The Journey
Over 42 Years in the Making
Before the name Santillan Jewelers ever appeared on a storefront, Martin Santillan spent more than four decades learning every facet of the jewelry business from the inside out. His career began in the world of diamond buying, working as a diamond buyer at New York Diamonds, where he developed an expert eye for quality stones and learned the art of finding exceptional value.
That foundation led Martin to leadership roles at some of the most respected names in Sacramento's jewelry scene. He managed Grebitus & Sons, one of Sacramento's oldest and most beloved jewelers, where he oversaw store operations and buying. He went on to manage Merksamer Jewelers and Rogers Jewelers, building a reputation at each stop for integrity, deep product knowledge, and genuine care for his customers.
His career ultimately took him to Tiffany & Co., where he held a senior management position overseeing jewelry collections and engagement ring sales. It was the culmination of decades of experience, and the moment Martin realized he was ready to build something of his own.
