by Nina Welch

There’s a bright new store in downtown San Clemente. RG By the Sea sells fine jewelry and unique gifts at 132 Ave. Del Mar. Owners Rachel and Justin Karchich had a soft-opening at Puttin’ on the Glitz in December, and a ribbon-cutting opening in January of this year. Since their Los Angeles store, simply named RG, has been a big success, they wanted to bring their timeless jewelry business to the beach. 

Rachel grew up in San Clemente; therefore it was fitting for her to return to her roots. She and Justin also feel a special connection to their new location because the building is an original Ole Hanson, and they were married at the historical Casa Romantica in 2018. 

The jewelry for both stores is created in their Los Angeles studio, and according to Rachel, environmental sustainability is an important part of their business model. They incorporate day-to-day practices that focus on preserving clean air and water, protecting the climate, and preserving the world’s forests. 

Upon entering the pristine minimally-modern store, the jewelry sparkles in the certified wood display cases made from sustainably managed forests. Among the unique gifts adding décor to the shop, are hand-illustrated cards of nature scenes, black and white candle holders, and exquisite sea-shell displays.

Inspiration for their jewelry comes from old-world heritage. Engraved gold and silver signet rings and pendants are popular items to cherish and hand-down. “We live in such a fast-fashion world, it’s important that we make quality pieces that can last forever,” says Rachel.

This fine jewelry and gift store is forging a community that values high-quality jewelry and sustainability. All their diamonds and gemstones are ethically sourced, and they use recycled gold to make their pieces. The most popular items include their collection of emerald and diamond jewelry, as well as their engravable pieces. Customers are offered opportunity to bring in treasures that they want engraved for passing down. “We do a lot of custom orders and engraving, which makes the customer feel like they’re part of the process,” says Rachel. At RG by the Sea, simple yet timeless heirlooms are crafted for the modern and eco-conscious customer.

Along with the founding and designing of RG by the Sea this duo are also busy entrepreneurs. Rachel is a professional photographer, still working in the field. Justin is a professional DJ making music for his artist project Allen French.

According to Rachel the initials RG stand for Rose Gypsy. Being of Russian-Jewish extraction, she sees the name of the store as someone who’s a traveler and finds home wherever they land.