Justin Thomas spent time at his father’s jewelry store as a 12-year-old, where he learned how to change watch batteries, taking in all the information about the inner workings of these timepieces.

His expertise has expanded past making a watch tick again as he helps fashion precious metals into beautiful custom necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings along Beaver Street in Sewickley.

“Sewickley has an old-style charm and with us being here so long, people trust us to take care of not only them, but their jewelry, and you can’t put a value on that,” Thomas said. “We know a lot of the customers and a store like ours gives that personalized experience.”

Because it’s a family business founded by Thomas’ dad, Ken Thomas, in 1984, the family-owned jewelry business has been taking care of customers for more than four decades.

Ken Thomas is still involved in the business as a co-owner, along with Justin Thomas, his mom Trina Thomas and goldsmith Brian Smith.

The shop originally opened at 417 Beaver St., where Penguin Bookshop is today, and has been at its current location since 2000, when they purchased the building. Thomas Jewelers specializes in antique, vintage and estate jewelry from all corners of the world.

The shop is also known for custom pieces, from crafting a one-of-a-kind engagement ring to re-purposing cherished heirlooms. And, they still sell watches.

All of the services, including repairs, polishing and designs, are performed on-site by Smith, who joined the business in August 2012 but had been making jewelry for the shop.

Smith draws some designs by hand and also uses computer-aided design to make digital models of jewelry in the lab at the shop.

He also does laser engraving, laser welding and 3-D printing.

“This is a precision craft,” Smith said. “If you want something precise, I’ve got it for you. If something isn’t right, it will never leave this store until we get it right.”

Smith said the jewelry business is about developing a rapport with people. It’s about a handshake and a reputation.

“I make new, custom pieces and I can help bring a piece of jewelry back to life,” Smith said. “There are pieces that mean so much to a person or a family and they want to keep the piece of jewelry in the family for the next generation or generations.”

Thomas said every piece is treated with care.

“If you buy something online, you don’t know what you are getting,” he said. “Jewelry is something you need to see in person to appreciate it.”

Thomas said he loves vintage jewelry because each piece is unique.

He said the holiday season is the busiest time of the year. Over the years, he said he has seen customers buying for both other people and themselves for special occasions.

Allyson Long was a customer before becoming an employee.

“This is a wonderful, trusted family business,” Long said. “It is so established and I was always so well taken care of here as a customer.”

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