Raskin’s Jewelers Celebrates 80 Years of Legacy, Craftsmanship, and Community Commitment

Traditions Carry On with the Carlisto Family

Raskin’s Jewelers proudly celebrates 80 years of excellence in fine jewelry, marking a milestone that honors generations of craftsmanship, entrepreneurial vision, and enduring community relationships. Established in 1935, the Raskin name continues to symbolize integrity, quality, and trusted service in Prescott and beyond.

Founded by Melvin Raskin during the Great Depression, the business began in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where Melvin and his brother Harry built a jewelry enterprise grounded in resilience, innovation, and customer trust. Melvin’s pioneering approach to in-house financing and personalized service allowed customers access to fine jewelry during uncertain economic times, establishing a reputation that would carry forward for decades.

The business later expanded to Arizona, where Melvin’s son, Lynn Raskin, helped usher in the next era of growth. After earning his business degree from the University of Arizona and achieving his Graduate Gemologist certification from the Gemological Institute of America, Lynn opened the Prescott location in 1963. Under his leadership, Raskin’s Jewelers became a respected cornerstone of the Prescott community, known not only for fine jewelry but also for custom services, awards, and exceptional customer care.

The third generation, Greg Raskin, assumed ownership in 2003, continuing the family tradition during a time of significant economic change. Greg demonstrated resilience and dedication, guiding the business through industry challenges while maintaining its strong presence in downtown Prescott. His leadership ensured that the values established by his father and grandfather—integrity, quality, and community commitment—remained at the forefront of the business.

As Greg prepared for retirement, he sought to ensure the continuation of the Raskin legacy. That opportunity emerged through Jim Carlisto, an experienced jewelry industry professional, who, along with his son, acquired the business with a shared commitment to preserving its heritage. As part of the transition, the new ownership proudly retained the Raskin name, honoring its decades-long legacy and ensuring continuity for customers and the Prescott community.

“It was important to me that the Raskin name and tradition continue,” said Greg Raskin. “Knowing the business will carry forward under experienced and dedicated leadership gives me tremendous confidence and pride in what our family built.”

In January 2023, Jim Carlisto and his son, James Carlisto, assumed ownership of Raskin’s Jewelers with a deep respect for the store’s remarkable history and a clear commitment to preserving its legacy. With Jim’s extensive background in the jewelry industry and a shared family vision, the Carlistos made the intentional decision to retain the Raskin name—honoring the generations who built the business while positioning it for continued success. Since taking ownership, they have remained steadfast in upholding the store’s longstanding standards of integrity, craftsmanship, and customer service, while also strengthening its presence in the Prescott community through charitable support, local partnerships, and civic involvement. “We recognized immediately that Raskin’s was more than a jewelry store—it’s part of Prescott’s story,” said Jim Carlisto. “It’s an honor to carry forward a name that represents trust, family, and 80 years of service. Our responsibility is to protect that legacy while continuing to serve this community with the same dedication the Raskin family demonstrated for generations.”

James Carlisto, representing the next generation of leadership, has embraced both the history and the future of the business, working alongside his father to ensure its continued growth and relevance. Together, they have invested in strengthening customer relationships, expanding services, and reinforcing the store’s role as a community cornerstone. Their vision extends far beyond the present, with a strong emphasis on generational continuity and stewardship. “This isn’t just about today—it’s about building something lasting for the future,” said James Carlisto. “We’re proud to carry the Raskin legacy forward, and our goal is to continue earning the trust of Prescott families for decades to come. One day, we hope to pass this business down to the next generation, just as it was passed to us, ensuring the tradition of excellence lives on.”

As Raskin’s Jewelers celebrates this historic 80-year milestone, the company looks forward to honoring its past while embracing a future defined by continued growth, innovation, and service to Prescott and Northern Arizona.

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