Bargar Jewelry: History

History

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By 1957, Max V. Bargar had completed watchmaker and jewelry repair studies in Columbus, Ohio, at the National Jewelry and Instrument Co., and had spent time in the employment of several prominent retail jewelry establishments in the central Ohio area. Quickly gaining a reputation as a perfectionist, he could have easily settled into a steady, stable career in the trade, punching the clock, and supporting his young family of four. But, happily, this was not to be, for in 1957 Max decided it was time to do the “I want to be my own boss” thing. So on something just shy of a shoestring, in a sublet corner of a small, Delaware, Ohio TV repair shop, with one showcase and a watchmakers bench, Bargar Jewelry was born.

Any business that starts so small requires dedication and a real desire to succeed. Max Bargar had plenty of both, with a little bullheadedness thrown in for good measure. And the loyal following in the Delaware community developed. With work and more work, soon his own location, and gradually more inventory, the good years and lean years went by. No matter the economic conditions, who was in the White House, or what local issues were being hotly debated, Max’s determination to deliver quality with service at a good value was turning Bargar Jewelry into a solid, long term operation in downtown Delaware. And the loyal following continued to develop. To make a long story short, sons Dale (That would be me) and William, entered the business in the ‘70s, taking on the bulk of the watch repair and jewelry repair respectively. We picked up our work ethics, and that “be your own boss” thing from Dad, which will insure Bargar Jewelry’s existence well into the next century. Along with my wife Susan, I acquired ownership of the store in 1990. We have since expanded the scope of the store’s offerings into unique gift items, while continuing to grow our core business of Diamonds and fine jewelry. And the loyal following continues to grow.

In an age where businesses pop up and disappear daily, it’s nice to be an icon. In our own building now in the heart of beautiful downtown Delaware we plan to be an integral part of the community for years to come, filling your jewelry and gift needs, providing quality service, and earning your trust, one day at a time.
Max ended up with a fine family of six, and can still be found, almost every day, right here in the store, doing anything from watch work, to selling that special Diamond to a young couple just getting started.

To learn more about Bargar Jewelry, you should visit us!