Castiglione's Reputation Glitters, Shines

Castiglione's
reputation
glitters,shines

     Good things come in small packages - especially those little marbleized blue shopping bags with "Castiglione's" stamped in gold
     A recipient of such a bag knows there will be something good inside. And the name on the bag is as important to the owners and staff of Castiglione's Jewelers Inc., 25 North Main Street, Gloversville, as it is to the customer.
     "The jewelry we put in here has to be good quality, because it has my name on it," said co-owner Lou Castiglione Jr., who knows that "a happy customer is one that will return."
     For 68 years, Castiglione Jewelers' best advertisement has been a satisfied customer. Word of mouth is one of the most dependable advertisements, and Castiglione's reputation has drawn customers from the Glove Cities to the Capital District, from New York City to California.
     For a jeweler, reputation is very important. Customers must depend on the advice of their jeweler for the sometimes intangible value of their purchases. Experienced salespeople know the merchandise they sell, and take the extra effort to treat each customer with respect.
     "We are not jewelery merchandisers, we are jewelers," Castiglione said proudly of his highly trained staff, who go beyond the boundaries of being "just sales clerks."
     Certified Gemologist Appraiser Lou Castiglione Jr. is one of only eight people in New York to hold that title. Graduate Gemologist Joe Olhler and Certified Sales Associates Jim Patterson and Sheriey Lang are also very knowledgeable about the field, continuing their adult education through training and seminars.
     Also active in the store is Catiglione's father, Louis Castiglione Sr., who founded the business in 1929 with $75, and his wife, Anita, chief financial officer.
     "I've worked very hard to get fine quality jewels," Castiglione said, "but I don't want people to think we aren't affordable. There is no reason someone cant find something they like here, we have things in all prices ranges."
     "We search the world for unusual jewels and gem stones," said Castiglione, who recently returned from a large show in Tucson, Ariz. His first frequent flyer miles quickly rack up as he travels from Antwerp to the Orient in search for "something a little out of the ordinary."

    Castiglione noted there are very few things besides jewelery that stay in a family for generations. The permanence of jewels and precious metals add to their mystique. "That is part of the magic of jewelery," he said.
     Also available to create an heirloom is Castiglione's substantial inventory of fine gifts, such as Lladro, Hummel and Disney collectible figurines, silver service, sparkling crystal, exquisite music boxes and Bulova clocks.
     As well as offering a complete line of jewelery in all price ranges, Castiglione's expertise includes design, creation and repair in their fully equipped accredited gem laboratory, one of only 16 in the state.
     "We're what a jeweler use to be," Castiglione said. "We understand jewelery. Experience is an added value you can't really see."
     Castiglione is also proud of his strong community ties. "You have to give back," he said.
     Castiglione is a member of the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Glove Cities Rotary. He is on the board of directors of the Glove Theatre Restoration Project, Boy Scouts and New York State Jewelers Association. He was also a past director and treasurer of Promote Gloversville and commissioner of the Gloversville Transportation Commission.
     The store also supports numerous charitable causes, including the recently created birthing unit as Nathan Littauer Hospital.
     For the past 20 years, Castiglione's has given a quartz watch to an outstanding graduate of Gloversville High School as part of the Castiglione's/High School Principals Award. The award goes to the student who has contributed the most to the community, not necessarily the student with the highest academic standard or a sports star. Castiglione said that is one way the store tries to encourage young people to get involved in their community.