History

The IJ Gems history starts back with Fabian and Irene Mack with the assumption of Farmers Jewelers and then the creation of Mack's Credit Jewelers in 1949 in Baker, now Baker City Oregon. Shortly after that, the store changed to Mack & Sons, and later Fabian started a store in Pendleton, which was sold to Mr. Keating, which operated as Mack-Keating Jewelers and closed in 2000. In 1976, Irene Mack started IJ Gems in La Grande, Oregon, later opened the Enterprise Oregon location, and finally the Hermiston store in 1983. The Enterprise location was closed in 1986. During this time, though now closed, Mack & Son's stores were opened in Ontario, Baker City and La Grande. The remaining independant family stores are in Oak Harbor, Washington, Hermiston Oregon, and St. George Utah. Of the 13 Mack children, 6 remain in the jewelry trade.

The IJ Gems Vision

At I.J. Gems, our vision is to provide you, our Customer, our best products with the best services possible at the best possible price. The Customer is the reason for our existence and Jewelry is our passion. We endeavor to treat our Customer in the manner that we would like to be treated. You won't find high pressure sales staff, or a stuffy environment. Only knowledgeable and personable sales associates in a friendly atmosphere. At I.J. Gems we want you to be comfortable with your jewelry shopping experience, excited about your purchase, and satisfied that you got the best possible value. At I.J. Gems we believe in Honesty, Integrity, and Fairness in dealing. Old Fashioned values forged from years of Jewelry experience. Values that we believe are critical for the new Millennium. We want your repeated business... and your friendship. Your satisfaction is our goal and our success!

Philosophy

Our Business Philosophy is simple: we believe that we should deliver excellent customer service each and every time when assisting you with your purchases or servicing your jewelry. You are our #1 priority.

Member Association
Independant Jewelers Organization (IJO) Master Jewelers

I.J. Gems is rated by the Jeweler's Board of Trade (JBT), and is a member of Jewelers of America, the Oregon Jewelers Association and the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce

Gift Certificates

If you are at a loss of what to give that special person, then an I.J. Gems Gift Certificate may be your solution. Available always in whatever amount you desire, an I.J. Gems Gift Certificate says that you care enough to buy the very best!