Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** This article highlights the enduring legacy of a family-run jewelry store, now in its third generation, and the evolving role of tradition in modern business.
Forward to now, co-managers Terri Virag Klauke and Pete Virag represent the third generation, while Klauke’s daughter, Sarah Hill, serves as the store’s current social media coordinator. The store offers repair services, custom jewelry design, quartz conversion and engravings. Peter Virag (right) worked as a second-generation watchmaker in his father’s jewelry store, which became part of Yugoslavia after World War II (pictured left is Virag’s wife, Theresa Virag). Carolynn Iungerich, one of Virag’s jewelry designers, added that the store receives all sorts of repair requests, including matching lost earrings, sourcing new stones and replacing watch batteries. Iungerich said the design process is based on creative ability as well as the types and quantities of jewelry the client provides. Other custom designs include a ring bearing the initials of a client’s late dog, as well as transforming jewelry associated with a client’s divorce into a new piece symbolizing a new chapter. Adam Graves works on his jewelry bench. Sarah Hill files down some jewelry at her bench. Virag Jewelers’ deep community ties are visible through their display cases featuring pieces by local artists, such as Lisa Slooki’s geometric designs and Amy Taylor’s hinged jewelry. Klauke said that if the store weren’t so busy, they would launch their own jewelry line. But for now, the store is focused on continuing the work that has kept customers returning for generations.
For Teresa Smith, her mother’s old marquise diamond wedding ring wasn’t worth much in monetary terms, but it was priceless to her. Unsure what to do with it, she took it to Virag Jewelers. The ring was transformed into a gold-chain pendant, which Smith wore on her wedding day.
Virag Jewelers designed a diamond pendant from Teresa Smith’s mother’s old marquise diamond wedding ring, left, and turned a ruby pin into an infinity ring, right.
Located at 703 Main St., Virag Jewelers is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Founded by Peter Virag during the Great Depression in 1936, the store has stayed in the family for generations.
Credit: Ruixin Zhang. In 1936, Peter decided to open his own business, first located at 910 Chicago Ave., just around the corner from the current store’s location at 703 Main St. Shown above is a page from a watch repair record. Credit: Virag Jewelers. Later, family members like Peter’s son Adam Virag joined the business. Drafted into the army for World War II, Adam used his watchmaking skills to repair timepieces and range-finding equipment. He also tested soldiers’ watches to ensure timepieces were synchronized. Credit: Ruixin Zhang. Currently, Adam’s daughter and son, Terri Virag Klauke (right) and Pete Virag (left), have become the third-generation co-managers of the store. Klauke’s daughter Sarah Hill (middle) currently works at the store as well.
Besides the redesigned mother’s ring, Smith got her engagement ring — which her husband co-designed — from Virag. She receives compliments everywhere, Smith said. Customer Rita Masini said she’s already lost count of how many encounters she has had with Virag. The pieces include a diamond ring for her 30th wedding anniversary, repairs for older pieces, an engagement ring for her son and more.
Even with quick repairs, items with a lot of meaning can make clients emotional, Klauke said, especially if they didn’t expect that the item could be fixed.
For custom design services, the store uses computer-aided design, or CAD, to create renderings after meeting with the client. Then, the store’s manufacturer sends back physical 3-D resin models for clients to try on. Once approved, the manufacturer casts pieces in two to three weeks. Iungerich used CAD to design a piece titled “Constellation.” Credit: Ruixin Zhang. Physical resin models for clients to try out. Credit: Ruixin Zhang. More resin models laid out on a piece of black cloth. Credit: Ruixin Zhang.
Iungerich added that the design process has allowed her to build intimate connections with clients. In fact, she said her first client was a woman who wanted to celebrate beating cancer. Hearing about the client’s experience “hit home,” Iungerich said, because she had close ones going through the same thing at the time.
Credit: Ruixin Zhang. Pete Virag, wearing his watchmaking glasses, smiles. Credit: Ruixin Zhang. Apart from prioritizing customer service and conservative investing practices, Klauke credits Virag’s longevity to the Evanston community.
Credit: Ruixin Zhang. Credit: Ruixin Zhang. Credit: Ruixin Zhang. Credit: Ruixin Zhang. Credit: Ruixin Zhang. Credit: Ruixin Zhang.
