Apr 16, 2011

Shop Local: Art JewlersBy Fran HenryHillcrest.Patch.com

Boris Shapiro could write the book on self-sufficiency – if he weren’t so busy doing absolutely everything that needs done at Arts Jewelers, his shop at 6114 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, a block east of Lander Road.

He does the bookkeeping, manages inventory, keeps the shop clean, repairs jewelry and watches, and creates special-order jewelry in silver and gold. And he’s the shop’s only salesperson, a position that involves buying scrap silver and gold and estate jewelry.

“Other employees would drive up the cost of merchandise,” Shapiro said. “You can buy a diamond for 10 times less here than at a franchise jeweler at the mall.”

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Shapiro came to the U.S. with his parents 33 years ago because of the lack of opportunity. “We worked in watch and jewelry repair, but there was no opportunity to have your own place,” he said.

They arrived in Cleveland with nothing.

“It was impossible to get out of Russia and bring anything with you.”

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