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Cranford, NJ--The Cranford Township Committee has recognized Martin Jewelers for 80 years in business, citing its continued presence in downtown Cranford and long-standing community support.

[Representative image via iStock.com/BeritK]

According to TAPinto Cranford, Howard Martin Siegel opened Martin Jewelers on October 2, 1945, shortly after World War II. His emphasis on certified expertise and personal service built a multigenerational client base that continues today.

Ellen Ramer, who joined the store in 1976 and later became its owner, has upheld Siegel's approach. The TAPinto Cranford report noted that she became a registered jeweler in 1981 and a certified gemologist in 1985, earning the American Gem Society's Certified Gemologist Appraiser title. She became the sole owner in 1994.

Per the report, Mayor Terrence Curran said the store exemplifies the kind of business that strengthens Cranford's community, noting its ongoing local involvement.

In 1992, Ramer and Rolex Watch USA donated the Victorian-style clock that stands in Eastman Plaza, now a local landmark. The jeweler has also supported area schools, charities, and community events, including the town's holiday lights.

A 1972 New York Times feature, as highlighted by the post, once described Martin Jewelers as distinctive for its dramatic "ice-palace" interior design, a look that set it apart from typical jewelry stores.

Reflecting on the milestone, Ramer said, "Cranford has seen a lot of changes, good times and bad, but what’s stayed the same is the heart and soul of this town. I may live in Scotch Plains, but Cranford is my home."

Learn more in this report by TAPinto Cranford.