Miller's Diamond Jewelry moves to Ace Hardware plaza

Miller's Diamond Jewelry is on the move.

The longtime staple of the Appleseed Center recently relocated to the Ace Hardware plaza on Lexington Avenue, virtually across the street from its old home. The new address is 1523A Lexington Ave.

Miller's Diamond Jewelry has been around since 1951. It had been in Appleseed Center since 2005. Prior to that, it was downtown by the courthouse.

While Mike and Deb Miller were planning to move, recent damages made staying at Appleseed Center impossible.

"There have been active leaks for many, many years," Mike Miller said of the roof.

Mike Miller of Miller's Diamond Jewelry examines some of the water damage in his store, when it was in the Appleseed Center. The business recently relocated to the Ace Hardware plaza on Lexington Avenue.
Mike Miller of Miller's Diamond Jewelry examines some of the water damage in his store, when it was in the Appleseed Center. The business recently relocated to the Ace Hardware plaza on Lexington Avenue.

During roof repairs, Mike estimated 350 to 400 gallons of water entered the store's space.

"It's good that we moved, or we'd be out of business indefinitely," he said.

An out-of-state investment company bought Appleseed Center last May and wanted a "significant increase in rent." The Millers wanted to wait six months to prove the new owners were going to make improvements.

"We didn't hear from them until almost November," Deb Miller said.

Mike added, "We started to get a bad feeling."

Says community needs a family-owned jewelry store

The Millers checked a number of locations, including some in downtown Mansfield, before settling on the Ace Hardware plaza.

"We feel the community needed to be served by a family-owned jewelry store," Deb said.

They credited owners Duane and Tim Getz with making them feel welcome at their new location.

"They've done the structural things already. Now they're working on the cosmetics," Deb said.

The capital improvement plan included work on the roof, repairs to the side and back lots and replacing the front windows and doors.

"The front of the building will have a new look," Mike said.

Deb said the current space at the new location is not large enough long-term, but Miller's Diamond Jewelry will gain more space after tax season when neighboring Jackson-Hewitt moves.

"We will take down the (adjoining) wall and more than double the space," Deb said.

When that happens, the store will have 2,400 square feet. It had 2,800 at Appleseed Center.

Andy Abrams, Mike Miller, Deb Miller and Savannah Gould pose in front of a display case at Miller's Diamond Jewelry, which has moved to the Ace Hardware Plaza at 1523A Lexington Ave.
Andy Abrams, Mike Miller, Deb Miller and Savannah Gould pose in front of a display case at Miller's Diamond Jewelry, which has moved to the Ace Hardware Plaza at 1523A Lexington Ave.

Deb wanted to recognize the team, including Jess Miller, who is the third generation involved with the store, Andy Abrams and Savannah Gould, as well as everyone who helped the Millers move.

Chris Blubaugh painted the store while the Millers were dealing with family issues. They also wanted to thank the city police and fire departments, along with codes and permits.

"Had we not been in the crisis, we would have been closed on a Friday and Saturday and open on a Monday," Deb said.

March 10 was the last day in the previous location.

The Millers plan to be in their new home for some time. They signed an eight-year lease.

To celebrate the move, the store is having a 50-50 sale. Half of the jewelry is half off. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

Twitter: @MNJCaudill

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Jewelry story moves from Appleseed Center to Ace Hardware plaza