🕰️ Our History
From Vicenza with Love: A Legacy of Gold, Family, and Trust
Oro International was founded in 1965 by Elena and Josef Weber in the basement of their home in West Chicago, Illinois. What began as a bold idea—selling Italian gold in the United States—quickly grew into a family-run business built on integrity, elegance, and personal connection.
The idea came from Elena’s brother, Qurino Ruzza, a seasoned jeweler from Vicenza, Italy. With Josef’s support and Elena’s determination, J&E Weber Inc. was born. In an era when the jewelry industry was overwhelmingly male-dominated, Elena stood out—not just as a woman in business, but as a pioneer. She faced resistance, but never backed down. Her husband Josef often accompanied her to meetings, redirecting questions back to her with quiet insistence. “Thank God this has changed somewhat in our industry,” says their son Eric Weber, now President of Oro International.
👨👩👧👦 A Family Business, Through and Through
Elena, a multilingual legal secretary and law student, and Josef, a Swiss-trained chef and professional ski instructor, brought a unique blend of discipline, creativity, and warmth to the business. In 1979, they formally launched Oro International, partnering with Italian manufacturers and one of Europe’s largest bullion dealers.
Their son Jojo joined the company in 1981, bringing fresh ideas and helping Oro grow significantly. Though Jojo passed away in 2012, his legacy lives on in the systems and spirit of the business. Today, his daughter Morgan represents the third generation—continuing the family’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Eric Weber, now leading the company, speaks with pride about his parents’ accomplishments and the team that surrounds him. “The greatest strength of Oro International is the relationship with its customers—some of whom go back to the ‘60s—as well as the personal touch and continuously updating styles.”
💍 Pride in Craft, Pride in Service
Oro International has always focused on quality, consistency, and care. From Italian gold to evolving silver collections, the company blends timeless design with responsive service. The customer service team averages over 23 years of experience, helping retailers find exactly what they need—quickly and reliably.
“We’ve always offered above and beyond,” Eric says. “Whether it’s dating, memos, or one-on-one stock balancing, we treat our clients like family.”
🌟 Looking Ahead
With new partnerships, fresh design collaborations, and a renewed focus on Italian gold, Oro International continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The third generation brings the same passion as the first, ensuring that the legacy of Elena and Josef Weber lives on—in every piece, every relationship, and every moment of trust. The information in this article was taken from an article written by Midamerica newspaper.
