IM Jaffe Jewelers Story
IM stands for Ivan and Michelle.
A new store, carrying forward a family jewelry tradition that began in 1946.
The name also reads “I am,” and that idea is at the heart of everything we do. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel welcome to be themselves, to ask questions, take their time, and find jewelry that truly reflects who they are.
Where it began
Our story begins with Harold and Shirley Jaffe, Ivan’s parents. Harold learned watchmaking from his father, Louis, and after serving in World War II, he and Shirley opened Harold Jaffe Jewelers on Cherry Street in Toledo in 1946. Harold became known in the trade as the “watchmaker’s watchmaker.” Together, they built their business on a simple promise: to greet each person as they would a friend in their own home.
Meet Ivan
Ivan grew up in his parents’ store and joined the family business in 1976. In 1978 and 1979, he studied at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Santa Monica, California, where he earned his Graduate Gemologist credential. Years later, he returned to his studies to earn the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser. For more than 45 years, Ivan has guided customers through the world of diamonds and gemstones, helping them understand and value the pieces they own and choose new ones with confidence.
Meet Michelle
Michelle’s path to jewelry began with art. She earned her undergraduate degree in art history, communication and studio art, with a focus on jewelry design and photography, and worked at a jewelry store in Winter Park, Florida, while in college. She went on to graduate studies in education and worked in admission at Rollins College and the University of Toledo. In 2006, she joined Harold Jaffe Jewelers, and she and Ivan have worked side by side ever since. Her years in education still shape how we work: we listen carefully, explain each option, and help every customer decide with confidence.
A family business
Harold Jaffe Jewelers was always a family business. Ivan’s brother Jeff worked alongside us until the very end, along with his wife, Laurie, who worked in the store off and on over the years. In early 2024, after nearly 80 years, the store closed as Jeff retired.
A new chapter
Rather than recreate Harold Jaffe Jewelers at a new address, we chose to begin something new. In 2024, IM Jaffe was born, and together we have built it from the ground up, from the earliest ideas to painting the walls by hand. What we carried forward are the values that matter most: trust, expertise, and lasting relationships with the people we serve.
Home in Perrysburg
The Jaffe family first brought its jewelry business to Perrysburg in 1955. More than 70 years later, we are honored to return, in the town’s historic 1940 post office at 117 E. Second Street. The 1942 mural “Building of Ft. Meigs 1813,” painted by Glenn M. Shaw, still welcomes visitors in the lobby.
For generations, people came to this building to send something that mattered. Today, they come here to mark what matters.
Family remains part of the space as well. Ivan’s brother Bruce, who passed away in 1985, is remembered here through his pool table, which now has a place in the store. Bruce’s wife, Roberta, spent the summer helping us prepare to open.
What we offer
We offer bridal jewelry, custom design, heirloom redesign, repairs, and fine jewelry, with real expertise and an unhurried, personal approach. We call it Luxury Without Ego: beautiful jewelry and genuine knowledge, without making luxury feel intimidating.
Art and community are part of IM Jaffe, too. Ceramic artist Kristin Kowalski joins us as our first Artist in Residence, and classes and workshops will begin in 2027.
We would love to welcome you.
