First Posted: 6/9/2013
Ochman’s Coins and Jewelry, 2607 Memorial Highway, Dallas, as its name suggests, specializes in buying and selling both new and used coins and jewelry. But just as – or more – important to the owners and staff are the friendships formed through the business since its establishment in 1979.
“We’ve met some amazing freinds over the years,” said Maryann Ochman, 38, daughter of the original owner, the late Tom Ochman. “You never know who or what is going to come in the door, and that’s the fun part.”
She and Fran Ochman, wife of Tom Ochman, both said the best part of running the business is interacting with the customers.
They said they believe the business to be unique because of the variety of goods and services and the “personal touch” they aim to provide each individual customer.
“They come in and we get to know them,” Maryann Ochman said. “We try to make ourselves accessible to people at any time.”
One regular customer who the Ochmans also call friend is Ed Reiter, senior editor of “COINage” and former New York Times columnist. He said the two aspects which keep him coming back are the “friendliness” and “excellent selection of coins.”
The shop was formerly located at 18 Church St., Dallas, and moved to the current location, which is larger, on April 1.
“We like being in the heart of the Back Mountain,” said Maryann Ochman.
Fran added, “People have been very welcoming here.”
The business is described on its website, ochmans.com, as two-sided. “On one side,” states the “About Us” page, “Ochman’s is your local full service jewelry store offering: fine quality gold and silver jewelry in the newest designs, a full line of diamond and gemstone jewelry, ladies and men’s watches, and expert jewelry repair. In addition to the new jewelry, Ochman’s offers a fine line of estate jewelry for sale and Ochman’s is always interested in purchasing additional antique jewelry.”
“On the other side,” it continues, “Ochman’s buys and sells gold coins, silver coins and old US currency. Ochman’s offers gold and silver as an alternative investment to the stock market. Also, Ochman’s carries a wide selection of gold and silver coins for collectors who may be looking to find that one special coin or others just starting coin collecting as a new hobby.”
The Ochmans also said they are active members of the community in many ways. The shop donates to the library auction, Maryann is a founding member of the Dallas Harvest Festival, they are both active in St. Theresa’s Church, both are members of two local coin clubs, Fran is president of the Wilkes-Barre Coin Club and the store has won The Dallas Post’s Best of the Back Mountain award for best jeweler five years in a row.
