Let’s explore the remarkable story of Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers, a business where impeccable craftsmanship, unique estate pieces, and a commitment to community come together to create Vermont’s most comprehensive jewelry store.

 A LEGACY OF ARTISTRY

Bryan Ferro, the owner of Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers, has not only upheld his family’s legacy, but has elevated it to new heights. Like his father Nicholas Jr., he grew up in the jewelry business, learning the trade by working in the family jewelry store in Woodstock, Vermont.

It all began in 1946, when Nicholas Ferro Sr., a self-trained jeweler from Italy, opened Essex Jewelers in Newark, New Jersey. By the 1960s, the jewelry manufacturing company had grown to become one of the leading ring designers and manufacturers in the country, serving over 1,500 retail jewelry stores and employing over 60 master jewelers. After Nicholas Sr. passed away in the late 60s, his son Nick Jr. took over the business, eventually opening a high-end retail store in Bernardsville, New Jersey. In search of greener pastures, he and his wife, along with their two young sons, moved to Woodstock, Vermont.

In 1981, he opened N.T. Ferro Jewelers, which continues to operate today. “That is how I learned the art of jewelry making: my grandfather trained my father, and my father trained me,” Bryan said.

In 2006, Bryan opened Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers with his wife Stephanie, who spent two decades working for Sotheby’s auction house in New York City and who, according to Bryan, understands the luxury market. Today, it is a full-service jewelry store specializing in fine diamonds, antique and estate jewelry, custom design, and jewelry repair and restoration.

 

“We are distinct from other jewelry stores,” Bryan said. “We sell unique pieces, not “trendy” brands you can find in stores around the country. There are many artisan stores in Vermont, but we are antique and estate specialists with a deep understanding of period pieces from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and mid-20th Century eras.”

The store is located in downtown Stowe in the historic Stafford building, which was owned by the Stafford family since 1867. Almost 100 years later, they added a pharmacy, which operated until it closed in 2000. “We started as renters,” Bryan explained, “but purchased the entire building in 2012 and, shortly after, completely renovated it. Our hope was to help attract more businesses to the village and complement the retail stores that line the road to the ski slopes.”

14K white gold diamond cluster stud earrings, 1.40 carats, F color, VS1 clarity. 

A FEAST OF JEWELRY CHOICES

Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers is a veritable treasure trove of exceptional  pieces, ranging from vintage estate jewelry to modern handmade items. From engagement rings to wedding bands and every gemstone imaginable, its extensive inventory is a diverse and carefully curated selection of products that have been hand-picked for their uniqueness. Meanwhile, the master jewelers on the premises have all the equipment necessary to craft custom pieces.

What sets Ferro Jewelers apart is its commitment to a carefully curated collection of vintage jewelry. In fact, approximately 80 percent of its offerings consist of estate jewelry from different time periods. In addition to selectively buying collections from the local community and at auction, Bryan and Stephanie actively engage with estate dealers, making them a global force in estate jewelry. The owners seek special pieces with historical and emotional significance. According to Bryan, “Our estate jewelry collection features pieces from every era, appealing to almost every person who walks through the door.”

A SELECTION FOR EVERY TASTE

In addition to estate jewelry, the store sells “engagement rings, wedding bands, broaches, necklaces, and every gemstone you can think of,” Bryan said. “Handpicked pieces are sourced from all over the country and world.”

a 14K white gold "Stowe Strong" mixed cut diamond 0.60TCW. G color, VS1 clarity snowflake pendant with 18-inch chain, and below, a 14K white gold "Vermont Strong" diamond 0.60TCW. G Color, VS1 clarity snowflake pendant with 18-inch chain.

A platinum Art Deco three Old European cut diamond chased filigree ring, 3.30 carats

A platinum & 18K yellow gold cushion-cut ruby 1.72CT. and diamond 0.89TCW. D-F color, VVS1 clarity.

In addition to signed pieces from well-known “classic” brands such as Cartier and Tiffany, the company is known for its Vermont-inspired jewelry. One of its standout offerings is its collection of over 60 unique “snowflakes,” named after towns around Vermont, crafted from various precious metals and gemstones, including diamonds. 

If you’re looking for a truly special piece of jewelry, Ferro Jewelers is the place to go. “We do custom, too,” Bryan said. “A lot of clients come to us for engagement rings. If they don’t see something they like, we help them create it, from a sketch or CAD image, and we build it together.” The company also repurposes inherited jewelry. For example, as Bryan said, “A customer might have a family heirloom that they don’t wear, so we help them to reimagine and redesign it into something that keeps the family sentiment but is more in line with their style.”

SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS AND ITS COMMUNITY
As a member of the American Gem Society, the store offers a range of on-site, full-service options—from appraisals and valuations to intricate watch and jewelry repairs and restoration—setting them apart from the competition. All the equipment needed and the talent necessary are located right on the premises.

Expert gemologists conduct appraisals on site. “We do estate assessments, or can help a family divide an inheritance so it’s evenly distributed,” Bryan said.

“We also give back to the community,” Bryan shared. “We are involved in many sponsorship opportunities in Stowe and the surrounding area. We’re also members of the Stowe Vibrancy Committee, a group of businesses with a goal of continuing to revitalize Main Street.”

Every year, Ferro Jewelers sponsors the Stowe Vibrancy Annual Tree Lighting, and contributes to other charitable events. “Our desire is to be part of the community and give back to the town.”

 
A platinum Art Deco Asscher-cut diamond 2.00CT. F VS1 and diamond baguette 0.60TCW. ring. 

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

When considering their future plans, Bryan said, “We are not a typical jewelry store that only wants to expand. Rather, we plan to grow our expertise so we can continue doing high-end work and providing really great products to our customers.”

In a world where jewelry stores all seem to offer the same merchandise, Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers is in a class of its own. Its dedication to preserving history, crafting custom pieces, and contributing to the community has solidified its position as the gem of Stowe, the go-to destination for anyone who wants to purchase, sell, or restore their jewelry.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FERRO JEWELERS 

Ferro Estate and Custom Jewelers

91 Main St. Stowe, VT
(802) 253-3033 

www.ferrojewelers.com