Cristiani's JewelersJeweler in Midland, TX

Michael (Mike) Cristiani, born in New York City in 1922, was exposed to clocks and watches throughout his young life. He learned the trade from his father, a jeweler who emigrated from Italy. Mike started his own career as a watchmaker with Bulova Watch Company in New York. In 1941, the Air Force sent him to Midland to work as a bombsight technician. He worked at a jewelry store during his time off where he met and married Jonell, the niece of the owners. After WWII, the couple settled in New York City. Six months later, they returned to Midland and eventually opened his own jewelry store, Cristiani's Jewelers.