For Margie Cedrone, jewelry design is personal. The owner of Margie Cedrone Artisan Jewelers has been creating her custom designs for clients for more than three decades.
Cedrone, a resident of Haddon Township for 27 years, opened her shop on Haddon Avenue in February 2018, after spending 34 years working on Jewelers Row in Philadelphia. While she was sad to leave the close-knit community of jewelers she worked with in the city, she was excited to bring her personalized jewelry design business to her hometown.
“I love working here in Haddon Township,” says Cedrone. “It’s like a hidden gem, very quaint, and I’m happy to be able to service the people who live here.”
Cedrone has been involved in the jewelry business since age 17, when she started out as a pearl stringer on Jewelers Row and eventually opened her own business at 22. She became a pearl expert and worked with a number of jewelers in the community, as well as designing and selling her own custom pieces.
“I went to school and became a certified diamond dealer, but most of my learning came from hands on experience from other people in the industry who taught me, and they taught me well,” says Cedrone, who has built up a loyal following of clients over the years.
In addition to crafting her own personalized designs, she still restrings pearls and offers on-site repair services, with three jewelry mechanics on staff. Her showroom offers specialty jewelry of all price points, as well as a wide selection of ready-to-wear pieces perfect for any occasion.
“I have a passion for creating beautiful, unique jewelry that will last a lifetime,” says Cedrone. “If someone comes in and explains to me what they want I can picture it in my mind and come up with a design for them.
“I take the time to work personally with each client to understand their vision and create a piece that is truly special for them.”
As jewelry interests changed, Cedrone transitioned into offering diamond jewelry, colored stones, gemstones and beads, and nameplate, monogram and initial jewelry. She also specializes in providing jewelry facelifts and reimagined estate pieces, as well as creating unique engagement rings and wedding bands. She travels to various jewelry shows throughout the year to get ideas for her designs.
Cedrone’s custom design services are currently available by appointment only, but she’s hoping to eventually expand her services with the addition of her son, Christian Gatto, who recently joined the business.
“I’ve actually been involved in the business since the day I was born,” says Gatto, who recalls spending time in the back of his mom’s store while she worked when he was growing up. “I think I just naturally gravitated toward the business, just like my mom’s clients have gravitated toward her over the years. She’s so meticulous with everything she does, and she puts so much passion and caring into the pieces she creates for her customers.”
Gatto hopes to expand the business through additional marketing efforts, creating a social media presence, attracting a new generation of clients, and someday expanding operations to include a retail presence.
While Cedrone welcomes her son’s initiatives and enthusiasm, she assures her longtime customers that she’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
“I’m planning to stay involved in the business for as long as I can,” she stresses. “My goal is to continue to create custom jewelry designs as unique as my clients, to make them happy and to keep them coming back for more.” — 08108
For more information visit margiecedronejewelry.com or contact Cedrone directly at 215-384-7155.
