The Story of Ritzi
Ritzi Jewelers was founded in Brookfield, Ohio, by Casper Ritzi, a Swiss immigrant. The original store was opened in 1881. Over the years, Casper's son Frank and grandson William opened their own stores in Ohio where they remained in business until the mid-40's. William Ritzi decided to move his business to Florida and opened a new store on Beach Street in Downtown Daytona in 1948. William and Laura Ritzi were joined by their sons Thomas and David in the 1950's, who ran the business until 1995. Today, Cindy Ritzi Arnaoutis, Tom's daughter, is the Fifth Generation owner of Wm. Ritzi & Co. Jewelers.
Wm. Ritzi & Co. is fortunate to have the depth of experience that can only be earned over a lifetime in business. The principals alone have over 100 years of combined jewelry knowledge. A brief look at the principals will reinforce the range and quality of expertise available to you.
Cindy Ritzi Arnaoutis
Cindy is the current owner of Wm. Ritzi & Co. and has been in the jewelry business for 30 years. She has a degree in Business and attended the Gemological Institute of America to obtain her gemological credentials. She is an accomplished speaker, holding many educational seminars regarding all jewelry topics. Additionally, she is the host of the PBS Show "Antiques and Collectibles", which just aired its third season. Cindy specializes in custom design and repair, along with being a diamond and colored gemstone expert.
Thomas F. Ritzi
Throughout his 48 years in the jewelry business, Tom has served on numerous national committees concerning Colored Gemstone Grading and industry ethics. In the early 80's, he developed the internationally acclaimed Colormaster, a grading machine used to communicate the color of a gemstone. It was the first instrument of its type in the jewelry industry and Tom holds a patent on its design. It was marketed worldwide by the Gemological Institute of America, the educational arm of the jewelry industry. Today, Tom is our Estate Brokerage Specialist, utilizing his extensive knowledge and contacts to place even the most unique of items in the right market for resale.
David W. Ritzi
David is our Swiss trained, Master Watchmaker with over 47 years at the bench. He specializes in the repair of Rolex and all other high grade watches. David is also the inventor and patent-holder of our industry's gauging system for mounted diamonds of varying shapes and sizes. His micro-measuring gauges are sold nationally and throughout the Western Hemisphere. They are used to quickly measure all mounted diamonds and are widely used by jewelers and gem merchants for repairs and appraisals.