Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Family-Owned Jewelry Store in Connecticut
Grader Jewelers is a third-generation family-owned business established in 1962 by Peter and Lorraine Grader with a vision to provide exceptional jewelry and service. Our legacy spans over six decades, built on craftsmanship, integrity, and personalized care. We specialize in custom jewelry design, fine jewelry sales, and comprehensive repair services, serving communities in Connecticut with expertise passed down through generations. Our team combines technical skill with a deep understanding of customer needs, offering tailored solutions for every occasion. From diamond education to gemstone selection, we empower clients to make informed decisions while maintaining the highest standards of quality and authenticity.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our meticulous attention to detail, whether creating bespoke pieces or restoring heirlooms. We uphold family values through community engagement and a dedication to preserving the artistry of jewelry-making. With two locations in Groton and Norwich, we blend tradition with innovation to deliver a unique shopping experience that prioritizes customer satisfaction and long-term relationships.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Jewelry Repairs
Ring Resizing
Rhodium Plating
Pearl Restringing
Jewelry Insurance
Watch Battery Replacement
Gold & Diamond Buying
Cleaning & Inspection
Bridal Jewelry
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of generational expertise in jewelry craftsmanship.
- Our team provides personalized custom design services for unique pieces.
- We maintain heirloom quality through meticulous repair and restoration techniques.
- Our diamond and gemstone education ensures informed purchasing decisions.
- We serve Connecticut communities with two convenient locations in Groton and Norwich.
What people say
Exceptional service
Quality craftsmanship
Knowledgeable staff
Positive custom design experiences
Excellent repairs
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Our custom jewelry service transforms your vision into unique, handcrafted pieces tailored to personal style. Clients collaborate with expert designers to create one-of-a-kind rings, pendants, and heirlooms using premium materials. This service caters to special occasions, commemorations, and legacy pieces while maintaining strict quality standards.
Jewelry Repairs
We offer comprehensive repair solutions for all jewelry types, including stone replacement, clasp fixes, and polishing. Our skilled artisans handle delicate repairs while preserving original integrity, serving both in-store and external purchases with professional estimates and timely turnaround.
Ring Resizing
Professional ring resizing accommodates changing needs while maintaining structural integrity. Our jewelers handle complex adjustments for various metals and settings, including resizing, prong repair, and shank straightening, ensuring comfort and durability for daily wear.
Jewelry Insurance
We provide expert guidance for insuring valuable jewelry against loss, damage, or theft. Our service includes appraisal documentation and policy recommendations to ensure full coverage, offering peace of mind for high-value pieces and family heirlooms.
Pearl Restringing
Professional pearl and bead restringing prevents breakage by replacing worn silk thread. Our technicians use knotting techniques between pearls to protect against loss, recommending biennial restringing for frequently worn necklaces to maintain longevity and appearance.
People
Peter Grader
Founder
Peter Grader established the business in 1962 with $350 and European watchmaking training. His craftsmanship and vision laid the foundation for three generations of family leadership in Connecticut's jewelry industry.
Lorraine Grader
Founder
Lorraine Grader co-founded the business with her accounting expertise, balancing creative vision with financial acumen. Her contributions shaped the company's early success and sustainable growth strategies.
Mark Grader
President
Third-generation leader Mark Grader oversees daily operations, maintaining family values while adapting to modern jewelry trends. He has worked in the business since childhood, ensuring continuity in craftsmanship and customer service.
Linda Grader
Vice President
Linda Grader manages human resources and team development, fostering a culture of loyalty among staff with decades of collective experience. Her leadership maintains the company's reputation for exceptional service.
Andrea Grader
Business Administrator
Andrea represents the third generation, bringing business administration expertise to modernize operations. She continues the family tradition of combining passion for jewelry with community-focused service.
Questions
What makes Grader Jewelers different from other jewelry stores?
We combine three generations of expertise with personalized service, offering custom designs, in-house repairs, and family-driven values that create lasting customer relationships.
Do you work on jewelry purchased elsewhere?
Yes, our repair services accommodate jewelry from any retailer, including resizing, stone replacement, and restoration for all precious metal types.
How often should jewelry be professionally cleaned?
We recommend professional cleaning and inspection every six months to a year to maintain appearance and structural integrity of fine jewelry pieces.
Can I sell gold or silver at your store?
Yes, we offer precious metal buying services for gold, silver, and platinum items, providing fair market value assessments during in-person consultations.
What warranty or guarantees do you provide?
While warranties vary by service, we guarantee quality craftsmanship for all repairs and custom work, with detailed explanations of coverage terms provided at time of service.
Are appointments necessary for services?
Appointments are recommended for specialized services like custom design consultations but walk-ins are welcome for basic repairs and appraisals during business hours.
Reviews (4)
Paul Cote
Jun 26, 2022
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Made a quick stop to get a watch battery replaced. Staff was friendly and very efficient. In and out in a manner of minutes.
Jen Withington
Jun 14, 2022
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Top notch! Wendy at the Norwich location is awesome! I was gifted a loose stone for Christmas and decided it was time to get it set into a ring. Wendy took the time to help me pick the right setting. Unfortunately, my stone didn't work for the setting I fell in love with. Wendy suggested another setting to me and it was okay; I liked it but didn't love it. She knew it and found a way for my stone to work in the setting I loved. Just picked up my ring today and I can't stop staring at it. THANK YOU Wendy and Grader Jewelers! I own many pieces from you and will continue to purchase from you. You made my day!
Denise Beale
Jun 08, 2022
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Heidi is a gem! Always willing to show me the jewels. Great repair service too! I will be stopping in again.
Melissa Klein
Jun 04, 2022
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I have a very old watch, it belonged to my grandmother, and Miss Heidi at Grader Jewelers is the only person able to get the back off when I need a new battery. Thank you Miss Heidi for helping me to keep a part of my Meme with me! I truly appreciate it!
