The owners of Morrison’s, Christine and David Berryhill, are a husband and wife duo now running the 100-year-old family business.
If you’ve ever walked along Moraga Way downtown and noticed a wet nose and set of piercing blue eyes gazing at you amongst a sea of sparkling gems and stones, then you’ve stumbled upon longtime, family-owned and operated Morrison’s Jewelers and of course, their beloved Husky mascot, Harley Jane.
This year, Morrison’s celebrates its 100-year anniversary with husband-and-wife duo, Christine and David Berryhill, at the helm.
“Love you can see since 1923” states their website and with dedicated customer service, attention to detail and passion for fine jewelry, every trip to Morrison’s upholds this promise.
Berryhill inherited the business from his father and uncle, who moved their grandfather’s original store from Berkeley 30 years ago. Orinda’s calm pace and close-knit community embraced Morrison’s with open arms. To show appreciation, the proprietors regularly find ways to give back to the community.
“We know our clientele, we know their kids, we know their grandkids and we’re always doing fun, different things,” said David.
Inspired by their love for Harley Jane, the Berryhills hold a sled dog adoption fair each month with NorSled, a Northern California-based rescue. NorSled brings adoptable dogs to Morrison’s to introduce them and to find their forever homes.Visit Norsled.org for more information about the organization.
Celebrating this diamond anniversary, Morrison’s is holding a diamond earring giveaway raffle throughout 2023, with all proceeds benefiting NorSled.
“You’re getting in a raffle for some amazing diamond earrings and you’re helping a dog rescue organization,” said Christine. “So it’s kind of a win-win, you know?”
The centennial celebrations don’t end there.
The “Third Thursday Events,” held every third Thursday through Saturday, feature a selected designer, offering a 33% discount off all their items.
“There’s something for nearly everyone at Morrison’s,” said Christine.
Occasionally a high schooler will stop by to scope out a $75 necklace or an established client will walk away with a quarter of a million-dollar pearl necklace. Morrison’s features a wide selection of rare, quality gemstones from across the globe including rubies, sapphires and tourmaline.
Morrison’s Jewelers specializes in custom works with many creations made on-site. They repair, redesign and customize pieces to clients’ tastes and with their ingrained family values, take pride in dedication to heirloom, quality pieces.
“We sell the kind of jewelry you can pass down to your daughter and your granddaughter,” said Christine. “It’s going to be around far longer than probably even you are.”
Although the Berryhills don’t have a fifth generation slated to take over the business, the operations are a full-family effort with their son Jack Jorgensen, handling web design and the business’ Search Engine Optimization (SEO). His work can be found at www.tenayawp.com.
In addition to family legacy and dedication to their craft, the chance for Morrison’s to play a small role in the special events in people’s lives is the driving force behind their business.
“We’re there for the wedding, for the engagement rings. We’re there for the anniversaries and the presents when babies start coming,” said Christine. “You just don’t get to see that all the time. So for us, it’s really the personal connection and of course, a massive love of
jewelry.”
Natasha Kaye can be reached at natashakaye@berkeley.edu.
