IndependentsJun 13, 2023
Sylva & Cie Opens Dallas Shop-in-ShopIndependentsJun 20, 2023
Washington Jeweler Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Olympia’s Panowicz Jewelers has special events planned to mark the milestone.
Third-generation jeweler Panowicz Jewelers in Olympia, Washington has a slate of activities planned this summer to celebrate 75 years in business.
Olympia, Wash.—This year marks 75 in business for third-generation jewelry store Panowicz Jewelers, and the company has lots of celebrations in store for its clients.
Anton Panowicz, Sr. founded Panowicz Jewelers in 1948, after serving in World War II.
The family-owned business sold watches, clocks, china, and jewelry.
Today, third-generation jeweler Leslie Panowicz heads the store that specializes in engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and custom jewelry.
The Washington store is a member of the American Gem Society, which admits jewelers based on professionalism, ethics, and expertise.
It has three goldsmiths and a certified gemologist on staff, allowing its Olympia clientele to receive first-class jewelry service that many other companies would have to outsource to larger cities.
“We have so much fun going to jewelry shows, curating unique collections and even shopping specifically for clients,” said Store Manager Kandy Watters.
“We love to find pieces that set us apart from the crowd. One example is how Leslie and Isabelle, our gemologist, travel to Antwerp, Belgium to hand select diamonds from the diamond capital of the world.”
Panowicz is dedicated to its local community, contributing to local charities and sponsoring community events. The company frequently donates to raffles on behalf of nonprofit organizations.
According to owner Leslie, through donations of jewelry to raffles, the store helps organizations raise about $75,000 per year.
Leslie said she is excited to continue the store’s legacy in years to come, having been part of the business her entire life.
“I remember growing up in the store,” she said. “I’d come after school and help out my dad each day. We are so excited to celebrate our 75th anniversary and invite you to join us!”
To celebrate, Panowicz has crafted several opportunities for its customers, with a slew of events planned from now through July 15.
These include the “75th Anniversary Across Olympia Scavenger Hunt,” in which clients can win prizes like pearls, diamonds, and a party for 10 at the store.
The store is asking customers to bring in their Panowicz Jewelers memorabilia from over the years to be featured in a dedicated anniversary space in the store, and encouraging them to share video testimonials about the special moments in their lives the jeweler has helped to shape.
Panowicz will also give away a Hearts on Fire necklace with a 0.75-carat diamond.
For more information on all the festivities, visit the store’s website.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
