Melissa Varon Weinberg

Highlights 

• Fine Jewelry & Watches
• Custom Design
• Repairs
• Appraisals 

Morgan’s Jewelers was founded more than 79 years ago and has been family-owned and operated ever since. After attending San Diego State University, Melissa Varon Weinberg studied marketing and product development at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. She joined the family business in 2001.

Share a pivotal moment that inspired you to choose your career. 

My pivotal moment came when I attended my very first JCK jewelry show in Las Vegas, with my family. At the time I had already worked in the fashion world. I had built and sold a toy company that had an animated series in development with MTV. My world was full of creativity. But walking into that jewelry show felt like stepping into my true home. I realized that this was where my heart was, where my family had poured decades of effort and where I wanted to make my mark for the next generation. 

How did your upbringing influence your path?

Growing up in a family business gave me a very intimate understanding of what it means to work hard for something you believe in. My family taught me about commitment, consistency and care—care for the purpose and care for our clients. That foundation instilled in me both a respect for tradition and a desire to innovate.

How do you define your leadership style?

Collaborative and adaptive. Early in my career, I thought leadership meant having all the answers. Now I understand it’s about asking the right questions, creating space for ideas, setting your team up for success and empowering people to shine. Jewelry is about beauty, but leadership is about trust. I’ve learned that the two go hand in hand. 

What can we each do to support other women in business?

Celebrate each other loudly and unapologetically. Too often women brush off their own achievements. We need to amplify each other’s voices, make referrals, make time to connect and mentor whenever possible. 

Tell us about something you’re currently learning that impacts your work.

I have been deep diving into mindfulness and the neuroscience behind rewiring your brain’s neural pathways. Understanding how our brains process stress and creativity helps me stay grounded and more present with my team and clients.

What rules do you break regularly—and with intention?

The idea that luxury has to feel exclusive or can be intimidating. I believe that luxury can be warm, approachable and fun. Our showroom reflects that energy. It’s bright, welcoming and offers something for everyone. After all, jewelry is about joy and celebration. That should never feel out of reach. 

Any new projects on the horizon?

This has been a very exciting season of growth for us with more in-store events and collaborations that tie in jewelry and watches to lifestyle experiences. It’s all about creating community and celebrating the everyday moments that make lives special. Our watch department is getting a full makeover to welcome new brands and better reflect what local clients are looking for. And after a lot of behind-the-scenes work, we’re thrilled to be launching e-commerce on our new website soon, making it easier than ever to explore our collection. 

What strategies have you found most effective in growing your business?

We have been focusing a lot on partnerships and special events. When people really get to know you and see you as more than just a store but as part of their lives, that’s when true growth happens in a sustainable way. 

Tell us about your family.

My family is the heartbeat of this business. Three generations have poured their lives into creating not just beautiful jewelry but a lasting culture built on integrity, joy and passion. What started as a dream generations ago has become a legacy—one that I am proud to carry forward. I am also incredibly fortunate to work alongside a team that shares the same commitment to excellence, each person bringing their talent and dedication as a contribution to the shared end goal of creating something special, from marketing to the client experience.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro