WHIRLED Style /

Understated Elegance
Jeweler Larry Moses focuses on the details.



By leslie hoffman | photography by Megan Wylie

Since he was a boy, Larry Moses has been seeing a custom tailor. “I was so small, and it was hard for me to get clothes, so I went to a custom tailor starting at a very young age,” the jeweler says.

Although Moses has a very classic, understated style, in the details, it’s apparent that he loves fashion. His custom-made suit jacket has a wild patterned lining. His shirt cuffs are embroidered with his initials, and clasped together with cufflinks his wife, Kim, gave him on their wedding day. On the day of this photo shoot, Moses modeled a stainless steel Rolex milgauss with green sapphire crystal. Again, it’s a subtle detail that makes a difference. Moses Jewelers has stores in Butler and Seven Fields, and the family business has lasted for 60 years. The secret to their success? “Oh, the very basics,” Moses says. “Being truthful and professional.”

What attracted you to becoming a watchmaker and a jeweler?
When I was 16 years old, my father took me to my first jewelry show in New York City. From that moment on, I just became fascinated by the fashion, the colors, the excitement, and the people that I met. My father guided me into this business, but he never really pushed me.

What great piece of advice has he given you?
What I have really learned from my father in business is professionalism and truthfulness. What I’ve learned from my mother is kindness and sincerity.

Are your parents stylish?
Yes! Most of my early fashion came from my mom. She is a very stylish lady.

What did she teach you about style and fashion?
Go with what pleases your eye. I’ve been very fortunate since my high school days, going to a custom tailor.

How do you describe your personal style?
Simple, clean. I am business dressy, but not too stuffy; relaxed dressy.

What kind of advice would you give to other men about wearing a pocket square?
I look at a lot of television, and the men who wear them on television always stand out. I see that a lot of people don’t wear them in the real world, but I think it always adds a little touch, and I always wear one.

What kind of jewelry do you see men incorporating into their wardrobes now?
Men are very watch-oriented, and we also sell a lot of cufflinks. Vintage or new, enameled ones. Pieces from all over the world.

What are some of the jewelry trends that you’re seeing?
Big. That’s the trend: large, oversized.

Who are your style icons?
I don’t know that I would say I have icons, but I have always admired Giorgio Armani and George Hamilton. They always had a perpetual tan. I wish I could be as tan as they are. It’s a great look, a healthy, natural look.

What advice do you give your young daughters on starting a jewelry collection?
Buy quality because it will be handed down.

What are some trends in fine jewelry that you’re excited to see?
More black diamonds. We have a fabulous strand of faceted, natural black diamond beads. Very unusual. Not overly expensive. Yet, it’s a very fashionable piece of jewelry: simple and elegant.

Moses Jewelers, 524 Northpointe Circle, Seven Fields, 724.591.5776. Clearview Mall, Butler, 724.283.2776.

Larry’s...
custom fit
Moses has always had his suits custom-made. With this one, he smartly chose a wild print to add a “wow” factor against subdued houndstooth.

Favorite Pieces
This ring, with its 1.35 carat, vivid yellow-orange radiant-cut diamond, flanked by intense greenish-yellow diamonds, is “truly a one-of-a-kind piece.” Price available on request. As mentioned above, faceted black diamonds, like this graduated strand, are a new trend. $7,000.

personal jewelry
Rolex milgauss watch with green sapphire crystal. Handmade, early-1900, 18K yellow gold and hand-engraved platinum and diamond cufflinks, from his wife on their wedding day.