Our History

Jay Hoover and Harry Strong founded Hoover & Strong in Buffalo, NY in 1912. The company’s original venture was the recovery of platinum from industrial light bulbs, refining the metal and selling it to the local platinumsmiths. Harry Strong stayed with the company for only three years, as business could not support both partners. Because money was already invested on the company sign and stationery the Hoover and Strong name remained. As sales expanded and the supply of industrial platinum scrap diminished, the company started purchasing platinum and eventually scrap gold jewelry.

Jay’s son, Dudley Hoover, joined the firm in 1927. Over the next several years, Jay and Dudley developed various repair products such as sizing wire, half round, square and flat wire and eventually many small repair shops sprang up in the back rooms of jewelry stores across the country. As jewelry manufacturers moved away from Buffalo in the 1930’s, Hoover & Strong followed their customer base by establishing its mail order business.

The company struggled through the Depression years, selling most of the gold it refined to the United States Mint. Jay passed away in 1947. Only five years later Dudley died suddenly and Marie Hoover, Dudley’s widow, took the helm as President. George Hoover, Dudley’s son, apprenticed in the factory and worked his way through the ranks. In 1970, George took over as President. The company grew steadily and decided to relocate to Richmond, Virginia in 1979. Torrance Hoover, George’s son, started with the company in 1981 while going to night school. In 2001, Torry was named President and George Hoover CEO.

H&S continued to expand its product lines as a result of a college paper written by Torry Hoover which detailed the expansion by diversifying into finding products.

In 1991, Hoover & Strong purchased the assets of Baker Fendt, one of the largest ring findings manufacturers in the country. This added die-struck findings to Hoover & Strong’s product line. The company also added a casting division to respond to their customer’s desire for more bridal products, custom casting and finishing services.

Since then, Hoover & Strong has continued to thrive and grow due to the acquisitions of Keystone Findings in 2009, and Stonewall Silver Company and Performance Contracting in 2011.

Today

Torry’s son T.D. Hoover started at Hoover & Strong in 2016, and currently serves as the Jewelry Supervisor for Casting & Toolroom. And most recently, in late 2018, Torry’s daughter Dani Cutler joined the company to assume the role of Customer Service and Marketing Manager. 

Experts on the floor and in the field - The company mentors their people to become jewelry experts, from the key leaders in the company to the factory floor. Customer service reps are put through vigorous training to learn the company’s more than 30,000 products, technical specs and jewelry techniques. Precious metal experts direct all aspects of the Mill, Findings, Castings and Refining divisions. This in-house expertise gives Hoover & Strong customers access to some of the best technical resources in the jewelry industry.

Customer Service - Although the company sells to thousands of jewelers throughout the U.S. it works hard to keep its family feeling. Hoover & Strong recognizes the importance of personal and knowledgeable service to its customers. Customer accounts are set up under individual or company names, instead of account numbers. Calls into its phone center are directed using caller ID to designated Service Reps that can focus on giving personalized service. Service representatives are able to enter orders into the system directly and monitor customer accounts quickly. The company depends heavily on the most modern technology available to decrease errors, improve quality and speed up service.

Production and Delivery – The company relies on its large inventory of wire, solder, tubing and findings along with its ability to manufacture specific size sheets and other special items quickly, allowing most orders to be shipped in one day. Hoover’s large inventory lets the jeweler maintain a small inventory. Hoover’s customers know that they will receive their material quickly and efficiently. Hoover’s efficient service, along with Federal Express, allows the customer to call in an order in the morning and have the material the next day. LEAN manufacturing techniques and processes are used throughout the facility to ensure quality of all services and products.

Green Refining - Throughout the Hoover & Strong factory, processes have been instituted that conserve energy and re-use materials. The precious metal refinery is the greenest in the United States. Over 15 years ago, equipment was installed that reduced chemical production by 80 percent. With zero-discharge wastewater treatment in its facility, nothing goes into the sewers, and the air is always clean.

Harmony Recycled Precious Metals - Branded in 2008, all Harmony Recycled Precious Metals at Hoover & Strong including gold, platinum, palladium, silver are 100% recycled and are certified recycled by SCS Global Systems. Hoover & Strong’s metal supply comes entirely from scrap metal purchased from jewelers and other refineries that also recycle scrap metal.

These recycled precious metals paired with conflict-free diamonds, recycled diamonds and most recently lab grown diamonds, make up Hoover & Strong's expanding selection of responsible and eco-friendly Harmony brand of products and services.

Artisanally Mined Metals - a second socially-responsible option - Hoover and Strong is a lead supporter of artisanal and small-scale mining and currently partners with Fairmined, Fairtrade and Fair Congo sources to bring artisanally mined metal to the US.

Customers can now choose between Harmony recycled mill products or choose from a select group of wire, sheet and grain made with Harmony Artisanal Metals - a socially-responsible alternative that will positively impact thousands of small-scale miners, families and communities that deserve a chance at success.

The Gold Standard

The company believes they can best accomplish their goal and achieve profitable growth and long term financial success by promoting an atmosphere of mutual trust, honesty and integrity between Hoover & Strong’s coworkers and its customers. The company built a reputation on catering to the needs of the independent jeweler and it continues to be that way today. They are committed to giving the best customer service and products.

A willingness to learn and grow responsibly, along with outstanding customer service and products is just a small part of what has made Hoover & Strong "The Gold Standard" in this industry.