History
In 1975, Marion and Lula Halfacre opened their first jewelry store in Jackson, Mississippi. Four years later, they sold their portion of the business to their partner and moved to Newport Beach, California after purchasing their new store located in Newport Hills Center. This new jewelry store developed with great success and became the first “Cartier Corner” on the West Coast. As the Halfacres continued to add high-end lines to their collection, their business grew rapidly, necessitating expansion. In 1991, Traditional Jewelers moved to Fashion Island, where they remain today.
The striking round structure that houses their gems is aptly called the “Jewel of the Court” because of its magnificent architecture. Here, Traditional Jewelers showcases 20 of the top timepiece brands and the finest jewelry designer names of the world. These brands include Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Breitling, David Yurman, Roberto Coin and Kwiat Diamonds. Traditional Jewelers also has three in-house jewelers and an in-store watchmaker.
In 2007 Traditional Jewelers founder, Marion Halfacre, met with an untimely death. Since that time Lula Halfacre, son Erik Halfacre, sister and brother in law, Sarah and Bruce Verble, Erik’s wife, Bonnie Halfacre and their professional staff have continued the traditions of service, quality, and integrity that have become synonymous with Traditional Jewelers. Natalie Halfacre, Lula and Marion Halfacre’s daughter is attending Gemological Institute of America and will be joining the family business full time in December 2010.
In 2003, Erik Halfacre joined the family business after graduation from University of Southern California with an economics degree and receiving his Graduate Gemology degree from Gemological Institute of America. In 2007, Erik married Bonnie Halfacre and they are now the proud parents of Taylor, age 2 and Riley, two months.
In 2009 on the celebration of the “30th Anniversary” of Traditional Jewelers in Newport Beach, Erik Halfacre was named President. Erik is a member of the Pacific Club and Gen Next, sits on the advisory board for the Centurion Jewelry Show and the selection committee for the Ronnie Lott Award. He is an avid sports enthusiast and participates and is a spectator of all sports including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, boxing and horse racing. As a graduate of USC he is definitely a Trojan fan as well as a Lakers fan.
In 2008 Traditional Jewelers opened a second location in Malibu in the Country Mart Plaza, which brought branded watches to Malibu along with the traditions of Traditional Jewelers and their commitment to “Exceed Expectations”.
Traditional Jewelers is looking forward to its next 30 years with Erik’s leadership. Traditional Jewelers will continue to give back to the community with donations to over 100 charities per year and continue its involvement with the Newport Beach and Orange County communities.
