Member News

“People say I’m crazy working with my father and my husband,” Allison said.
   Crazy or not, the business model at Leitzel’s Jewelry appears to be working extremely well. With its tagline, “Exceeding Expectations since 1949,” Leitzel’s is known for its fine diamond jewelry, and having the cutting edge designs and brands. Offering custom designs, jewelry repairs, and signature collections, Leitzel’s strives to make every customer’s visit a one-of-a-kind experience, ensuring that their staff is providing superior service before, during and after purchase. Everything that Leitzel’s does, from the brands it offers to the custom pieces it creates, ties in to its legacy of high quality products and excellent customer service.
   Leitzel’s Jewelry is a third generation, family-owned business. Its current management team is composed of Ceylon Leitzel, the company’s president; Ceylon’s daughter, Allison Leitzel-Williams, the COO; and Trevor Williams, Allison’s husband, the CFO. However, the origination of Leitzel’s Jewelry took place two generations earlier. Allison’s great-uncle, Charles Leitzel, started the business in Millersburg, PA, along with his brother, Marvin (Allison’s grandfather). However, after he opened his business, Charles decided he wanted to study ministry, and moved to Myerstown in order to attend the evangelical seminary.
   Marvin’s son, Ceylon, soon followed in his father’s footsteps. Ceylon attended Bowman Technical School in Lancaster to study watch and clock making, among other things. In the late 1980s, Ceylon moved his family to Myerstown, having heard and learned about the area from his Uncle Charles. In 1992, the family broke ground on their current Leitzel’s Jewelry location at 607 East Lincoln Avenue in Myerstown. The store officially opened its doors in 1993.
   Allison said that growing up, she always knew that getting into the family business was an option for her, though she never felt pressured to choose that route. Allison and Trevor grew up going to preschool together, and they also both attended ELCO High School. Trevor then attended Lebanon Valley College to receive his degree in accounting and business administration. Allison likewise studied business at Millersville University, and then went on to the Gemological Institute of America, the foremost authority in diamonds and gemstones, to become a gemologist. Trevor is likewise in the process of taking classes to become a gemologist.
   Trevor explained how the Leitzel family works very well as a team. He gives a lot of credit to his father-in-law, Ceylon, for being open and receptive to new ideas without deviating from his high standards of quality.
   Leitzel’s currently has a number of name brands on display in their showroom, including Pandora and Alex and Ani. With the Christmas season (their busiest season) right around the corner, Leitzel’s is looking to add a few more brands to their selection, including Simon G. and Effy. Both Trevor and Allison explained that they take a great deal of time and effort in selecting the brands which they partner with, ensuring that they fit with the Leitzel’s Jewelry values and standards. They also want to carry items which are exclusive to Leitzel’s and that customers can’t buy just anywhere, which makes them feel “extra special” shopping in the showroom.
   Despite their long family history and stable foundation, Allison said that being a small business is still challenging. Customers shop differently now versus when the business first started in 1949. Individuals can go online and browse an unending selection. Allison stated that it can be difficult to compete with a virtual inventory, and that Leitzel’s has to remain relevant to its customers through what it offers and the quality shopping experience it provides.
   As a small business, Leitzel’s has always been deeply involved in the local community. This will be the company’s seventh year taking part in Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and WQIC/WLBR will broadcast live from the showroom. Also at the end of November, Leitzel’s has a “Shop for Charity Event” where they partner with the American Heart Association, donating a portion of their sales to the nonprofit organization.
   Leitzel’s is currently selling a special Alex and Ani bracelet titled “The Way Home” in support of Stacey Pennington’s two sons, Conner and Cole. Stacey Pennington was the owner of The Gretna Emporium and Resource Island who was murdered in Mt. Gretna on September 7 of this year. Part of their “Charity By Design” collection, Alex and Ani will donate 20% of every “The Way Home” bracelet sale to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. In addition, Leitzel’s will donate $5 from every bracelet sale to Pennington’s sons.
   When asked what the favorite part of her job is, Allison stated, “We’re in the business of making people happy. It’s why we do what we do. A lot of our clients become friends and more like family. It’s fun celebrating with people.”
   One of the best examples which Allison says encompasses how much Leitzel’s impacts people’s lives is their commemorative pieces. Customers will come into the shop with sentimental pieces of jewelry or other objects, and Leitzel’s will help transform it into a memorial piece honoring a loved one. Customers have brought in the wedding bands of their deceased spouses, which Leitzel’s then can mold into the shape of a heart and put on a delicate, gold chain.
   “Jewelry is such a special thing,” Allison explained. “It’s a way to help people celebrate memories…turning something into a lasting memory to help them move through hard times.”
   In addition to the sentimental pieces, Leitzel’s has had its fair share of odd requests. According to Allison, customers come in with shoes, jackets, and purses which can’t be mended at any tailor. Hunters have also come into Leitzel’s requesting that jewelry be made from elk teeth.
   Whether it’s traditional diamond jewelry or jewelry made from animal teeth, Leitzel’s is always focused on fulfilling their patrons’ desires and needs. Additional information regarding Leitzel’s Jewelry can be found on their website at www.leitzelsjewelry.com, by calling their store at 717-866-4274, or by emailing mail@leitzelsjewelry.com.