Dondero Diamonds and Fine Jewelry was established as Dondero’s Jewelry in 1948, when Charles J. Dondero opened a small jewelry shop in his home on North Delsea Drive, as a side business to his primary job as a glass blower at Kimble Glass.

Soon after his father's passing in 1959, F.C. "Bud" Dondero purchased the business from the estate and moved the store to its long-standing location at 848 Arbor Avenue. Bud operated the business part time along with his wife Betty, and his brother-in-law, Bennie Bruun.

In the spring of 1979, Bud’s son, Ken, purchased 90% of the business from his father, and the store was opened on a fulltime basis. Ken’s wife Julie joined the company in 1982, his sister Mary in 1984, and his long time friend and brother-in-law Kevin Kleiner in 1986. In 1988 Ken and Kevin became partners in the business and began plans to expand and move to its current location on North Delsea Drive. That move took place in May of 1991.

In 1994, the business lost its patriarch when Bud passed away. However, Ken and Kevin were left with the sprit of the business that was given to Bud by his father and is the basis for our mission at Dondero’s.  This mission is to assure that all of our customers receive the same great experience each time they visit our store. This experience is defined by extraordinary customer service based on full attention to the needs of our customers.

Dondero's has grown into one of the premier fine jewelry stores in South Jersey.  The store employs nearly twenty people, including AGS certified and diamond certified sales associates. The store features an enormous inventory, representing all areas of fine jewelry and watches, and offers expert custom design and repair services.