Jewelery store celebrates 26 years in Valley Stream

The owners of Matthew James Jewelers on Rockaway Avenue marked 26 years in the village this December, and are hoping residents will continue to shop locally this holiday season.

George Gayoso and his wife, Susan, who live in Astoria, Queens, own the store. “We’ve been doing the right thing for 26 years,” George Gayoso said. “Nobody ever complains.”

Susan said things have been slow at the shop this holiday season, which she believes to be due to the poor economy.

“First of all, [customers] avoid all the aggravation in bigger stores by coming here,” she said. “They don’t get price gouged and also, we offer better prices and better quality jewelry than department stores.”

They also make custom jewelry and do re-stringing, appraisals, watch repairs and sell engagement rings that are certified by the Gemological Institute of America. They are offering 40 percent off on their jewelry through the holidays in hopes to boost local foot traffic.

“Whatever repairs they want, I can do it,” George said. “I can do it within a day or two if it’s an emergency. Whatever the customer needs.”