In the late 1970's, Michael Menbari, then a practicing architect, became inspired by a friend who made custom jewelry in her spare time. After only a couple of jewelry-making sessions, Michael discovered his true craft. He dropped the suit, left the office behind, and by 1977, he became an entrepreneur and opened a small jewelry business on Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos.

Two years later, he moved Chique Jewelry to a larger location at Town & Country Village on Stevens Creek Boulevard in San Jose. It was there that he met and became friends with Bill Hoffer, a master jeweler with whom Michael apprenticed and learned the finer details of jewelry making. In 2000, when Town and Country Village was demolished to make way for Santana Row, Michael moved Chique Jewelry to Downtown Campbell, where he felt the tight knit community complemented his business approach, and where he's remained ever since.

Michael is proud to have kept almost all of his customers from Day One. His motto at Chique Jewelry is: quality work, good service, and affordable prices.