By Laura Eckstein Jones By Laura Eckstein Jones | February 3, 2025 | Style & Beauty, Feature,
At Oliver Smith Jeweler, father-daughter duo Oliver and Elizabeth Smith combine decades of excellence with a fresh vision for lasting success.
Twenty-five years in the making, the OSJ x Panerai Special Edition Submersible watch is limited to 60 pieces, and available at Oliver Smith Jeweler Panerai boutiques in Scottsdale and Aspen.
For over 40 years, Oliver Smith Jeweler has stood as a testament to quality, craftsmanship and evolution in the luxury jewelry and watch industry. Founded in 1983 by Oliver Smith, the brand began as a traveling business before finding its first permanent location in Southern California. In 1985, Oliver relocated to Scottsdale. “That decision laid the foundation for the company you see today,” he shares.
What sets Oliver Smith Jeweler apart isn’t just its custom-designed jewelry and luxury watches, but the family story behind its success.
The Oliver Smith Jeweler Panerai boutique at Scottsdale Fashion Square
Over the years, the business has transitioned into a multigenerational venture, with Oliver’s daughter, Elizabeth Smith, stepping into the role of managing director.
“Working together as a family is a unique situation, but it’s all about showing respect,” says Oliver. “It... requires shadowing, mentoring and a real understanding of every facet of the operation. For a successor, that depth of knowledge is essential—not just for maintaining the business but for contributing to its growth and evolution.”
Elizabeth Smith
“His work ethic is unmatched,” Elizabeth says of her father. “He’s an inspiring leader who knows how to motivate and guide others, and he brings humor and fun to the process, making work genuinely fun!” In turn, Oliver admires Elizabeth’s fresh perspective. “She went out and worked for other corporations before joining the family business,” he shares of his daughter, who started as the store’s official holiday gift wrapper in middle school, eventually opening the brand’s Aspen boutique in 2018. “That experience really helped her grow on a professional level and brought new perspectives to what we do. I also admire her ability to step up and do whatever needs to be done, whenever needed, to make the business a success,” he adds.
Elizabeth’s focus on branding and marketing ensures the business connects with new and longtime clients. Meanwhile, Oliver continues to oversee operations and inventory, ensuring the product mix aligns with their standards. Together, they balance honoring the brand’s history and driving its future growth.
Dazzling pieces from Oliver Smith Jeweler’s Cairn collection
Their shared vision is evident in milestones like the Oliver Smith x Panerai Special Edition watch, a limited run of 60 pieces. “We wanted the watch to reflect both Panerai’s rich heritage and a modern, adventurous style,” Elizabeth explains. With its blue ceramic bezel, paper-white dial and blue accents, the timepiece embodies Scottsdale’s active, outdoor lifestyle.
Oliver Smith in the early days of the business.
As Oliver and Elizabeth look ahead, they’re committed to thoughtful growth. “Over the next 40 years, I see Oliver Smith Jeweler continuing to establish itself as the trusted regional brand known for its commitment to quality, expertise and personalized service,” says Oliver. Elizabeth agrees. “We won’t expand just for the sake of expansion, but in a smart way with long-term vision.” oliversmithjeweler.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF OLIVER SMITH JEWELER