- June 22, 2025
Thousands of weddings. Thousands of birthdays, anniversaries, mother's days and "just because" occasions.
Fred Gerberman has been a part of thousands of celebrations over his 33 years in business with his jewelry store, Gerber Jewelers. And now, he's embarking on a new chapter, having closed down the retail side of his store to focus on what he loves most: creating custom pieces.
"Everybody's got retail," Gerberman said. "I just want to deal with the special, one-of-a-kind pieces."
Gerberman grew up in the jewelry industry. He can remember working in his dad's store in El
Campo, Texas, from the time he was about 8 years old — from sweeping the floors and wrapping packages, to later repairing and engraving jewelry. In his late teenage years and early 20s, he worked as an auto mechanic, but went back to working with jewelry after his brother took over their dad's store.
Then, in 1987, Gerberman moved to Florida and lived in the panhandle for six months, where he worked for a jeweler, before moving to Daytona Beach to work for Tom Cook Jewelers. He was with them for about four years before opening his own business.
Initially called FMG Jewelry, Gerberman changed the name to Gerber Jewelers in 1994. Located at 1500 Ridgewood Ave. in Holly Hill, he has served the greater Ormond Beach area since.
What has kept him motivated for almost three decades?
"Creating one-of-a-kind pieces for people and the enjoyment they get out of it," he said. "And creating the lifetime piece of jewelry that will stay in families for generations."
While Gerberman has dedicated his life to creating jewelry for others, he hardly ever makes pieces for himself. In fact, the last piece he made for himself — a lapis ring — he sold during his store's liquidation sale.
For him, it's about creating heirlooms and seeing the expression on people's faces when they are presented with the finished piece, Gerberman explained.
"If you think about it, there's jewelry that was made in other centuries that are still here today," he said. "Who's say the jewelry I'm making today won't be around for centuries? I think it will."
Visit gerberjeweler.com. Hours are by appointment only.
