Craig Husar - Chief Romance Officer
The Face of Fine Diamonds
Craig Husar is not just a name in fine jewelry but a man whose adventurous spirit and determination have shaped a remarkable journey. One of the most vivid illustrations of this adventurous nature came when he joined a team of maritime explorers to recover the legendary wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha. The ship, which sank over 360 years ago in a violent hurricane off the coast of Key West, Florida, carried a wealth of treasure. Craig’s role in recovering these scattered remnants showcases his love for exploration and his commitment to achieving the extraordinary.
Yet Craig's story begins closer to home. In 1968, his parents, Lyle and Alice Husar, founded Husar’s Tic-Tok Shop, a modest family jewelry business. Over time, it evolved into Lyle Husar Designs, and under Craig’s visionary leadership, it transformed into Craig Husar Fine Diamonds. Now housed in a 7,500-square-foot showroom in Brookfield, Wisconsin, the store features some of the most prestigious names in diamonds, jewelry, and timepieces alongside the award-winning Husar Design Studio. This transformation is a testament to Craig’s business acumen, passion for fine craftsmanship, and dedication to delivering only the best to his clients.
Beyond the jewelry industry, Craig embodies the spirit of a Renaissance man. His interests span art, architecture, archaeology, music, and history, reflecting his appreciation for timeless beauty and precision—values that also influence his work. Craig’s commitment to philanthropy is another cornerstone of his life. As the founder of the Craig Husar Foundation, he has embedded giving back into his legacy, inspiring others to contribute to their communities.
Craig’s leadership extends to the jewelry industry, where he serves as the Wisconsin Chapter President of the GIA Alumni Collective, fostering education and community among gemologists. In his hometown of Brookfield, he is affectionately known as the “Chief Romance Officer,” a title that captures his role in helping people commemorate their most cherished moments through fine jewelry.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, Craig remains most proud of his family. He shares his life with his wife, Danielle, their three children—Becca, Aidan, and Nadia—and their faithful dog, Oliver. His close-knit family is his greatest treasure, grounding him as he continues exploring new business, philanthropy, and life opportunities. His love for his family exemplifies the importance of personal relationships in pursuing success.
The Craig Husar story is of passion, adventure, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Whether recovering sunken treasures, crafting exquisite jewelry, or giving back to the community, Craig has established himself as a true leader with a legacy that shines bright like a diamond.
“My journey in the jewelry industry began early, working in my parent’s store, which was founded by my father, a master watchmaker. My role was focused on sales, and it was during this time that I started attending the Tucson Gem Show and JCK Las Vegas, where I developed a deep passion for gemstones. In my twenties, I moved to Santa Monica, CA, to study at the Gemological Institute of America. With a bit of personal encouragement from Richard T. Liddicoat, often called “the father of modern gemology,” I accepted a position as a Gemology Instructor, which led me to overcome my fear of public speaking.
A few years later, while working in the Gem Trade Lab, I received a package from the legendary treasure hunter Mel Fisher. Inside was a 90-carat emerald, recovered from the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Holding this remarkable gem, I felt a chill and called Mel, convincing him that he needed a Gemologist on his team. That led me to the Florida Keys, where I became the Exhibition Director for the “Treasures of the Atocha” exhibit. The exhibit toured 85 handpicked independent jewelers across the U.S. and Canada, drawing thousands at each location and generating over $10 million in revenue. The exhibit captivated audiences and brought the shipwreck’s story to life.
The tour’s final stop was at our store in Wisconsin, and soon after, I decided to use my expertise to help grow the family business. My experience working with some of the finest families in the jewelry industry fueled our success, leading to significant growth. Today, I am proud to be the owner of the business, having successfully transitioned from the first generation to the second. Under my leadership, we’ve built strong partnerships with some of the top brands in the industry, and the business continues to thrive.”
Craig Husar - One of America’s Coolest Stores
Craig Husar Chosen as Official Event Partner of the Ferrari Club of America’s Annual Meet
Craig Husar Foundation
Craig Husar - Exhibition Director - Treasures of the Atocha
Dare to Dream, Dare to Build: The Story of Craig Husar and a Family Legacy
Success in this industry requires more than selling beautiful jewelry. It takes vision, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. Few embody this spirit as boldly as Craig Husar, who has carried forward his family's legacy and transformed it into something extraordinary. His journey—from growing up in a small watch repair shop to building one of Wisconsin's premier luxury jewelry destinations—is a testament to what's possible when ambition meets action.
The story begins with Husar's Tic-Tok Shop, a small watch & clock repair store founded by Lyle and Alice Husar in the late 1960s. Like many family businesses, it started with a simple idea: provide excellent craftsmanship and service, one customer at a time. Over the decades, the company began offering fine jewelry and custom designs, ultimately rebranding as Lyle Husar Designs. Craig immersed himself in jewelry design and watchmaking from a young age. Craig explored opportunities beyond the family business after earning his Graduate Gemologist certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and later becoming an Instructor of Gemology.
Throughout his 20s, Craig embarked on underwater adventures with legendary treasure hunter Mel Fisher, unearthing shipwrecked treasures from the famous Nuestra Señora de Atocha. But deep down, he knew where he belonged. He returned to his roots, and in 2012, Craig officially purchased the family business from his parents, stepping fully into the role of Owner and Chief Romance Officer.
Under Craig's leadership, the company underwent a dramatic transformation. While the strip mall location had served them well for decades, he dreamed of something bigger—a true luxury destination that would redefine the fine jewelry experience. The vision took shape in 2019 when he opened the doors to a breathtaking 7,500-square-foot stand-alone showroom in Brookfield, Wisconsin. More than just a store, it was a statement—a symbol of his commitment to excellence, innovation, and the future of the Husar name.
Of course, building something remarkable comes with challenges. Craig recalls the immense stress and doubt he faced during the expansion. "At one point in the process, the stress became so overwhelming that my confidence turned to doubt and depression," he admits. "While hospitalized, I prayed for help to allow me to move forward. Being an entrepreneur means embracing resilience, vision, and the courage to take risks, even when the path is uncertain. Surrounding yourself with a strong support network of mentors and peers can provide the motivation and guidance to persevere through even the toughest challenges. Looking back, I'm reminded of the power of perseverance, self-belief, and trusting in God's plan."
While designing the company's new showroom, Craig decided to revive the original Husar's Tic-Tok Shop and give it a fresh vision for the future. He created a premier watch destination within the new showroom, honoring his parents' watch repair heritage. Today, that legacy has thrived with the addition of internationally renowned brands such as Breitling, TAG Heuer, Frederique Constant, Oris, Tissot, and Seiko. What started as a small repair shop has become a powerhouse of horology, cementing Craig Husar Fine Diamonds as Wisconsin's go-to destination for luxury watches and fine jewelry.
Beyond the showroom, Craig's passion extends to his community. Through his Craig Husar Foundation and annual Sapphire Soiree, he gives back to local charities, making a lasting impact beyond the jewelry world. As president of the GIA Alumni Collective Wisconsin, he dedicates time to mentoring future jewelers, ensuring the spirit of craftsmanship and innovation lives on.
The Husar legacy is already well on its way to Gen 3.0. Craig's daughter, Becca, is a skilled custom jewelry designer, while his son, Aidan, is interested in timepieces. His youngest daughter, Nadia, lends a hand after school when she can. His sister, Christine, plays a vital role in the business as the Controller, ensuring the company's financial health and operational efficiency. With their involvement, the future of Craig Husar Fine Diamonds looks brighter than ever.
For those in the jewelry industry—or any industry—Craig's journey proves that the power to create something extraordinary lies within each of us. Success belongs to those who dare to step forward, embrace challenges, and shape their destinies. Every great endeavor starts with a dream; every legacy is built by those who dare to believe in it.
What will your story be?
