Shoppers know Michael Givelekian as the good natured, ever-smiling, charismatic jeweler and salesperson at Royal Jewels of Rye. He embarked on his career five years ago when he started working with his father John, the master jeweler and owner of the shop at 56 Purchase Street. Michael’s apprenticeship, however, began long before.
By Janice Llanes Fabry
Shoppers know Michael Givelekian as the good natured, ever-smiling, charismatic jeweler and salesperson at Royal Jewels of Rye. He embarked on his career five years ago when he started working with his father John, the master jeweler and owner of the shop at 56 Purchase Street. Michael’s apprenticeship, however, began long before.
“When I was young, I’d come to my father’s shop in New York City,” he recalled. “Besides being the cute kid running around the office, I got early exposure to the jewelry trade. My father had me count the diamonds and organize the molds.”
As a youngster, Michael was so fascinated by rocks, minerals, and gems that he started a collection. However, it was primarily the design and craftsmanship behind jewelry-making that attracted him. “I watched my father create something from nothing for his clients. It was the handcrafting that really sparked an interest,” he said.
Michael’s father and uncle Hachik Givelekian founded Royal Jewel Setting Company in 1977. Today, the double-pronged business still operates in New York City, where the heavy machinery is housed and the casting and engraving is done, as well as in Rye, which handles the final polishing, diamond, and gem stone setting.
While in his early 20s, Michael jumped at the chance to assist his father. “I figured let’s keep it in the family and keep it going.”
For the first two years at Royal Jewels, he learned by observing the Givelekian patriarch, as well as his mother Nanette, who also works at the shop. Michael, whose family values are deeply ingrained, acknowledged that his parents, who recently celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary, have provided valuable guidance.
“I learned a lot from my father. Running a business takes patience and experience means a lot,” he said. “Mom is customer-service oriented, and I’ve learned a lot from her, too. They’ve helped me become a better salesman and jeweler.”
He proffered that his ethnicity has also had a major impact on his modus operandi. “Being raised in the Armenian culture has shaped the person I am today and helped me with my interactions with people. We love the stories behind our clients’ lives. People in Rye are very kind and very romantic,” said Michael, 26, and arguably one of the town’s most eligible bachelors.
Several years ago, Michael spent a couple of weeks teaching English to children in Armenia, where he felt entirely at home. He attends St. Gregory Armenian Church in White Plains with his family every Sunday, despite the fact that he lives in Woodlawn. On June 27, he was ordained a deacon. Having always been involved with the church and currently serving as the chairperson of its youth group, he believes it’s a natural progression.
This fall he’s enrolled in a gemstone course at the Gemological Institute of America. He reckons additional knowledge and credentials will serve him well. Although he can readily identify all the gems in the shop, polishes jewelry, repairs watches, and sets stones, he’d like to spend the next couple of decades designing and perfecting the craft.
In the meantime, clients are in great hands whether they need repairs or help in making a selection among Royal’s custom, handcrafted merchandise. During our visit, Michael designed a double toe ring for a loyal client, who walked in and shared an easy familiarity with him.
As Nanette remarked, “Now, customers ask for Michael by name. I have to sit back sometimes and watch him in action. It’s really fun.”