Kasson Jewelers is a third generation family run
business established in 1949.
Kasson Jewelers is a third generation family run
business established in 1949.
Philip Kasson established Kasson Jewelers in 1949 in Bridgeport Connecticut, after attending watchmaking training in New Jersey after serving in WWII. In 1960 the store was moved from downtown Bridgeport to the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. Tragically Philip Kasson died in 1963 and his widow Miriam, was left with a decision as she had two sons aged 15 and 10 to care for. She decided to keep the store after so many compassionate jewelers offered her advice and assistance.
Slowly she grew the business from one tray of wedding bands to a neighborhood jewelry store with a variety of jewelry in all prices . Her son Alan grew up in the business learning how to wrap gifts to assist his mother after school and weekends. In 1976 when Alan graduated college from Ohio University with a BFA in graphic Arts. Alan who was always mechanical and artistic refined his skills before joining his mom to do repairs on site at Kasson Jewelers.
During the over thirty years in the Black Rock area the business moved two times and expanded once, in the same strip, as the business grew. By this time Alan married Susan and they had three sons. Susan left her teaching career when the children were born and began working at Kasson Jewelers as well. Her love of jewelry and her fashionable style was a natural fit and she helped the business move to follow trends and styles. We are proud members of the American Gem Society for over 25 years.
Alan Kasson has a BFA from Ohio University in Graphic Design. He has taken several gem and diamond classes to earn the title of a Certified Gemologist Appraiser. Alan, an artist, will take your ideas and begin drawing them to make them come alive, which is how the custom design process begins. Susan Rona Kasson is a Certified Sales Associate and has a BA in education. Susan is the ever evolving student who researches trends and styles in fashion, as she does the buying and merchandising for the business. Susan became a Certified Sales Associate through the American Gem Society and each year she must pass an exam to be recertified as well.
Welcome to the third generation of Kasson Jewelers. His name is Michael Kasson! It was evident from day one that Michael would have a seminal role in the future of the family business. From his early days exploring around the store, to his eagerness to excel in high school art, to the present day, Michael was born to carry on the traditions of the family legacy. When he enrolled at Syracuse University, pursuing a BFA degree in the areas of jewelry making and metal smithing, his dream was becoming a reality. In consecutive summers during college, he interned as an apprentice with famed jewelry designer Michael Bondanza out of New York City. Learning from a master jeweler such as Michael Bondanza was a huge influence and provided intrinsic experience. As a result, Michael learned many specialty techniques, and the process of finishing jewelry to perfection.
Michael is our Estate Jewelry and Pre-Owned Watch expert. He helped that area of our business grow tremendously. As a result, we have won “Best Estate Jewelry” in Fairfield County for several years.
Michael is Alan’s right hand man. Together they are a great team to ensure the Kasson Jewelers reputation and name will be around for years to come. We are and have always been what you would expect from a family run business. We pride ourselves on fairness, honesty,
knowledge and trust!
Alec, also third generation, recently joined the family business and is our social media promoter for Facebook and Instagram. Alec can be seen taking photographs of our new jewelry from the designers we carry and all new estate treasures for our clients to see.
Alec can also be seen sitting at a workbench removing gemstones from customers previously owned jewelry before it is sent out to be refined. In doing this we can possibly recycle materials for future use.
Alec has also received a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America in Jewelry Essentials and is currently working on his certificate in Colored Stones Essentials, so that he can gain further knowledge in the family jewelry business.
Where We Are Now
In 1995 Alan and Susan decided to move the business to its current location in the historic quaint New England Village of Southport, on Connecticut’s Gold Coast. Our out of town customers often comment that our Pequot Avenue location looks like a movie set and in fact many movies have been filmed here. The locale provides many marvelous design inspirations for all types of jewelry designs.
From the moment you enter our charming store, which is located in the historic district in a vintage home, you will realize that this is no ordinary store. From the friendly faces that greet you, the cozy atmosphere, the latest in jewelry design, our custom work bench, and abundant display of antique and vintage pieces, you will feel like you have arrived at home.
So whether you are seeking cutting edge jewelry, vintage, one of a kind treasures or custom designed pieces, we are there to fulfill your dreams.
So whether you are seeking cutting edge jewelry, vintage, one of a kind treasures or custom designed pieces, we are there to fulfill your dreams.
