As Austin undergoes rapid transformation, its residents cherish the remnants of its storied past, embodied in cherished family-owned businesses like Benold’s Jewelers. Celebrating its 95th anniversary this year, Benold’s stands as a testament to resilience and tradition in the heart of the city.
Maria Aguirre, the current owner, traces her journey at Benold’s back 25 years when she started as a salesperson. Through decades of change, Aguirre has remained dedicated to preserving the essence of Benold’s, ensuring its continued success and prominence in Austin’s landscape.
The roots of Benold’s Jewelers stretch back to 1929 when Louis and Lillian Laves established a pawn shop on Sixth Street. In the midst of global turmoil, the Laves family fostered a sense of community, offering a variety of goods in a tight-knit environment. As their sons matured, the family expanded, culminating in the opening of a lavish store in the 1960s, heralding a new era for Benold’s.
In subsequent decades, Benold’s evolved with the changing times, expanding to multiple locations across Austin before consolidating into a single store in the early 2000s, focusing exclusively on jewelry. Transitioning through various ownerships, Benold’s found stability under the management of Milton Doolittle until Aguirre assumed ownership in 2017.
Central to Benold’s enduring success is its commitment to adaptability, consistency, and kindness. Aguirre emphasizes the importance of community and personal connection, ensuring that each customer finds not just jewelry, but a meaningful experience tailored to their needs.
Looking ahead, Aguirre envisions Benold’s continuing its legacy of community engagement and service for another century. With a focus on custom designs, repairs, and appraisal services, Benold’s remains a cornerstone of Northwood Plaza, welcoming customers with warmth and authenticity.
As Aguirre reflects on Benold’s journey, she emphasizes its accessibility and human touch, dispelling the notion of exclusivity often associated with jewelry stores. In her words, Benold’s is a place where humanity and generosity intersect—a sentiment deeply ingrained in its 95-year history.