Our Story

Zachary's Family The adventure which has become Zachary’s Jewelers began in 1992.  A small amount of capital, a large amount of heart, a strong family, and the desire to become something special created a business which has made a difference in the lives of many.  From the beginning, we measured our success based upon the good we have done in our community and the satisfaction of our customers.  This success accompanied an increase in sales and revenues every year we have been in business.

November 2005 As with all great adventures, there were dragons to be slain.  A devastating fire burned our store to the ground on the evening of November 25, 2005.  Feelings of despair, fear, and the expectation that we had lost everything were quickly vanquished in the morning of November 26, 2005.  Zachary’s customers, our friends, Annapolis City officials, and members of the business community all came to help us salvage what we could and lifted our spirits by their display of love and support.  We made an immediate decision to relocate Zachary’s at a location which previously was the Banana Republic clothing store.  Within a week, we were back in business and had our best Christmas sales season ever.

Zachary's Interior Now, no one will recognize that our current store was once a Banana Republic.  After spending a million plus bananas, the current Zachary’s location is a showcase in which the history, beauty, and vitality of the City of Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay is celebrated.  The new store was designed by internationally renowned architectural designer, Aleksey Belinskey, who gave us a world class shopping venue  which celebrates Annapolis's historical and maritime heritage.  Belinskey has designed numerous luxury retail establishments, including the jewelry store and all retail in the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City.

Zachary's Interior Stephen Samaras, who has led Zachary’s from its inception, wanted the new store to feel like a luxury yacht. From brass entrance railings and brass details representing the hulls of a yacht to teakwood jewelry cases and curved carpeting surrounding the hardwood flooring suggesting water surrounding the “boat shaped” central jewelry case design.  The stand up columns are bowed and spotlight our signature jewelry pieces. Our mosaic tile feature wall which is an abstract display of the sunrise over the bay showcases our newly designed logo in brass detail.  The wall coverings, chair fabrics, and in case designs are fabulous in cohesive colors of cool blues and warm golds.  The unique ceiling treatments are open tresses similar to what you may find in a boat yard house and features dramatic pin spot lighting.  Instead of stock photos displayed on our walls, we show beautiful black & white images of our maritime history.  Our investment in this renovation was intended to make our store second to none and to have this wonderful location become a showcase for the very best of Annapolis.

Steve Samaras, Errol Daly, with Love Letter Contest Winners, Charlie & Penny Kidd As beautiful as the store that has the feel of a custom built yacht may be, it is its crew which is the magic of Zachary’s.  Our sales team begins with Steve Samaras, who with General Manager Errol Daly, has been with Zachary’s the entire journey.  Errol is a native of Belize whose smile and good nature will make anyone feel as though he or she has “no worries.”  Errol is also a Master Polisher and customers come to Zachary’s from all over the world for his expertise.  When you meet this gracious gentleman, you immediately know that you are dealing with a consummate professional who recognizes that his job is making you feel special.

It was Steve’s vision that good deeds would translate into good business.  Our local schools, hospital, Hospice, and dozens of other charities and civic organizations have become part of the Zachary’s family. Steve has served as President of the Annapolis Business Association, Vice President of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitor’s Bureau, Board member of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, and a director of Commerce 1st Bank.  His service is followed by the entire Zachary’s staff who pride themselves on belonging to at least two community charities.  We open the store for these good organizations’ fundraisers and get togethers, and have shared many wonderful evenings with these great hearts.

Valentine’s Day Event at Zachary’s Jewelers