In business since 1987, Yanina & Co. Fine Jewelry has been a part of many happy celebrations. “My family moved here from Russia when my mom was 14 years old,” says Branden Sheehan, director of business development and son of the founder, Yanina Fleysher. “She started this empire only five years later.”
Originally intending to be a lawyer, once Branden discovered the incredible satisfaction he received from assisting people with choosing and/or designing a favorite piece of jewelry, he never looked back. “I think it was two weeks into working here when this man came in and wanted a custom-made necklace,” he says. “He asked me for ideas, and I gave him what I thought were great ones. He ended up ordering one for his entire family - that was a rockstar moment.”
Jewelry is not only beautiful, but it often evokes distinctive memories since it’s a popular gift for many momentous occasions. “The big ones are anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and Mother’s Day, but we also have a lot of really unique gifts for graduations and religious celebrations,” says Branden.
Even years later, the recipients are brought back to that joyful moment when their parents, grandparents, or significant others presented them with a commemorative piece of artistry. “For thousands of years, every culture around the world has worn jewelry and has assigned something special to it, whether it’s energy or some sort of symbol for achievements or accomplishments,” he says. “There’s always something imbued into jewelry.”
To this day, people still love to wear it and gift it. “With all the chaos that we’ve had to deal with in the last few years, to be able to look down on your wrist and know that your grandma gave you something 30 years ago that still makes you smile is just really cool,” says Branden.
He also believes the experience of choosing a piece should be unforgettable. “Bringing your wife to a nice jewelry store and designing something for her is really special, and that piece will forever capture that moment.”
Branden, along with his mother and uncle, Alex Fleysher, especially loves designing one-of-a-kind artistic pieces. “Combined, we have over a hundred years of experience. Our jewelry team has been with us for almost 30 years, and we make everything in house. The end product is unique to the person that purchases it and gets to wear it, which is so special.”
Some customers bring in family heirloom pieces or other jewelry that doesn’t match their current style to have it refashioned into a design they’re happy to wear. Yanina & Co. uses a remarkable 3D drawing program which allows customers to visualize the final product before it’s made.
“Jewelry is something beautiful that you can bring everywhere,” says Branden. “You never have to leave it at the door. Being able to come into this industry and really run it the same way my mom did and have her be able to relax a little bit is my biggest achievement.”
Yanina & Co. Fine Jewelry
451 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
973-857-5544
