About Sam's Jewelry Emporium
Serving Akron since 1946, when you visit Sam's you come in as customers and you leave as friends for life.
Company History
Sam's Loan was founded in 1946 on Howard Street by Ruben Manes. For 25 years this pawn shop/jewelry store helped Akron's troubled rubber workers make it from payday to payday by providing affordable short-term loans.
In 1971 Ruben sold the business to his son Lee, who moved the shop to its current location on East Exchange Street. It was during this time the focus shifted from loans to fine jewelry, growing Sam's Jewelry Emporium into a jewelry store with one of the largest inventories in Northeast Ohio. While Sam's still offers inexpensive loan options, they have become the go-to place for exquisite diamonds and jewelry.
Meet the Team
Lee Manes
Lee Manes is the owner of Sam's Jewelry Emporium. Lee purchased Sam's Emporium from his father Ruben in 1971. With Lee's hard work and dedication, he has transformed the business from a pawn shop into one of the largest most complete jewelry stores in northeast Ohio.
"Sam's Jewelry Emporium success is based upon the fact that we are a value jewelry store and I am proud that we have been in business since 1946"
John Ruggiero
John has been involved in many aspects of the jewelry industry for over 40yrs. John completed his Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America in 1986. He was brought up in the family jewelry business and has now been Sam's Jewelry Emporium manager since 2003.
Curtis Post
Curtis has been at Sam's Jewelry Emporium since 1997. Curtis attended Kent State from 1983-1987 earning a B.B. A. degree in marketing. He completed his Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America in 2007 Curtis loves selling all types of jewelry with engagement rings being his favorite.
"Being part of my customers' special occasions and developing lifelong relationships based on trust is my ultimate goal"
Jeannette Cromer
Jeannette has been in the jewelry industry for over 19 years and has been at Sam's Jewelry Emporium since 2004. She is currently working towards her Graduate Gemologist degree.
"Jewelry has been a passion of mine all my life. I can't help but love what I do."
Gail Miller
Gail has been with Sam's Jewelry Emporium since 2006. Gail started out in the jewelry business in 1982 working for Macys' fine jewelry department. Gail is knowledgeable about gemstones and diamonds. Working part time for Sam's, Gail is always eager to wait on customers and make new friends.
Eddy Escudero
Eddy is part of Sam's Jewelry Emporium jewelry design and manufacturing team. Eddy specializes in Sam's CAD/CAM design work and rapid prototyping. He is always designing new pieces of jewelry exclusively for Sam's along with custom jewelry for our customers. Eddy started at Sam’s in 2009
Neco Ware
Neco has been involved in the Jewelry industry for over ten years. Neco joined Sam’s in 2017. He is part of the jewelry repair and design team. Neco has perfected the technique of finishing jewelry using a variety of polishing, finishing, buffing and plating techniques.
Jon Jones
Jon started out in the jewelry industry in 1993. With over 31 years of experience in jewelry repair and design, Jon brings a blend of technical CAD expertise and creative innovation to Sam’s Emporium. With the commitment to repair and design excellence.
Welcome to Sam's Emporium
Learn more about Sam's Emporium, the services and selection available, and how when you shop with us, you become part of our family.