GENERATIONS OF GEMS

Barrington’s M.J. Miller & Co. Continues its 56-year legacy of fine jewelry.

“If we are able to see far into the distance, it is because we stand on the shoulders of giants.” This famous aphorism—first attributed to 12th-century scholars, was among the many wise sayings Michael J. Miller’s father, Milo, liked to quote. Decades later, with Mike’s son Matt now serving as president of the M.J. Miller & Co. jewelry business, the phrase seems especially significant.

M.J. Miller’s unwavering commitment to quality, customer care, and creativity are part of a family credo that runs three generations deep. Beginning with Milo, an expert watchmaker who opened the family’s first business in Leeds, North Dakota, on to Mike who established the jewelry store in Barrington, and now with Matt, each generation has never swayed in the pursuit of excellence as they look forward to the future.

“Making sure each customer is met with expert care and courtesy, maintaining a collection of jewels that is the best in the Midwest, and offering creative new designs—this is what we are and have been about for the last 50 years,” says Matt.

Centrally located on Main Street in Barrington, M.J. Miller’s collections include jewelry from designers that run the gamut from J.B. Star, Robert Procop and Bellarri, to Picchiotti, Verragio, and Victor Velyan, plus one-of-a-kind pieces by Mike and Matt Miller. The store also offers a selection of fine timepieces, including watches from Seiko. Fine gift shop items include David Oscarson folding knives and writing instruments among the display, as well as items from Jay Strongwater, Mackenzie-Childs, Olivia Riegel, and more.

“Custom design is at the heart of what we do,” says Matt. “With each consultation, we guide clients through the design process, combining their favorite elements into a one-of-a-kind piece and ensuring—from concept to creation that our expert craftsmanship brings each design to life with precision and care.”

Beyond these “forever pieces,” Matt says items from M.J. Miller’s luxury collections of pendants, rings, necklaces and earrings are still a massive draw. “When he was just 15 years old, my father was given a piece of advice by the top jeweler in the world: a man named Harry Winston,” says Matt. “Winston said, ‘You can’t own everything, so what you own must be the best. Go for quality.’”

Adhering to that advice, M.J. Miller has cultivated one of the best collections of colored gemstones in the Midwest and now has clients in all 50 states and 15 foreign countries.

Each generation at M.J. Miller has honed their expertise by learning from industry leaders, embracing creativity, and refining their natural talent for design. Mike and Matt took to gemstones at a young age. Mike sold his first diamond when he was 11; Matt when he was 17. And while Mike’s passion for gemstones led him to visit gem mines and dealers all over the globe, world travels for Matt came in connection to his skills as an artist. Matt has toured and exhibited his paintings in France, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and throughout the United States.

Matt’s skills as a painter relate well to his work designing jewelry. “There is my perception and understanding of color … how to mix, match, style and pair different stones … even utilizing the color of different metals,” he says. “Being able to visualize all of this and draw designs so that customers can then see the possibilities really helps.”

As well, Matt says people have been looking to create vintage looks both with the styles they are buying, and with redesigning jewelry they have inherited. Through it all, “I would definitely say it’s trust over trend every day,” sums Matt. “Open for a half century, we have cultivated relationships with so many families in our community, the trust is there. It means a lot to me as the next generation in leadership at M.J. Miller to keep the cycle of care, quality, and service going forward.”

Please visit mjmillerjewels.com for more information.