La Mirage Jewelers in Park Ridge is a business based on building relationships. “They are the one thing that gets you through the hard times and that also makes the good times better,” says owner George Halwagy.
He should know. George had humble beginnings, growing up in Lebanon and making his way to the United States in 1978. Having always had an interest in creative design and gemstones, he immediately began working in the jewelry industry and eventually accepted a position in 1980 at Cartier in New York City.
“I started designing jewelry from my original sketches to achieve exactly what the customer desired,” says George. “My clients weren’t looking for mass-marketed pieces, but rather one-of-a-kind, original pieces.”
He continued building his business—and his family—marrying his wife Claudette in 1983. By 1986, George and Claudette opened a small location in New York and continued to expand, emphasizing the highest level of service and old-world craftsmanship. They continued to add to their extensive collection of diamonds and gems and added fine lines of watches and pearls.
They eventually moved to a location in Paramus, which led to high volume transactions, and lasting relationships with sought-after diamond and gold suppliers—resulting in George’s ability to work with the highest quality gems and metals--a big advantage to the final designed piece. However, the deeper client engagement aspect was missing.
In 2019, George and Claudette opened La Mirage Jewelers in Park Ridge, designing and customizing the entire space to suit their business and clientele perfectly. They specialize in original designs and can also redesign and modernize your old jewelry. George loves helping people transform old rings, orphan earrings, or outdated, meaningful necklaces into beautiful, wearable pieces.
“I consider my customers to be part of the family,” says George. “They bring so much joy to my life, and being in the jewelry business allows me to be a part of the happiest moments in their lives.”
George and Claudette have three grown sons who are pursuing their own careers, and they are proud to call Park Ridge their business home.
“We moved to Park Ridge and were only here for a few months when everything shut down. However, we were able to get through the pandemic alongside this amazing community,” says George. “We couldn’t be more grateful.”
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