King Jewelers, a retailer located in Aventura, Fla., celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Founded by Louis King in 1912, the store’s ownership has been passed down from generation to generation.

“Every generation has brought something different to the business,” says CEO Scott King. Beginning as a pawn brokerage in Salt Lake City, the store had previously been located in Philadelphia and Atlantic City, N.J., before Scott’s grandfather relocated to Southern Florida.

Scott, a designer and wholesaler of jewelry and diamonds, respects his grandfather’s business instincts and decision to relocate the store to a warmer climate. He attributes the business’ staying power to his father’s mechanical knowledge. “I was fortunate to have my father and grandfather to ask for advice,” Scott says.

In addition to their location in Florida, the King family also opened a second store in Nashville, Tenn., in 2008, which is run by Scott’s son David. “I actually thought the succession was going to end with me,” Scott says. “Then on 9/11, my son David, a former Wall Street businessman, asked me if I needed a partner.” David has been in the family business ever since.

And the family involvement doesn’t end there: Scott’s wife, Maxine, serves as King’s jewelry buyer and president, and their son Jonathan is the CFO of the company. The family also hopes to open more stores in the future.

Scott credits the store’s longevity to the clients he and his family have serviced throughout the years. “Every generation has a special client that has been germane to the time frame,” he says. Some of the store’s most well-known customers have included the Rat Pack, Elton John, and most recently, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

“It is an unbelievable experience to have a business turn 100 years of age,” Scott says. “In the future we hope to add a sixth generation to our legacy. And we certainly look forward to the next 100 years.”

JCK