Grader Jewelers is a third generation family owned jewelry store. Peter and Lorraine Grader founded the business in 1962 with $350 and big dreams. Peter was a watchmaker trained in Europe and Lorraine was a college graduate with a degree in Accounting. Who would have thought that this dream would turn into a third generation family business?  Mark Grader (Peter and Lorraine’s son) is the President of the company today. Mark is quick to share his first title in the business which was “H.C.C.W” (At the age of 10 he was the Head Cuckoo Clock Winder.)  He grew up in the family jewelry store and learned the pleasure of helping people mark celebrations and pleasant milestones in their lives with fine jewelry.  Mark’s wife Linda is Vice President of the Company and heads up Human Resources. The Graders are very proud of their staff… many of the employees are family friends or have worked for the company for many years.  Mark has known the service manager, Kevin, since he was 4 years old, the manager of the Norwich store has been with the company for 40 years, Sue (in the Groton store) has been with the Graders for 37 years and the Waterford store manager, Larry Dahl, was Mark’s college roommate.

Those are just a few examples and they consider them all family. Graders is proud of the longevity, knowledge and commitment of the staff. “We are in our third generation, but we still have the same goals, quality, value and uniqueness,” says Mark. “Our sense of family continues on with our customers. We enjoy being a part of their lives and experiences as we watch families grow.”  The latest generation to enter the business is Mark and Linda’s daughter, and Peter and Lorraine’s granddaughter, Andrea. Andrea has always had a love for jewelry and a personality that makes you feel like you have known her for years. She graduated college with a degree in Business Administration and is currently enrolled in education with the Gemological Institute of America. “I love selling a beautiful piece of jewelry and knowing that it will bring its new owner beauty and happiness,” says Andrea. Andrea is always learning and feels fortunate to have so many knowledgeable people with years of experience to learn from. “I am proud to be the third generation in my family’s business and am excited to continue on the tradition of bringing beautiful jewelry, friendly service and a family atmosphere to the area