by Dyane Hendricks

Learning to take over the family business, Josh Warshauer works on the design and repair of jewelry. Photos: Dyane Hendricks.

For over 20 years Main Street Goldworks has served the jewelry needs of the San Mateo Coast, and chances are the shop on the corner of Main and Miramontes streets in Half Moon Bay will continue on for the next 20, 30 or even 50 years.

Josh Warshauer is posed to take over the business from parents Jay and Patti when the time comes. But Jay and Patti Warshauer fans need not worry, because retirement is not imminent. “At this point, Jay and I will be here for awhile,” promises Patti. “It will be several years before we retire, but we plan on bringing Josh into the business more and more.”

Jay and Patti combined their skills to open the store in 1987. Jay, who had been repairing and designing for pawn shops, had studied at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. Patti had been a buyer and purchaser with experience in administration and marketing.

Patti eventually studied at the Revere Academy and began “working at the bench,” the industry term for jewelry design and repair. “What most people don’t know is that I designed our Moonglow jewelry,” she said.

Jay and Patti are also credentialed with the Gemological Institute of America and are members of the Independent Jewelers Organization. They attend regular IJO seminars that cover everything from marketing to new trends to Web site training to transitioning to the next generation. As IJO members they have the buying power to go to Antwerp, Belgium, known as the diamond capital of the world, and purchase precious gems directly.

Although all four Warshauer boys have worked at Main Street Goldworks, Josh is the son who wants to be a jeweler and continue the Half Moon Bay business. “I went to Hatch and Cunha [schools] and after school, I would go to the store and make things. My dad would give me projects,” he said.

He began to show a serious interest in the jewelry business at age 15. At 16 he took his first class at the Revere Academy, while attending Half Moon Bay High School. Josh said that he enjoys  the business because there are so many different aspects. “One day you’re at the bench, the next day you’re working on the computer, and then you can be doing customer service.”

Being an independent jeweler also gives him an opportunity to experience the joy his customers have when they purchase one of his creations. “Not a  lot of people who make jewelry get to sell it and see their reactions,” he said. “You get to smile along with them.”

Josh said that he looks forward to  fitting into this jewelry business created by his parents. He said he looks forward to filling their shoes and meeting the challenges that go along with being a business owner.

Those challenges include an ever-changing economy, ongoing issues faced by downtown Half Moon Bay  merchants, and the challenges of operating a business. But while other types of business have fallen prey to corporate franchises and Internet sales, independent jewelers have done quite well, Patti said, adding that customers recognize the value of independent jewelers. She emphasized the importance of trusting jewelers and said that Main Street Goldworks makes every effort to earn the trust of every customer.

Josh agrees, adding, “We’re constantly keeping up with new techniques. We always see improving product as our goal.”

He plans to remain in Half Moon Bay. “I grew up here and as long as things go well, I see myself staying here and becoming a part of the community.”