WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN
marcozzi Jewelers it's a family affair Do yourself a favor—visit Marcozzi Jewelers web page, click the menu, and go to “About.” When the page loads, scroll all the way to the bottom. There, you will find a picture of Rudolph F. Marcozzi, the company’s founder. Take a close look, and you can see the welcoming smile—the twinkle in his eyes that tells you he’s itching to tell you an anecdote or a funny joke, or that he just wants to shake your hand and welcome you to the shop. Rudy Marcozzi was full of life. After serving in WWII, Rudy Sr. attended a jewelry trade school on the East Coast. In 1949, he received a call to come to Oroville and work for Conners Jewelers. Rudy and his wife, Della, came out and settled in. Rudy spent half the day working with jewelry and the other half working for an optometrist grinding lenses for glasses. The Marcozzis started their own business in the historic State Theatre Building—now more than 70 years ago—and in 1978, built the existing store on Myers Street in Oroville. According to Rudy Marcozzi, Jr., his father instilled many positive traits in his children and employees, one of the most important being to, “Treat every customer who comes in the same.” As Rudy added, “Treat people like you would like to be treated.” Rhonda, 30
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Rudy Jr.’s sister added, “Every employee here likes to help the customers, whether it be a repair, a family heirloom or finding that special gift”. Customers, many who’ve been doing business at Marcozzi for years, will tell you about the honesty and integrity of the jewelry store. Those traits are on display by the entire staff. Marcozzi Jewelers is definitely a family affair, and when you look at the number of years the team has worked together, it’s obvious they are happy with their profession and the business. Rudy, Jr. began working there at fifteen years old, over fifty years ago. Rhonda Ferland, Rudy’s sister, has been employed as the accountant—a role she inherited from their mom—for over forty years. Her husband, Mike Ferland, has been employed since 1976 and was mentored by Rudy Sr. who taught him the tools of the trade including diamond setting, repairs, and engraving. Michele Delliquadri, who manages the inventory and works with customers one-on-one, has been there 37 years. According to Rhonda, “Michele is so attuned to each customer and finds exactly what they need.” Wayne Teague, the “rookie” of the staff at 17 years, has worked as a bench jeweler, performing repairs, laser welding, and polishing. Rudy’s wife Stephanie, accompanies him to jewelry
shows, bringing back new and unusual pieces of jewelry to complement the store inventory. The list of family members who’ve been employed by Marcozzi Jewelers doesn’t stop there. Children, nieces, and nephews have worked the counter over the years, providing the younger workers with muchneeded job experience to prepare them for future ventures. It’s definitely been a “family affair. If you’ve never been to Marcozzi Jewelers, head over to Oroville and check out the store at 1511 Myers Street. It’s absolutely beautiful. Besides the amazing jewelry cases and displays, the natural wood and tan brick walls gives you a feeling of warmth and welcome. A unique feature can be found in the arched windows and an entryway that beckons you in. Once inside, you can look on the left wall and see the original glass and wood door from the State Theatre store, a very cool and meaningful family treasure. While in Oroville, take a walking tour of the downtown area. You can’t help but notice the revitalized businesses, the new businesses, and the historic and refurbished State Theatre and Oroville Inn.
