Silver, Gold, Stones, Gems and more at Dockside Jewelers
by Johanna Bernhard
The sun reflects off the water in the harbor, casting light through the windows of Dockside Jewelers in Oak Bluffs. The reflection lands on the array of jewelry in the glass showcases, making the shiny silver and the vibrant colored stones sparkle. The cabinets, dispersed evenly around the store, are full of hand-sculpted and acid etched jewelry. There are numerous gold pieces but the majority of the jewelry is silver. A variety of charms, bracelets, necklaces and rings lay on different tiers, visible through the polished glass.
The displays prove to be popular among those ambling on the dock that aligns the harbor and passes one of the entrances to the store. The glistening jewelry and the store’s vibrant atmosphere entices them inside. For many, Dockside Jewelers is a destination. Customers know exactly what they want and where to get it from, including children.
A tall cabinet stands against the wall by the door, full of stones – opals, moonstones, and turquoise. The main feature is an elaborate, eye-catching green necklace filled with a variety of textured stones. The store has been in operation for 31 years and owner Steve Davidian loves what he does.
“I spend 12 hours a day here, so we have fun. We put sarcasm on everything,” Davidian said.
The store is popular among locals and tourists. With prices ranging from $6 to $3,000, there is a variety of gold and silver jewelry for customers to choose from. The most popular items in the store are the island charms that tourists buy as a souvenir of their time on the island.
“I sell a ton of everything, some more than others,” he said. “I have a lot of inexpensive, reasonable stuff – 90 percent of my earrings are under $50,” he added.
Davidian buys his jewelry from various places, including the Tucson Gem Show, the New York Gift Show and Mexico. Many of his stones come from the Dominican Republic.
Much of the jewelry in the store remains the same year round, but during the winter Davidian works to prepare new pieces for the summer. His current masterpiece is a charm on a necklace molded from an M&M. The charm is identical to the shape of the popular candy and has the ‘m’ logo on the back alongside a ‘v’ signifying Martha’s Vineyard. Stored in the cabinet closest to the entrance of the store, Davidian has livened up the showcase by placing a small ziploc bag filled with M&Ms next to the necklace.
There are other jewelry stores on the island selling similar items, but Davidian isn’t fazed by them.
“I don’t care about competition. They do what they do and I do what I do,” he said.
Robin Cioffi, from Rochester, N.Y., has been buying jewelry from Dockside Jewelers for 20 years.
“I get all my silver here,” she said. “They have the best prices and I love the jewelry, the uniqueness and the sarcasm,” she added.
Open year round, seven days a week, the store promotes a fun, friendly environment. While strolling the boardwalk in Oak Bluffs, step into Dockside Jewelers and take a look around. With something for everyone, you are sure to find an item you love.
