above: Kim La Du, Randy Lapointe, Warren Lagerloef, Betsy Welke • Astre diamond clusters in graduated sizes
Photographs by Kyle Norton
A few months after they retired last year, Randy Lapointe and Warren Lagerloef’s customers started calling in search of jewels. “It was, ‘My daughter’s getting married and you know her, so I want you to make the ring.’ Or, ‘It’s my wife’s birthday and I need something special and you already know what’s in her jewelry box,’” Lagerloef recalls.
After spending 40 years selling fine jewelry together at Greenwich-based Betteridge Jewelers, the duo had established a multi-generational clientele that felt more like family. Between them, they kept a vast collection of international customers spanning from grandparents to grandchildren. They knew birthdays, anniversaries, their customers’ style, wish lists and even kept their confidences.
And the longtime colleagues had distinct but complementary skill sets. So even though they both decided to retire after Betteridge was sold in 2021 to the Watches of Switzerland Group, they started working on designs at their kitchen tables.
For Lapointe—”the diamond guru”—who grew up in his family’s Massachusetts jewelry business and then ventured out on his own to learn the diamond trade working at Tiffany—the requests he fulfilled were often for bespoke engagement rings, wedding or anniversary bands. For Lagerloef—“the expert in all things estate jewelry”—his commissions often involved finding or creating something unique, rare and stunning.
If they needed something sourced, their next call was usually to Kim La Du, another former Betteridge colleague, who had spent years as a buyer for several of Fairfield County’s luxury jewelers. La Du has cultivated international contacts who can help her track down specific gemstones and elusive estate finds. “My favorite phrase is, ‘I found it,’” she says.
Not long into their collaboration, the colleagues-turned-friends realized opening their own business just made sense. “Forty years is a long time, but none of us were ready to retire after Betteridge was sold,” says Lapointe. “Working at our kitchen tables was actually kind of fun in its own way, but we just did not feel like we were done.”
So together they launched Famille (pronounced Fah-Me), an intimate and elegant jewelry boutique housed in a renovated former art gallery off Greenwich Avenue on Lewis Street.
They picked the French word for family to reference the charming Parisian-inspired jewelry boutique they imagined when they conceived of the retail space, as well as the bonds they had formed over the years with their customers and each other. “We work with generations of families. We as a team feel like family. We are a family business,” LaPointe explains. “It felt like the perfect name.”
In keeping with that all-in-the-family spirit, the store’s interior—replete with hand painted de Gournay wallpaper imported from Paris and a soothing pale green color palette—was designed by Lagerloef’s daughter, Tiffany, of New York City-based TL Interiors.
Famille’s cases were then appointed with a mix of glittering diamonds, of-the-moment keepsakes from current brands including VERDURA, Seaman Schepps, Norman Silverman and Cicada. There are also estate finds mixed in with contemporary originals that in some cases could pass for vintage. “The atmosphere we knew we wanted to create was warm and welcoming,” Lagerloef says. “We wanted it to include a cabinet of curiosities—a charming place to visit and even just sit down and learn about jewelry.”
What you won’t find at Famille is anything that feels too trendy or mass produced. There are lots of finds in their cases that have an of-the-moment shine to them, but the team doesn’t want to replicate cookie-cutter baubles.
“Our focus is on things that are sophisticated, classic and timeless,” explains La Du. “Because beautiful, well-made jewelry is always in fashion.”
Since they opened last spring, the partners have been joined by Betsy Welke, another former Betteridge colleague, who brings strong experience in fine jewelry sales as well as a passion for customer service to her role.
“One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to service,” she explains. Because of their vast expertise, she notes that Warren and Randy can offer appraisals for estates and insurance, restoration and repair of jewelry (including heirlooms) and can customize designs to specific needs.
Recently, that included crafting an engagement ring for the grandson of a longstanding client. Lagerloef, who hand draws designs so exquisite they could be framed, made the rendering; and the team went to work sourcing diamonds and created the custom keepsake. A few weeks later, the ring was presented during a proposal at the Summer Olympics in Paris.
It was a big moment for the family, but in its own way it was a big moment for us, too,” says LaPointe. “Because over the years, we have been part of moments like this in so many families. And it means something to us to have families trust in us this way once again.”
BUILDING YOUR BAUBLE WARDROBE
In the same way every woman’s closet needs a little black dress, a crisp white blouse and a great pair of jeans, building a fine-jewelry wardrobe involves collecting and mixing the classics in a way that reflects your personal style. The team at Famille suggests starting with these timeless staples.
diamond or pearl earrings
“Earrings are so important because they are close to your face and frame it,” says La Du. Whether they are studs, or have a slight dangle, start your collection with these essentials. “Diamond studs can be a great place to start, but if you prefer pearls, they are just as versatile.”
diamond necklace
Whether it’s a simple solitaire or a line necklace or something featuring old or new cuts or fancy shapes, a diamond necklace is a beautiful and versatile way to complement a woman’s look.
something in yellow gold
“It’s always in style,” says La Du, who notes this metal lends itself to layering whether its big and bold or delicate layers of necklaces, bracelets or both.
a statement piece
Once you’ve covered the basics, add a unique and interesting piece to your collections that says something about your personality. It’s your chance to go bold and even be a little outrageous. It’s also a great way to add an estate piece to your wardrobe.
a right-hand ring
Whether it’s plain gold, appointed with diamonds or gemstones, a ring can make its own statement or be layered for occasions like weddings and anniversaries. For added interest, consider something with pink sapphires or aqua emerald cuts.
something sentimental
Things like charms and signet rings monogrammed with initials or family crests add a meaningful personal statement to your jewelry wardrobe.