The McKay legacy began in 1949 when Robert McKay and his wife Frances Ellen started their adventure into the diamonds business. They opened the doors to McKay Diamonds at 157 South Main Street and for more than 60 years provided customers with a chance to make their jewelry dreams and custom designs come to life. Robert and Frances believed in building personal connections and bolstering friendships that lasted their lifetime. 

In May 2010, Robert McKay decided it was time to retire. Joe & Sandra Andrade, jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the McKay legacy. Joe has been in the jewelry business for over 40 years. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, he started his career at just nine years old as a watchmaker. He later began an apprenticeship, developing skills in jewelry carving and setting, and opened his first jewelry store in Brazil at age 17. Since then, he has never stopped working in this business.  

That entrepreneurial spirit led Joe to move to the United States in 1998, where he worked for other jewelry stores before starting his own company. It is hard to imagine historic Main Street without McKay Diamonds, and Joe knew that his new ownership would not change what McKay created: a place where your jeweler is your friend and your experience there will be one to remember. “I want it to be personal, something with feeling and meaning,” said Joe. This can be felt especially among those looking for Engagement and Wedding rings, an area of specialization for Joe Andrade and his family. Many customers have a vision of what they want their ring to be. Whatever the style, to be involved in the whole process, is an experience like no other. As a local business, everything is done in the store. 

Custom design allows someone to bring in a sketch or photograph of a piece, and the jeweler creates a mold of the design until the customer is totally satisfied. These pieces can be created using diamonds and other gemstones that you already have, or can be provided to you from our selection. The design and production process can take as little as 4 days, but creates memories that last a lifetime. McKay Diamonds customers have come back for all of their jewelry needs, whether a repair or custom design, because of its legacy that remains strong today.

Unfortunately, in October of 2021 McKay Diamonds had to move from their iconic Main Street location. In November it reopened nearby on Regent Street where Joe, Sandra and their children Kimberly and Allan continue to keep the McKay Legacy alive. The shared goal is to continue to offer quality service and an incredible experience to each and every one of their customers. 

“Thank you for the continued support for our small family business. Our continued success would not be possible without the support of our wonderful community. We look forward to seeing you and helping all of your jewelry dreams come true.”

–The Andrade Family