A trusted resource for earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings since 1893, Zimmer Brothers Jewelers has a long history in the Hudson Valley. It also has a bright future—this May, the Zimmer family announced that Jocelyn Zimmer will be appointed Zimmer Brothers’ next president. As she takes the reins from her father, Michael Gordon, Zimmer becomes the first female president in the now fifth-generation family business—an impressive accomplishment considering hers is a predominantly male profession, and that only three percent of family businesses survive past the third generation.
Since joining the Zimmer Brothers in 2001, Zimmer has shown herself to be a natural leader in the Hudson Valley via her involvement in the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Arlington Business Improvement District, and local nonprofit organizations. And when it comes to jewelry, she’s less a diamond in the rough than a true gem. Zimmer studied at the Gemological Institute of America and is a registered jeweler with the American Gem Society—not to mention her two decades of experience in the trade. “The jewelry industry has always been a male-dominated profession, but women are continually breaking through,” says Zimmer. “And as the mom of two daughters, it’s even more special to reflect on what this represents for women in the industry.”
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What’s more, Zimmer has solidified a partnership with Moyo Gems, an organization that supports colored gemstone mining regions, to craft “one-of-a-kind pieces that will be handled by women throughout their entire journey—from mine to market.” The resulting jewelry—which will comprise the 2023 Zimmer Brothers Legacy Collection—will have been mined by a woman; selected by Zimmer; cut and faceted by a woman; and crafted by one of Zimmer Brothers’ female designers. Subsequently, 15 percent of each purchase will go towards Gem Legacy, a nonprofit that provides support and education to East African gem mining communities. Further, she has established a relationship with Diamonds Do Good, another nonprofit whose aim is to support, develop, and empower people in natural diamond communities. Zimmer’s immediate commitment to these initiatives forecasts a tenure marked by community-conscious business practices. “It prides me to pass the torch to someone so capable,” Gordon enthuses.
Visit Zimmer Brothers Jewelry at its flagship location in Poughkeepsie or boutique shop in Rhinebeck, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
39 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie
6402 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck
