COMMUNITY PROFILE: Silver Plating specialist at Pineforest Jewelry

JONI McMAHAN of Bron-Shoe Company (at right) and Jim Mills of Pineforest Jewelry help a customer order silver restoration on a beautiful set of silver urns, seen on the table.
JONI McMAHAN of Bron-Shoe Company (at right) and Jim Mills of Pineforest Jewelry help a customer order silver restoration on a beautiful set of silver urns, seen on the table.
JONI McMAHAN of Bron-Shoe Company (at right) and Jim Mills of Pineforest Jewelry help a customer order silver restoration on a beautiful set of silver urns, seen on the table.

Joni McMahan is spending the day last Tuesday at Pineforest Jewelry in North Shore, helping customers evaluate their silver settings and order repair and restoration work from her company. Joni works for Bron-Shoe, one of the few remaining silver repair businesses in the United States. They have a 40,000 sq. ft. plant in Columbus, Ohio and 30 employees busy with their special restoration skills.

Joni travels all over the country, year-round, meeting customers and explaining the special processes that BronShoe has used since their founding in 1934.

Before she entered the world of silver restoration, in her home town, she was a real estate sales manager, over 30 employees, in Sarasota, Florida. She won several awards for this work, and laughs at the fact that the last award she received was bestowed on her in Houston. She explains that her family was in Columbus, and eventually she returned there.

She loves people, as you can tell when you meet her, and greets them with enthusiasm and charm. She will evaluate your silverware when you bring it in for inspection. Joni said that her company will restore or repair many items, including tea sets, vanity sets, flatware, candlesticks, silver trays, coffee pots, teapots, sugar bowls and creamers. You might have something to stump her -too big or too small, but I doubt it. Joni and her company love a challenge, she said, and pride themselves on continuing the silversmith tradition.

In fact, the founder’s grandson, Bob Kaynes, CEO of the company, has established a program at Ohio State University to train new silverworkers.

Joni takes her time helping you evaluate your silver, and how to revive it. She usually can see about 10 persons a day on these trips. She will be in Houston for the next week, at various locations, if you have need for her services. Call 800722-8464 for her schedule.