ABOUT
OUR STORY
A lifetime of mastery. A legacy measured in generations.
Jacques Tabakian is not simply a jeweler. He is a guardian of a craft that spans ten generations of master jewelers and watchmakers. Established in 1972, Jacques Jewelers has called the same location home for nearly three decades, a testament to the trust and loyalty of the community Jacques has served with quiet distinction.
His training reads like a map of the world's finest horological and gemological institutions. In 1972, Jacques received formal certification from The Watchmakers of Switzerland Technical Centre in Pretoria, one of the most rigorous and respected watchmaking programs in existence, where he mastered the repair of Swiss electronic timepieces. He returned in 1976 to complete advanced training in Swiss quartz watch mechanics, deepening a technical fluency that few craftsmen in North America can claim. In 1979, he furthered his expertise through the Canadian Jewellers Institute, completing formal study in jewellery repair, and was accepted as a member of The Canadian Gemmological Association, a distinction reserved for those committed to the highest standards of gemological knowledge and professional integrity.
But credentials, however distinguished, only tell part of the story. Jacques brings to every piece an instinct honed over a lifetime. Whether restoring a centuries-old pocket watch, repairing an heirloom necklace, or evaluating a fine diamond, he approaches each task with the same exacting standard.
His expertise spans an extraordinary range, making Jacques Jewelers one of the few remaining ateliers where true breadth of knowledge meets uncompromising craftsmanship. When you bring a cherished piece to Jacques, you are placing something irreplaceable in the hands of a master who understands just how much it means.
CREDENTIALS
Jacques’ mastery is not self-proclaimed: it is formally recognized by the world's most prestigious institutions in horology & gemology.
CERTIFICATIONS
—-The Watchmakers of Switzerland Technical Centre, Pretoria — Swiss Electronic Watch Repair (1972)
—-The Watchmakers of Switzerland Technical Centre, Pretoria — Advanced Swiss Quartz Watch Repair (1976)
—-Canadian Jewelers Institute — Jewellery Repair, Part I (1979)
—-The Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) — Student Member (1979–1980)
When you bring a cherished piece to Jacques, you are not simply visiting a repair shop. You are placing something irreplaceable in the hands of a master who understands, perhaps better than anyone, just how much it means.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Jacques Jewelers! Jacques brought my family heirloom rings (including a delicate pearl and diamond ring) and necklaces back to life, restoring them to the most breathtaking condition. His craftsmanship is impeccable, but what truly sets him apart is the personal care and attention he provides. From the moment you walk in, Jacques makes you feel like family. I trust him completely with my most treasured pieces and will absolutely be returning to have my wedding ring and all of my jewelry cleaned before the big day. If you’re looking for someone who is both fair and trustworthy, Jacques is your go-to jeweler. Highly recommend!”
“Jacques is great and has fixed/cleaned numerous pieces of mine. I live in the neighborhood and stumbled upon his store for repair, and I have been going back ever since. He gets pieces completed in a timely manner and is always lovely to chat with. I highly recommend this place for a repair!”
“I had a world-class experience. My vintage Cartier watch had stopped and was badly scratched and dirty. Jacques meticulously repaired and restored my watch. It looks even better than it did when I first bought it. If you need a fair, incredibly kind, and trustworthy watch master, this is the place. His training as a watchmaker shows the way he can talk about and restore watches. 10/10.”