Articles and News

Iowa City, IA--Mark Ginsberg, the owner of M.C. Ginsberg, an Iowa City jewelry store with roots dating back to 1926, is gradually passing the torch to his daughter, Lizzie Ginsberg O'Neill, after nearly 40 years in the family business.

[Image via M.C. Ginsberg]

A news report states that Ginsberg has strived to emphasize art and craftsmanship in the jewelry industry, rebranding the store as "M.C. Ginsberg Objects of Art" in the late 1980s.

Ginsberg believes that jewelry should last a lifetime, gathering stories and memories for their owners, a concept lost in the industry's commercialization. As O'Neill takes over, she aims to infuse art into the retail experience further, adopting an appointment-only model for customers seeking personalized, custom-made pieces.

O'Neill, who holds a degree in 3D design, plans to continue the store's work in cottage manufacturing, biotech, and education, leveraging her experience with the store's 3D printing machine. The business also intends to remain active in community development, contributing to local programs and philanthropic endeavors.

"If you look at art a certain way, you become an amazing problem solver," she said in the report. "We're not in our little jewelry box. We can be in any box we want to be in."

With a fresh vision and a renewed focus on artistry, M.C. Ginsberg is set to enter a new era under Lizzie Ginsberg O'Neill's leadership, maintaining a legacy of community involvement and exceptional craftsmanship.

Learn more in this report.