The American Dream Is Real

Sandra Driesen, a former member of the Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories Committee, interviewed Harry and Jack Menzor, the owners of Jewels of Madison, and collaborated with them to write this story.

Harry and Jack Manzor are brothers who came to NYC in the 1980s from Tehran, Iran, for a better life. Soon after they arrived, they became proud citizens of the USA.  They were students in Tehran where Jack was an assistant professor of chemistry in a very prestigious university.  In the 1970s another older brother was already in New York and had a jewelry business in the downtown area.  He helped Harry and Jack start their own business.  Interestingly, chemistry is very advantageous in jewelry and watch repair, so it was a natural fit.

They started a jewelry store in the Financial District.  However, after 9/11, the area was closed down, and they had to move.  Harry and Jack were able to take over the store on Madison Avenue, as the previous owner had passed away,

It’s always a pleasant experience going to Jewels of Madison. I’ve had many repairs done, plus countless batteries for my watches.  Jack and Harry are such nice men, and they welcome everyone to browse their cases filled with all kinds of wonderful jewelry.  They put in batteries for watches while you wait.  They buy and sell estate jewelry, besides buying gold and silver jewelry.  Many of their customers have become friends, and I’m happy to count myself as one.

Harry and Jack are proud New Yorkers.  As a nation of immigrants, we are so fortunate to have the Manzor family in Murray Hill. 

CELEBRATING 65+ YEARS OF
The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association

Better Together

The Preservation & Design Committee’s Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories is a place to share your memories, anecdotes, surprising encounters, or human interest stories that charm, surprise, and build our community.

We want to hear from you!

MURRAY HILL NEIGHBORS’ STORIES –
What drew you to our neighborhood?
How long have you lived here?
Why do you love living here?
We look forward to getting to know you better.

Send Your Stories to The Preservation and Design Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories Committee.

Chair: Barbara Gieseler

Pauline Brooks, Susan Demmet, Deborah Landey, and Michaela Walsh

MurrayHillStories@murrayhillnyc.org

We will acknowledge your email and contact you if your submission has been accepted.

Please Note – The Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories Committee does not edit or comment on
stories submitted and accepted, except for spelling and punctuation which are then reviewed with the story provider.