The business, which opened in Berwyn in March of 1962, is a full-service jeweler featuring fine jewelry, watches and gift-ware and is an authorized Rolex and Forevermark Jeweler.

Per the BDC, James & Williams received the prestigious award because of their impeccable reputation of having a knowledgeable and courteous staff that gives each customer personal attention, their high quality products and the aesthetics of their premises.

Owner William S. Hlavacek, Jr., who was honored to receive the award, said he is proud to have continued the tradition started by his father and uncles and is very pleased to now have his daughters working alongside him. “Berwyn has been our home for five decades, and we look forward to many more great years here,” Hlavacek added.

The George W. Ashby Award, named after one of Berwyn’s early architects, was initiated in 2010.    

A total of five businesses were nominated for the award in 2011, including Berwyn’s Toys & Trains, Classic Touch Hair Designers, FitzGerald’s Nightclub, James & Williams Jewelers and Violet Flower Shop.