PHOTOS BY JULIO MONTALVO
A Legacy of Love and Leadership: Courtney Cornell Ushers in a New Era at Cornell’s Jewelers
As the holiday season draws near, Rochester Woman Online is proud to spotlight Courtney Cornell as our 2024 Holiday Edition cover woman. Representing the next generation of excellence at Cornell’s Jewelers, Courtney embodies a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and heartfelt commitment. As part of a family legacy spanning nearly a century, she and her husband, Michael, have seamlessly stepped into leadership roles, carrying forward a cherished brand that has become synonymous with elegance, craftsmanship, and community trust.
Courtney’s journey is as dazzling as the jewels her family has expertly curated for generations. Rooted in a background of marketing, PR, and event planning, she has brought a fresh perspective to the business since taking the reins alongside Michael in 2023. Together, they have embraced their roles with determination, blending their complementary skills to create a harmonious partnership that propels Cornell’s Jewelers into an exciting future.
Beyond her professional accolades, Courtney’s story is one of balance, resilience, and dedication—not only to her career but also to her role as a wife and mother of two. Her passion for family, business, and community shines through in everything she does, whether she’s connecting with customers, scouting the latest trends, or planning the store’s annual holiday festivities.
Join us as we dive into Courtney’s inspiring journey, uncovering the values, lessons, and vision that make her a driving force behind one of Rochester’s most beloved businesses.
Can you tell our readers a little about your background and what initially brought you into the jewelry industry?
My background is rooted in Marketing, PR, and Event Planning, which provided a strong foundation for my current role as part of the third generation at Cornell’s Jewelers. I’ve always been drawn to family-owned businesses, and that experience has been invaluable in understanding the dynamics and dedication required to carry on a legacy. The jewelry industry is particularly special because it’s filled with family-run retailers and wholesalers, which creates a unique sense of community and tradition that I’m proud to be part of.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of a family legacy that spans a century?
Being part of a family legacy that spans a century is both an incredible honor and a deep responsibility. My husband Michael and I are proud to continue the Cornell legacy, built on the strong foundation laid by his father and stepmother. We are committed to sustaining and growing the business while staying true to the values that have earned our community’s trust over the years. It’s a privilege to carry on this tradition, and we are dedicated to delivering the exceptional products, services, and experiences our customers have come to expect.
What’s it like working with your husband, Michael, and being part of a team that’s not only professional but also deeply personal?
Working with Michael is both rewarding and inspiring. We’re fortunate to complement each other with different strengths, allowing us to collaborate seamlessly as a team. It’s truly a joy to see him in his element, doing what he’s so passionate about. Sharing this journey has not only strengthened our professional partnership but has also deepened our 15-year relationship, as we get to witness and celebrate each other’s success in a whole new way.
How would you describe your leadership style and how it complements Michael’s as you both lead Cornell’s together?
My leadership style is very results-oriented. In our business, we call this an ‘Eagle’ approach—I focus on setting clear steps to achieve goals and holding myself and others accountable until we reach them. Michael, on the other hand, is a visionary, or a ‘Peacock.’ He thrives on building connections, socializing, and creating joy by sharing in others’ experiences. Together, our contrasting styles create a well-balanced partnership that not only strengthens our marriage but also benefits the business. Our combined approaches allow us to effectively lead Cornell’s while staying grounded in both strategy and relationships.
Who are some of your favorite jewelry designers, and what draws you to their work?
For fashion jewelry, I’m drawn to designers like Marco Bicego, Sloane Street, and Philips House. Marco Bicego’s Italian craftsmanship is simply unparalleled, blending elegance with artistry. Sloane Street, a mother-daughter design powerhouse, perfectly balances grace and grit, creating pieces that are absolutely stunning. Philips House offers classic diamond and yellow gold designs that are versatile enough to be dressed up or down—a true staple in any jewelry collection.
When it comes to diamond jewelry, two designers stand out for me. JB Star captivates me with the awe-inspiring quality of their gemstones, while Kwiat, a fifth-generation family business, creates diamond fashion pieces that are both timeless and forward-thinking. Each of these designers brings something unique and exceptional to the table, and their work continues to inspire me.
What are some of the key changes or innovations you’ve implemented since you and Michael took over the business in 2023?
When a business has thrived for over 100 years, the focus is on evolution rather than overhaul—so no major changes were needed! Since Michael and I took over in 2024, we’ve introduced a few new brands to keep our offerings fresh and relevant. We’ve also implemented strategic practices to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is our showroom renovation planned for 2025, which will include the addition of an Omega Shop-in-Shop. It’s a thrilling step forward that blends innovation with our longstanding commitment to excellence
What is your specific role in the day-to-day operations at Cornell’s Jewelers, and what does a typical day look like for you?
My role at Cornell’s Jewelers is multifaceted, but my primary focus is as the Buyer. I attend tradeshows to discover new products and designers, ensuring our store stays ahead of trends while maintaining our signature style. I also manage inventory, making decisions on reordering pieces to keep our offerings fresh and aligned with customer preferences. In addition, I oversee Marketing and Events, which allows me to connect with our community and bring our brand to life. No two days are ever the same, which keeps my work dynamic and exciting.
Customer experience has always been central to Cornell’s Jewelers. What steps do you take to ensure each customer feels valued and special?
At Cornell’s Jewelers, customer experience is at the heart of everything we do. We’re honored to play a role in some of life’s most cherished moments, and we strive to make every visit memorable. From the moment customers walk through our doors, we want them to feel welcomed and valued. Our store is designed to feel warm and inviting—more like a living room than a showroom—and we offer a cup of coffee or a glass of champagne to make their visit even more special. We deeply appreciate the trust our customers place in us with their most treasured possessions and milestones, and we work hard to ensure their experience is exceptional from start to finish
What are some new trends in jewelry that you’re excited about, and how are they reflected in the pieces available at Cornell’s?
One of the most exciting trends in jewelry right now is the focus on personal expression. Customers are seeking pieces that reflect their unique personalities, and we love helping them create their own signature style. Layering necklaces or building an ‘arm party’ with a mix of bracelets is especially popular, with no rules—blended metals, colorful gemstones, and unexpected combinations make it all uniquely theirs. We’ve also seen a growing interest in personalized engravings, whether on fashion jewelry or timepieces, adding a special, meaningful touch to their collections. These trends are well-represented at Cornell’s, where we offer a range of pieces to help our customers express their individuality.
How has leading a business with a nearly 100-year legacy influenced your vision for the future of Cornell’s Jewelers?
Leading a business with nearly a century of legacy has taught us the importance of evolution through thoughtful, incremental changes. As the third generation, we’re not looking to reinvent the wheel but rather to honor the strong foundation that’s been built while making strategic updates to improve efficiency and support growth. Our vision for the future is rooted in preserving the values and traditions that have made Cornell’s Jewelers a trusted name, while embracing innovations that ensure we remain vibrant and relevant for generations to come.
Are there particular types of jewelry or gemstones you find yourself drawn to personally?
I’m personally drawn to statement earrings—they’re always the first thing I consider when getting dressed. I also love classic diamond pieces, like a timeless tennis bracelet, pendant, or an eternity band. But I tend to mix things up with a bit of edge, often pairing these elegant pieces with spiked accents or a fun pair of glasses. Jewelry is such a beautiful way to express your individuality, and I enjoy using it to create a look that’s uniquely my own.
What’s something unique about Cornell’s Jewelers that you’re especially proud of, and that you think sets it apart?
It’s our people. Our employees are far more precious than the gems we lock in our vault every night. We have such a dynamic, dedicated and determined team here at Cornell’s Jewelers. The passion that they have for their jobs is palatable and something every customer will experience.
How do you incorporate the holiday spirit into Cornell’s Jewelers, and do you have any special events or collections planned for the season?
We absolutely love the holidays at Cornell’s Jewelers! The season is full of magic, and it’s a feeling my mother passed down to me. We aim to create a relaxed and festive environment where our customers can truly enjoy the holiday spirit. The store always sparkles a little brighter this time of year. To kick off the season, we host our annual holiday trunk show during the first weekend in December, featuring incredible vendors like Marco Bicego, Sloane Street, Gumuchian, Armenta, John Hardy, and more. It’s the perfect chance to discover a stunning selection of unique pieces for yourself or your loved ones!
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from the previous generations that has been instrumental in shaping your approach to business?
My father, CJ Rapp, has been my greatest business inspiration. He’s a true entrepreneurial genius and an incredible role model. From an early age, he taught us the value of hard work by having us pitch in with all kinds of tasks around the house. His famous motto was, ‘If we all work together, we’ll be done in 20 minutes!’ What we really learned from that was the power of teamwork and goal-setting. He also understood the importance of work-life balance. I remember him attending nearly every sporting event my siblings and I had—usually in a suit, making business calls, but always present. His ability to balance family and work left a lasting impression on me, and knowing that my family is always there to support me gives me the extra motivation to pursue my dreams.
The jewelry industry can be very detail-oriented and demanding. What’s your approach to handling stress and maintaining a work-life balance?
Maintaining work-life balance is essential to Michael and me, especially with our young family. As business owners, we know that we’re never truly ‘off,’ but we make a conscious effort to prioritize our kids and spend quality time with them. They love visiting the store and seeing what Mom and Dad do each day, which makes the experience even more meaningful. At the end of the day, Cornell’s is a family business, and that sense of family is at the core of everything we do.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as part of Cornell’s leadership, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges Michael and I have faced in taking on leadership at Cornell’s has been stepping into the shoes of my in-laws, who are powerhouses in the jewelry industry. It can be intimidating to follow in their footsteps. However, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a supportive team at the store, who have been welcoming and encouraging as we step into our new roles. The Rochester community, along with the jewelry industry, and my in-laws have also been a huge source of support and inspiration, motivating us to take the business to new heights.
What do you love most about the Rochester community, and how does Cornell’s Jewelers engage with and give back to it?
What I love most about the Rochester community is the sense of connection and support. We feel truly blessed to live here, raise our kids here, and be part of such a vibrant area. At Cornell’s Jewelers, we are deeply committed to giving back to the community that has given us so much. We believe that for our community to thrive, we all need to contribute in whatever way we can, and we’re always eager to lend a hand and support local initiatives.
What’s one thing our readers might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m incredibly competive. If I set a goal – I will do everything in my power to achieve it.
How do you balance your professional career with being a wife and mother of 2?
Balancing my career with being a wife and mother of two isn’t easy, and I don’t think there’s a perfect solution. I’ve experienced both being a stay-at-home mom and a working mom, and each comes with its own challenges. There is nothing more important to me than my children—they always come first. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a supportive extended family who helps make it possible for me to pursue my career goals. Our team at the store is also invested in our kids, always stepping in to ensure Michael and I can attend a big game, parent-teacher conference, or concert. It truly takes a village, and we are so grateful for ours.
Please visit Cornell’s Jewelers at 3100 Monroe Ave, Pittsford, NY or check out their website at www.cornellsjewelers.com
Plus, you can stop in and celebrate the magic of the season with them December 5-7 for their festive weekend filled with sparkle, cheer and holiday spirit. Their amazing staff is there to help find that perfect gift for your special someone this holidays season.
