Madeline Smith
When it comes to memorializing a vacation trip, many people rely on purchasing glistening charms or other eye-catching trinkets that symbolize the area. Visiting a place like Martha’s Vineyard should call for nothing less.
Located right on Oak Bluffs Harbor with windows just steps away from the water, you may find yourself walking out the entrance door and facing a boat casually docked right outside. Hence the name, right? Dockside Jewelers has everything you could ask for and more with handmade, island-inspired jewelry. This 33-year-old business has been a success due to the ingenious work of owner Steve Davidian. Steve has hand-crafted various types of jewelry, from 14K gold and silver island charms to selected stones and Wampum jewelry made from sea shells.
This Week caught up with Steve and asked him about his business, his style and most importantly, his signature Island Charms.
This Week: Does Dockside Jewelers represent anything special to you?
Steve Davidian: I have always loved the jewelry business, and I absolutely love the island. Opening a jewelry store was the first thing that struck my interests.
TW: How long have you been making jewelry for?
SD: Well I started making jewelry when I was 16. I had been making Scrimshaw for 20 years until I eventually started to hate it. Although I still made Scrimshaw for 4 more years, I expanded the types of jewelry I was making.
TW: What types of jewelry does your store offer?
SD: Lots of types. Gold, gemstones, lots of silver, and other precious metals. I do not sell any costume jewelry. Due to the recent high pricing of gold within the last several years however, I have slowly started to sell and less of it.
TW: How are your popular island charms designed?
SD: I design the island charms by taking a simple picture of the outlined shape of the island, cut it out, and then carve it into an M & M mold. I wanted to make something not “in your face vineyard,” so I came up with the idea and so far it has sold pretty well.
TW: How would you describe this business and how you handle it?
SD: I’m not a suit and tie kind of guy. I don’t like to be too serious about everything. This is more of a laid-back type of business. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and I work hard at it, but I enjoy having fun when I work. That is why I love what I do here.
Memories are fleeting, even when you visit such a beautiful place as Martha’s Vineyard. Dockside Jewelers is the perfect place to get your memories in a beautiful glistening keepsake that will stay with you for years to come.
