Zia Jewelry

Zia Jewelry in San Juan Capistrano
By Joe Carberry

Family has always been a priority for Teri Chambers, the new owner of Zia Jewelry in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Teri met her husband Greg in Huntington Beach over two decades ago. Both are from the Midwest, but moved to California to chase their dreams. Less than two years after they met, they were married and relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona for business, which eventually led them to a life in Seattle. During that time they had four beautiful children together.

Although they moved away from Southern California, there was always something that pulled them back to the place they now call home. The couple returned to South Orange County seven years ago, because as Teri shares, “We just really like this little pocket. It’s family-oriented.”

Teri’s affinity for the South Orange County lifestyle led her to purchase Zia Jewelry — a family-run business that has served San Juan Capistrano and the surrounding area for 35 years. Former owner Ron Cohan emphasized customer service and community involvement. The store’s location was also a draw for Teri; it’s situated kitty-corner to the Mission with an open-air feel that welcomes tourists and locals alike.

Zia’s experienced sales staff knows how to take care of its customers. If a piece of jewelry arrives that a salesperson feels will suit a specific client or person in the community, they personally reach out to them to share the information. “Most of the salespeople have been here a long time,” Teri says. “The manager’s been here 19 years.”

The extensive knowledge, client-focused attitude and attention to detail are the hallmarks of Zia Jewelry’s longevity and success. “We train our staff to be able to assist people,” says Susan Todd, Zia’s floor manager. “And Teri has really continued that tradition of customer service.”

Although Zia Jewelry is steeped in tradition, that’s not to say there haven’t been a few changes. Visit the Zia Jewelry Facebook page and you’ll see an emphasis on tight messaging, upscale imagery and a move toward diversifying the jewelry line. Teri is bringing in designers and new lines that include sterling silver and 18-karat gold. “We want to go a little bit more fashion-forward and diversify our audience and the ages of people frequenting our store,” Teri says. “We’re going a little more high-end. Nothing over-the-top, but just more fashion-forward.”

It seems to be working. One of Zia Jewelry’s Facebook reviewers raves that, “The new owners are rockin’ this place!” Manager Susan Todd adds, “Teri Chambers has great taste in fashion. It’s been wonderful to get some new (jewelry) lines in the store. It makes it more exciting for younger people.”

Even more importantly, Teri says, is connecting with the community she and her family love. Greg and Teri have volunteered in the area for years through the schools and youth sports. To insure that her business also remains connected, she’s holding a Customer Appreciation Sale on July 12th from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This event is an opportunity for locals to meet Teri, for new and existing clientele to receive some fantastic deals on jewelry and for Zia Jewelry to demonstrate how its continuing a tradition of customer service that’s been synonymous with its name for over three decades.

“You walk into this store, and it just feels like a family,” Teri says. “There are people that have been coming in here for 30 years and I don’t want that to change.”

Zia Jewelry
31761 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano
949.493.1322
ZiaJewelrySanJuanCap.com

Check out a behind the scenes look at our August cover shoot with Zia Jewelry!