The Chin Dynasty began
with Ssu-ma Yen, who ruled from 265-289 A.D. As an emperor, he was
called Wu Ti.
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Voted #1 Jeweler by Royal
Oak Daily Tribune
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This Chinn Dynasty ,
however, began in 1934 when Hughlette Chinn, Gayle’s father, founded
his first store in a bedroom in their Highland Park home.
Gayle describes him as
a “born mechanic” who started fixing pocket and wrist watches. He soon
expanded to selling gold and platinum rings, a large selection of
high-quality diamonds and sterling tableware. After World War II is
business expanded so quickly that he moved to a commercial building in
Highland Park in 1951.
Gayle became part of
the family business on March 17, 1967, fresh from college. With a goal
to manage the business, he moved the store to Royal Oak and then
purchased it from his father in 1970.
Wayne, Gayle’s son, was
co-opted into the family business at the tender age of 10, when he
used to come in after school, empty wastebaskets, be the chief gopher,
but more than anything else, he learned, After his graduation from
high school, Wayne moved to Santa Monica, California and was graduated
with a Resident Gemological Institute of America Degree (GG). He and
Wayne are now partners.
The Chinn family
doesn’t just talk about sharing and doing good for the community. The
office Gayle and Wayne share is just about wall-to-wall with awards
from The South Oakland Boys and Girls Club, the Royal Oak Chamber of
Commerce, the Salvation Army, and several other organizations and
charities that have sought their help over the past 34 years.
When Wayne isn’t
working, he likes to spend time with his wife. When Gayle isn’t
working, he likes to spend his time working. “I love this job. People
ask me why I’m not out on our boat on a quiet afternoon, and I tell
them it would drive me crazy. I genuinely love what I do. I’m
fortunate. I love it when customers I haven’t seen in 25 years come
in. We’ve got customers who will drive from Grand Rapids, Ludington
and Traverse City to see us, and I love seeing them. Don’t tell Wayne,
but I’m never retiring.”
