Richard Donato with son, Rick, and wife, Joan. (Rick, in addition to being a jeweler, also works in stained glass, one example of his craft proudly displayed by his dad.)
Arlington Jewelers has a motto: “You’ll be singing a happy tune when you shop with a gem of a jeweler.”
And in this case, that could be literally. You might be inclined to vocalize if proprietor Richard Donato sits down to play the gleaming grand piano that graces the shop. (More about this later.)
Arlington Jewelers is a family-run operation, with Donato, his wife Joan and their son Rick, also a trained jeweler, serving customers at the shop at 36 Ridge Road, North Arlington.
It has been at the same location, just north of the Belleville Pike, for 28 years. But the business itself actually was launched more than 33 years ago – May 5, 1979, Donato notes – first operating a few doors down from its current spot.
For the Donato family, the jewelry business is about professionalism and something more: personal concern for the customer.
“We like people,” Donato said, “and we care that they like us, too. If you care, it makes all the difference.”
Donato noted that 90% of all jewelry repairs are done on the premises, as are the custom jewelry designing and diamond setting.
In the glass showcases, diamonds sparkle throughout the store, along with other gems and gold and silver. There’s an extensive array of watches, necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc. We found the rings in particular worthy of note, these being of exquisite design.
“We pride ourselves on carrying the largest inventory of silver, gold and diamond jewelry at the lowest and most competitive prices anywhere,” Donato said, adding, “and I haven’t changed my repair fees in 35 years.”
“We offer the best prices and the best service we can,” he said, reemphasizing: “The most important thing is that we care.”
“If you’re not pleased [with the work], we’ll redo it. We’re here to please.
“We’ve been serving the South Bergen/West Hudson area for more than 33 years and we like to treat everyone as we’d like to be treated.”
Donato added: “We want to thank everyone for their loyalty and support and we hope they’ll stay with us for another 33 years.”
Now, about that piano: Donato used to be a professional musician, playing a variety of instruments. He still plays piano a couple of hours a day at home. And in March, he installed a seven-foot Otto Altenburg (a business established in Elizabeth in 1847) grand piano in the jewelry store.
As a treat, he serenaded us with selections from “Phantom of the Opera.” We bet that, if you ask, he’d play a song or two for you.
Arlington Jewelers is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays. For special pre- Christmas hours, or for more information on the store, call 201-998-5036.
