For decades, Arlex Jewelry, Watches and Clocks in Lake Worth has been synonymous with time. Known for the quiet precision of its clocks and the disciplined artistry of its watchmaking, the house has long been trusted with objects meant to last — and to be passed down. But to know Arlex only as “the clock people” is to miss the fuller picture.
At its core, Arlex is a jeweler.
Not simply a retailer, but a working atelier where metal is shaped, welded, soldered, engraved, and set entirely in-house. Where inherited pieces are not relegated to safes or drawers, but carefully studied, honored, and transformed. Where craftsmanship and memory are treated with equal care.
Nearly everyone owns a piece of jewelry that lives quietly out of sight. A ring passed down from a grandmother whose style belonged to another era. A single diamond earring, its partner lost decades ago. A brooch too ornate for modern life. These pieces are rarely discarded — the emotional weight is too great — yet they are often left unworn for years, even generations.
It is a quiet loss.
Because many heirloom stones are exceptional. Diamonds cut by hand long before modern standardization. Asscher cuts popularized during the Art Deco era. Old Mine and Old European cuts prized for their depth, warmth, and romantic play of light. These stones are not easily sourced today — and in many cases, cannot be replaced.
At Arlex, these legacy stones are never treated as limitations. They are the starting point.
“Legacy-cut diamonds and gemstones become the beginning of the design, not a constraint,” says co-owner Yesid Cespedes. “We design around their unique geometry rather than forcing them into settings that weren’t meant for them.”
The result is jewelry that feels timeless rather than trend-driven — where history and modern elegance coexist.
When a client brings an heirloom into Arlex, the process begins not at the bench, but in conversation.
“The first thing we look for is its story and its structure,” says co-owner Catalina (Cathy) Cespedes. “We take time to understand what the piece means, who it belonged to, and what must remain untouched.”
Only then does the technical work begin. Each piece is evaluated for metal integrity, stone condition, wear patterns, and prior repairs — not to erase the past, but to protect it.
“This tells us what’s possible and how to ensure the piece will be safe to wear for generations,” Cathy explains.
For many clients, the idea of altering an heirloom brings hesitation — even guilt. Arlex approaches that hesitation with patience, not pressure.
“Feeling conflicted is completely natural,” says Yesid. “Resetting an heirloom isn’t about erasing its history. It’s about allowing it to continue being part of your life.”
Sometimes that means a full redesign. Other times, it’s a careful restoration: preserving original stones, rebuilding worn components, replacing missing elements, or returning a piece to its former brilliance. In every case, the goal is the same — to ensure the result feels respectful, intentional, and personal.
What truly sets Arlex apart is that every stage of the craft happens under one roof. Metalworking, welding, soldering, stone setting, engraving — all performed in-house by the same team entrusted with the heirloom from the start.
“Having everything done in-house gives us complete control,” says Yesid. “We can make real-time adjustments and protect delicate or uncommon materials without compromise.”
It also builds trust. Heirlooms never leave Arlex’s care, and every decision is made by craftspeople who understand both the technical and emotional weight of the work.
Wearing a reimagined heirloom carries a resonance that a brand-new piece rarely can.
“A new piece marks a moment,” Cathy reflects. “A reimagined heirloom carries many moments at once — the past, the present, and the choice to carry that story forward.”
Clients often describe the experience as grounding — a sense of continuity and connection across generations.
“It’s memory made wearable,” says Yesid.
Founded in 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio, Arlex was built on a respect for precision, longevity, and craftsmanship. In 2018, Yesid and Catalina (Cathy) Cespedes acquired the business, continuing that legacy with a focus on stewardship rather than reinvention.
“When we reimagine heirlooms, we don’t just think about how a piece looks today,” Cathy says. “We think about how it will function, age, and endure.”
Time may be what Arlex is known for.
But legacy — worn, lived, and loved — is what they truly create.
A new piece marks a moment. A reimagined heirloom carries many moments at once — the past, the present, and the choice to carry that story forward.