By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

Steiner Ranch residents Van Hilderbrand and Ted Tongson are co-owners of Hilderbrand Jewelers, specializing in high-end, new and pre-owned watches and jewelry.

After decades in the jewelry business, Hilderbrand and Tongson opened their own store a couple weeks ago in the Trails at 620 shopping center.

​L-R: Sales representative Shaun Coates and store owners Van Hilderbrand and Ted Tongson manage the newly-opened Hilderbrand Jewelers, located at the Trails at 620 Shopping Center, 8300 N. R ​M 620, Bldg. D, Ste. 500​.
Photo by Cassie McKee

Both have been in the jewelry business for 25 years. After owning a jewelry store in Barton Creek for 22 years, Hilderbrand said he wanted to become independent and open a store closer to home.

Hilderbrand Jewelers has a large selection of watches and jewelry and has a full workshop on-site for watch and jewelry repair.

“One thing that’s unique is we do everything in-house,” Hilderbrand said. “Most places send it out. We also have a laser welder. A laser welder is fairly unique to the business.”

The store specializes in high-end watch repair and is able to repair Rolex watches on-site. They also sell new brands such as Sultana and a variety of Swiss military watches. They also buy and sell gold, sell a line of engagement rings and loose diamonds, and also have a silver line.

Hilderbrand and Tongson are both certified jewelers, watchmakers and gemologists.

“We just do everything,” Hilderbrand said.

A Steiner Ranch resident for 12 years, Van and Christy Hilderbrand have two children, ages 7 and 12, who attend Steiner schools. Ted and Christy Tongson have two daughters, ages 18 and 22.

Hilderbrand said they are enjoying their new location.

“This area is doing pretty well. It’s pretty busy,” he said. “We’ll get phase two finished and it’ll be even better.”

Hilderbrand Jewelers is located at 8300 N. RM 620, Bldg. D, Ste. 500 in Austin.