Jewelry business opens in Old Town

Brothers Tyson and Colby Homec grew up in the Coachella Valley and have returned to open a fine jewelry store in Old Town La Quinta.

Homec Jewelers opened opened Friday at 78-075 Main St. in Old Town.

The two gemologists said they want to bring back the personalized customer service of a family-owned neighborhood jeweler.

"You used to have the same family jeweler for 30 years," said Colby, 27. "We want to return to that type of personal relationship where they help you choose that special piece for an engagement or anniversary."

The store offers a range of products from custom-made pieces to designer jewelry.

Private viewings

The more high-end pieces won't be seen only in the shop's cases, Tyson said. They will be at country clubs and homes for private showings.

"This is a new, young generation of jewelers," said Tyson Homec, 30. "The majority of jewelers around here are corporate. We want to bring a different vibe to buying jewelry."

Tyson called the Old Town setting quaint and low-profile for buyers who seek privacy. An office in the back of the shop will be used for appointments.

He described the setting as a casual atmosphere where shoppers can browse in peace without being hounded by commission-only employees.

The shop will have two employees besides the brothers, one of whom will do repairs on-site.

Not stuffy at all

"We're not a stuffy type of place," Tyson said. "We didn't want to be a mall jeweler or in a strip mall next to a Subway restaurant. We have the best location here we could ask for."

The brothers, two of nine children, grew up in Palm Desert, and said they wanted to return to their roots to open their first business.

"We love our jobs," Tyson said.

"It's always fun and exciting. We both have different qualities to offer."

Five percent of the proceeds from Friday's opening will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of the Coachella Valley, they said.
Source: mydesert