Oroville jewelry firm celebrates 70 years - Chico Enterprise-Record
OROVILLE — Listening to the staff at R. F. Marcozzi talk to customers about fine jewelry, the excitement in their voices is apparent.
That, says owner Rudy Marcozzi — son of the founder, the late Rudolph Marcozzi — is what differentiates buying from a local store versus the big boxes or online.
Staff knowledge, quality of the product, attention to detail and customers make small businesses like his stand out, Marcozzi shares. That may be why this Oroville jewelery store is celebrating its 70th year in business.
Another reason that sets it apart is that all the work — from custom design to repairs — is done on the spot, and customers can see the jewelers working at their benches.
Marcozzi Sr. learned the business on the East Coast then moved with his wife, Della, to Oroville, where he had lined up a job. He opened the first store in 1949 located in a cluster of offices above the State Theater on Myers Street.
Marcozzi’s did work for more than 25 jewelry stores from Redding to Carson City, Nev.
In a few years, the couple decided a new store was essential and had the current store across the street built in 1978. A metal “M” set into the store’s entrance landing at 1511 Myers St. marks the pride the couple had in the business, and shared with their youngsters, who grew up in the business.
The door from the old store in the State Theater leans against one wall, and Marcozzi, his wife Stephanie, and his sister Rhonda Ferland see it every day at work.
Rhonda’s husband, Mike Ferland, a cousin Michele Delliquadri, and close friend Wayne Teague round out the staff.
While Marcozzi worked in the family’s shop since high school, he graduated from Chico State University with a business administration major in 1973 and a few years later, received his certification from the Gemological Institute of America.
“I have always loved the jewelry business,” Marcozzi said. “It’s fascinating.”
Part of the takeaways from his work is consulting with customers when it comes to a custom design. “Dealing with customers is about creating memories for them. That’s exciting.”
Marcozzi points to how much has changed over the years, from the kind of metal used to the shape of the design to how the jewelry is created.
Tracing the kinds of metals used in jewelry, yellow gold was predominant for decades, then white gold, back to yellow, and now rose gold is popular, with the addition of copper for the coloring, Marcozzi explained.
Add to that the changing technology, shifting from freehand torch work to more precise laser welding technology literally through the crosshairs.
Services include jewelry restoring, including work on Camp Fire-damaged jewelry; diamond and gemstone setting and tightening; ring sizing and repair, and jewelry appraisals.
Styles have varied greatly, “just like clothing,” and Marcozzi is seeing a return of features such as art deco details.
While custom design and manufacturing is a sizeable part of the business, the store also stocks a selection of nationally known jewelry, including most recently LeVian, with chocolate diamonds and rose gold.
Being able to do custom work also allows customers to bring a design they’ve seen and liked to the store. Obviously, it won’t be exact, Marcozzi explains.
Talking about his customers brings a smile to Marcozzi’s face.
“We have customers that come up here from the Bay Area. and we have some families who have been dealing with us for 40 to 50 years.”
Marcozzi adds another factor to the mix of longevity.
“A lot of good things are happening in Oroville. Downtown is changing. Younger folks with vision are working on it. I hope people give Oroville a chance.”
