Expert Contribution

Padis Jewelry Repeats as “Best Jewelry Store” in SFGATE’s Best of the Bay Area Awards 2025

The ballots are in—and once again, Bay Area voters have spoken loud and clear: Padis Jewelry is the community’s choice for Best Jewelry Store in SFGATE’s Best of the Bay Area Awards 2025. For the second consecutive year, we’re honored to receive this deeply meaningful distinction, made all the more special because it comes directly from you—our cherished clients, friends, and neighbors.

A Bigger Year, A Bigger Honor
This year’s competition was more spirited than ever. More than 156,000 votes were cast across all categories—up from 142,000 in 2024—demonstrating the growing passion locals have for celebrating their favorite Bay Area businesses. With so many deserving nominees in the mix, it’s a humbling reminder of how lucky we are to be part of a community that values trust, quality, and legacy.

A Golden Milestone: 51 Years of Padis
This exciting win also coincides with a major milestone: 51 years in business. Since our founder, Steve Padis, began stringing beads and setting stones on Telegraph Avenue back in 1974, Padis Jewelry has remained proudly family-owned and operated. We’ve grown thoughtfully over the decades—now with five showrooms across the Bay Area and Napa—yet we’ve never lost sight of what matters most: integrity, craftsmanship, and creating meaningful experiences for our clients. At Padis, we believe jewelry is far more than just adornment. It’s a tangible memory, a personal story, a lasting legacy. That belief continues to shape everything we do.

“Every guest who walks through our doors should feel like they’re part of our family,” says Alexis Padis, President of Padis Jewelry. “Winning this award again tells us that this philosophy still resonates—and it inspires us to keep reaching for even higher standards.”

Why the Community Keeps Coming Back
We often hear from our clients that there’s something refreshingly different about Padis—and we think it comes down to a few core principles:

• A No-Pressure, Commission-Free Experience
Our welcoming, educational environment is led by a team that’s been with us for decades. They’re passionate about sharing knowledge, not making a sale.
• Instant Diamond Viewings
With full-time GIA-trained gemologists and expert bench jewelers on-site, we can walk you through the process in real time—no need to wait weeks for stones to be sent back and forth.
• Transparent, Honest Pricing
Every item is clearly tagged with straightforward pricing—no surprises, no gimmicks. We believe buying fine jewelry should feel joyful, not stressful.

• A Remarkable, Ready-to-Go Selection
Unlike many jewelers, we own our inventory. That means we can offer an unmatched variety of diamonds and settings—and many clients leave the same day with the perfect piece in hand.
• Deep Roots in the Community
Giving back is central to who we are. From supporting countless local schools, churches, and hospitals to granting wishes through Make-A-Wish and backing causes such as the V Foundation Cancer Research and St. Jude, we believe that investing in our community is just as important as the work we do in our showrooms. When you shop with Padis, you’re helping build a stronger, more vibrant Bay Area.

Thank You, From Our Family to Yours
To every single person who voted, nominated, shared a link, or simply stopped by with kind words—thank you. Your support
isn’t just appreciated; it’s what fuels our mission to provide the highest level of excellence and integrity in everything we do.

This award isn’t just a title. It’s a reflection of the relationships we’ve built, the memories we’ve helped commemorate, and the trust you’ve placed in us across generations. We are honored beyond words.

So whether you’re celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime proposal, an anniversary, a new career chapter—or just want to learn more about diamonds and gemstones—we invite you to stop in and say hello. Our doors are open, our hearts are full, and our shelves
have a little extra sparkle to celebrate this recognition.

Here’s to another year of unforgettable milestones, hand-selected brilliance, and cherished community connections.


About The Author

Jeweler
Steve Padis
Steve Padis Jewelry
415-626-8288

Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.

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