For 90 years, they've been a fixture on Wyoming Street.

The long journey to success began for Chaskin Jewelers in a small cart in 1915. Not being able to afford a store, Nathan Chaskin, a Russian immigrant, traveled the roads between the tiny patchtowns himself, selling jewelry at every stop he took. In 1917, he established his first permanent store on Wyoming Street and to this day, Chaskin Jewelers maintains the same devotion to personal service and quality that Nathan did 90 years ago.

In the ensuing years, the flagship Chaskin store changed locations four times, but always remained within a twoblock radius on Wyoming Street, even once residing in present-day Vesuvio's. Providing quality merchandise at reasonable prices, Chaskin specializes in fine jewelry and repair.

From its humble beginnings, Nathan Chaskin and sons, Bill, Berman, Bernie, and Leon expanded the business to include stores in Freeland and Lansford that mey operated in conjunction with the Hazleton store as a parmership. Today, Barry Chad;im still owns and operates the store at 97 N. 'Wyoming St. that his father and grandfather built.

After Nathan's death in 1952, Bernie Chaskin began instructing his son in the fine art of watchmaking and jewelry design at the age of 12. When Bernie died in 1955 at the age of 40, his wife, Minnie, ran the business until Barry had completed his education. He graduated from Bowman Tech in Lancaster in 1960 specializing in jewelry and watch repair, and has helmed the business since then.

Chaskin's continues to offer an array of fine jewelry and jewelry services. They are renowned throughout the area for watch repair, jewelry repair, chain and bracelet repair, d!amond settings, pearl settings, and custom jewelry design. They are proud to be the largest dealer of Giuseppi Armani porcelain figurines and society pieces in Northeast Pennsylvania. Chaskin's also is an exclusive dealer of the fine Swiss line, Rado Watches, as well as Citizen Watches and other lines. They received the Third Generation Family Award for their watch sales. Chaskin's is proud to deal in high-end designer jewelry as well as the innovative designs by Perry B. Originals. Customers can be assured that every purchase they make from Chaskin's is of the highest quality and craftsmanship. "We work with goood, reputable companies that stand behind their products so that we can stand behind our customers," Barry Chaskin says.

In 1986. Barry Chaskin branched out the scope of his operation and began a factory down the stairs from his showroom. There, Barry is able to follow his passion for creation and repair and makes his own jewelry. His Qual-Cast company also is a repair facility that does jewelry and watch repair for jewelers up and down the East Coast.

Chaskin's is proud to celebrate its 90th year on Wyoming St. and is excited about the promotions that will start in December to mark Chaskin's 90th Christmas in the store.

"I'm looking to do a lot of 'give-back' stuff," Barry said. "I want to give back to the community in our 90th year."

Chaskin's interaction with the community is part of what has made Nathan Chaskin's legacy so special. Customers return again and again to Chaskin's for friendly service and individualized attention.

Barry says he is especially proud to see the third generation customers who keep cc back to Chaskin's for their jewelry needs, saying that their grandparents were served grandfather or by his father.

"We have a close to 90 year relationship with some families," he says.

Chaskin's remains a small neighborhood store that delights in being able to offer great deals to its customers. Even after 90 years, Chaskin's continues to offer the lowest prices on pieces of the best quality. They are proud to be Hazleton's oldest jewelry store.

Barry Chaskin's dedication to his trade drives his commitment to continue, the traditions of his father and grandfather.

"We're here because we enjoy working with the people and the community," he said .

Chaskin Jewelers is a member of Jewelers of America, the PA Jewelers Association, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and the Hazleton Chamber of Commerce.