Russ Varon 

Highlights

• Jewelry/Watch Repair
• Custom Jewelry Design
• Engagement Ring Sales
• Fine Jewelry & Timepieces

Russ Varon’s father, Morgan, established a fine jewelry family business in 1946. Now, nearly 80 years later, Russ is the visionary behind Morgan’s Jewelers in Torrance. He spent years honing his skills and mastering the art of jewelry design and construction. Today Morgan’s Jewelers offers a selection of fine designer jewelry and watches, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities for custom designs, expert goldsmiths, designers, certified Swiss watchmakers and a friendly Gemological Institute of America-trained staff.      Continuing his family’s legacy of giving back, Russ actively participates in charitable projects and serves as a member of the board of the Torrance Memorial Hospital Foundation. He supports Guide Dogs for the Blind, contributes to the American Cancer Society and helps mentor those in need.

Morgan’s Jewelers has been a trusted name for generations. How long have you personally been involved in the family business?

I’ve been part of the business for 62 years now. Some of my earliest memories are in the showroom with my parents, who were amazing teachers. They had me doing minor repairs and picking diamonds at the age of 12.

How do your in-house services and personal approach set you apart from competitors?

What sets us apart is that everything we do—from custom design to repairs—is handled in-house by experts we’ve worked with for decades. That level of trust and control means our clients get the highest quality, every time. We treat every piece like it’s personal, because it is.

What recent jewelry trends are you most excited to see clients embracing?

Yellow gold is making a strong comeback—our new boutique area that showcases the latest trends has been a great hit. And clients are moving back to fun everyday jewelry. Our South Bay casual lifestyle lends itself to those pieces. 

Your parents built Morgan’s Jewelers from the ground up. What values did they pass down that makes Morgan’s different?

They traveled the world seeking unique pieces and building long-lasting relationships with jewelry manufacturers and gemstone cutters. Sourcing the finest quality and operating or importing directly has allowed us to sell unique jewelry at competitive pricing. They taught me that success isn’t just about the sale—it’s about relationships. If you take care of people, they continue to come back, leading to generational business. That philosophy still guides everything we do.

How do your personal relationships help elevate the client experience at Morgan’s?

Over the years we’ve built a strong customer base and referrals all over the country. Living in the South Bay for over 50 years, our family has been very involved in this community. We are very proud sponsors of our local schools, hospitals and other organizations, and we are honored to be voted “best jewelry store” in the South Bay year after year by Easy Reader magazine.

Why is the in-store experience so important when it comes to jewelry?

Jewelry is emotional—it’s meant to be felt, tried on and experienced up close. In the store you get that connection, plus expert guidance and trust that you just can’t replicate online. It turns a purchase into a moment.

How do you support clients through the  journey of choosing an engagement ring?

We take the time to really listen to what matters most to them. It’s not just about the ring; it’s about the story behind it. Our goal is to make the process feel personal, thoughtful and exciting. For many clients, the engagement ring experience is their first with Morgan’s Jewelers and the beginning of what we hope to be a long-lasting relationship. We get to be a part of their journey. It’s really special. As we like to say, come to Morgan’s and experience the difference! 

What does it mean to carry forward a legacy of independent, family-owned service?

Carrying this legacy forward means everything to me. Being family-owned allows us to stay rooted in our values: personal service, integrity and a true connection with our clients. In a fast-changing industry, that kind of consistency is rare, and people feel the difference the moment they walk through our doors.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro