by Sue Giustino
Diamond Richie brings a bit of the Diamond District to Montauk…with a fun, not so formal flair…Montauk Style
On Memorial Day Weekend, long time Montauk residents Richie and Sandra Winick, will open their store – Winick Fine Jewelry – on Main Street [next to Beckers Hardware]. “I want to offer quality merchandise at a reasonable price, to my community that I love,” commented Rich Winick as we spoke about his new venture.
‘Diamond Richie’ as he’s affectionately known to many in Montauk, has been in the jewelry business since the age of fifteen. Richie’s parents, both in the jewelry business when they met in 1947, started their own family run business on the Bowery in 1954. In the 80’s they relocated and have been in various locations on 47th St. for the last 32 years: currently 32w 47th. The business was one of the first importers of Italian Fine Jewelry to the US in the 70’s. Recently, Richie was part of the Adam Sandler movie “Uncut Gems”, parts of which were shot in his Diamond District store. He’s also been one of the executive directors of the 47th St. BID for 27 years, working for the improvement of the Diamond District community.
Richie grew up in Hewlett, on Long Island. While in high school he worked weekends learning the business with his dad, uncle and brother. Upon graduation from college, Richie went into the business full time. In addition to his interest in diamonds and fine jewelry, Richie is an avid surfer. He’s been surfing in Montauk since 1974.
Fifteen years ago, Richie had a jewelry showcase at Haven in town. Since then, he’s been selling to Montauk surfers, restaurateurs, bar owners, fisherman… through his NYC Store. He told me, while we chatted at the Gig Shack, that now he’s selling engagement rings to his friends’ kids. His long-time dream was to open a store on Main Street here in Montauk. This year when the print shop moved, his opportunity came, and he believes it was meant to be. He wants to be here with his family, and now his dream of a storefront on Main Street is becoming a reality.
His wife Sandra, and his business partner RJ, also in a family business of his own for 100 years, will be a part of the Montauk store as well. Sandra Winick is an accomplished model, chef, and jewelry designer for 15 years. She has her own line of jewelry, ‘BlingBone’, for pet lovers to share with their dogs. In addition, she is a designer of nature inspired jewelry with a Brazilian flair. Her creativity and knowledge of jewelry making will be a great asset to the business.
A fun addition to the store is a Bead Bar by Bob Melet. Providing an opportunity to allow your creativity to shine, and a fun interactive spot for kids and adults- a great place to make a unique gift for that special someone.
Richie, Sandra, and RJ are available for all of your Jewelry needs. They can source out a diamond of any size. They can take old jewelry and create a new and exciting custom piece. They will appraise, purchase, or exchange jewelry you’re no longer wearing. They want to make the Montauk store your destination for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry pieces. All custom designs will be made in their NYC workshop. In addition to manufacturing, the store will have a large selection of antiques, vintage, and contemporary jewelry.
Be sure to stop by Memorial Day weekend for a glass of wine and to check out what they have to offer. https://www.instagram.com/winickdiamonds/