Hawaii Estate & Jewelry Buyers: Treat Customers Like Family

Founder Moshe Hakemolo values building a multigenerational legacy over short-term profit.

Moshe Hakemolo, owner of Hawaii Estate & Jewelry Buyers, grounds his business in his Jewish religious beliefs. For him, that means businesses built on dishonorable practices rarely succeed, and “karma” will come after you.

Hakemolo has been working in the jewelry business as an estate appraiser and gemologist since 2001. He started his own business in 2010, which now has five employees, including two appraisers.

At first, customers came for appraisal services, but many returned frustrated after receiving low offers from cash-for-gold buyers. To better serve them, Moshe says they began selling select pieces on their behalf, with prices that reflected their care for the community. Now the business appraises, buys and fixes jewelry full time. After the jewelry is purchased by the business, it’s inspected and resold through a “network of jewelry investors willing to pay a premium for specialty or rare pieces,” he says. Some items can be viewed on the company’s website.

Hakemolo explains that the value of jewelry depends on its type and materials. Metals, gold and gemstones are assessed with specialized equipment, and the value of jewelry can range from a few hundred dollars to many thousands.

“The crux of the job is really knowing what you’re looking at and identifying its value, then explaining it to the client in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Values can vary widely; we’ve had pieces worth hundreds of thousands, and other clients come in with a $600 gold chain. While we can’t help everyone, it’s not difficult to be transparent and communicate what each item is truly worth,” he says.

Hawaii Estate & Jewelry Buyers operates by appointment only. Customers can schedule a visit Monday through Friday by calling or emailing the office (808-729-6000).

Hakemolo says he loves working with clients of all generations, from grandparents to their children and grandchildren, and aims to support families rather than focus solely on profit.

“It’s very humbling to have two, sometimes three, generations of families trusting us with their jewelry and heirlooms. That responsibility has shaped the way I think about the future. I have two kids, a boy and a girl, and I hope they will be part of this business so they can continue helping the next generations in our community, just as I have,” Hakemolo says.

He also makes it a point to give back to the community that’s given him so much.

“We can give back in a variety of ways,” Hakemolo says. “What we’re doing right now is a service where we’re offering free verbal appraisals for seniors or military.”