850 GOOD NEWS: Local jewelry store celebrates 49 years with remodel, new generation

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A Bay County jewelry store has completed a remodel as the business transitions to its next generation.

Maharaja’s Fine Jewelry owner Manu Samtani opened his first store in Panama City Beach in 1977 after leaving Jamaica and searching for a place to start over along the Florida coast.

“I finally met some people over here who convinced me that that would be the beach to be in,” Samtani said.

The store initially sold clothing, not jewelry. Samtani later added Mexican jewelry, including abalone and turquoise, before transitioning to gold jewelry.

“We got better and better, so I added Mexican jewelry in the first place— abalones, turquoise— all that stuff. And then, from there, I jumped into gold jewelry,” Samtani said.

Samtani said his approach to business has remained consistent over the years.

“Day at a time. I don’t plan anything for long-term, I just go day at a time, change things the way they have to go. And with God’s grace, I landed in the right place,” he said.

Samtani credited the community with his success.

“The city accepted me for who I was. Once people accept you for who you are, and you treat people right in the community, the community will always believe in you,” he said.

After 49 years, Samtani’s son Mohit is stepping in as co-owner. Mohit Samtani said he started working at the store in fourth grade.

“My first full day at work, I was in fourth grade. It was during the summer. I came to work with my dad at about eight in the morning, and I came home at 7 p.m.,” Mohit Samtani said.

The remodel was designed to create an in-store experience as more customers shop online.

“With everyone having the capability of having their phone and shopping online, we really wanted to build an in-store experience for this design,” Mohit Samtani said.

The store focuses on items that mark meaningful moments, including engagement rings and watches.

“It’s things that represent meaningful moments in people’s lives— whether it’s a watch that a guy’s buying to celebrate and achievement with work or purchasing that engagement ring,” Mohit Samtani said.

Manu Samtani said seeing his son join the business represents the future.

“With the grace of God, and my son joined me, he’s going to take it to the next 50 years,” he said.

The in-store renovation is complete. Mohit Samtani said his next step is to focus on the online retail space.

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