine Jewelry in Hilton Village in 1957, later moving it to Hidenwood Shopping Center.
Alfred’s son, Lee, (and Amy’s father) joined the jewelry business by purchasing Findley’s Jewelers in Hampton. When Alfred retired, Lee changed the name the of his store to Hauser’s Fine Jewelry. After 30 years in Hampton, the store moved to its current location in Newport News’ City Center.
Hart credits her father, a trained goldsmith, with taking the business’ jewelry portion to a higher level. Hart, who has a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture, creates pieces for the store as well as custom jewelry, something her father encourages.
The Warwick High School graduate also credits her parents for meeting her husband. While she was away at college, they hired Brad Hart to work at the store. That’s how the couple met.
Hart said the family’s commitment to their business is because of the joy jewelry brings.
“Jewelry is a personal marker in people’s lives. Everyone has a least one piece that means something to them,” she said.
Share Your Thoughts