An American dream comes full circle with the opening of the family-run Kalifano at American Dream Meadowlands entertainment and retail center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, the retailer curates crystals, fossils, minerals, and recycled metal art from around the globe.
This milestone opening not only marks the continued success of a business rooted in family tradition but also tells a captivating story that began in the summer of 1912 when Abdullah Khalaf arrived at Ellis Island from Palestine, driven by dreams of a better future. Over 100 years later, Kalifano was birthed and today has multiple retail outlets and has grown into the world’s largest direct importer of fossils, minerals, crystals, and recycled metal art.
Laying the Foundation for Kalifano
Fast forward to the mid-20th century, Abdullah’s son Tawfiq embraced his own version of the American dream. With a cowboy hat perched on his head and a deep appreciation for rural America, Tawfiq traversed the Midwest selling watches and jewelry, forming lasting connections with farmers and ranchers, according to the company website. His charisma and dedication earned him customers and lifelong friends, laying the foundation for what Kalifano would one day become.
After Tawfiq’s death, his four sons — Jawad (Joe), Rafat (Ralph), Nashat (Nash) and Ismat (Bob) — came to the United States in 1964, bringing their collective business acumen and a passion for Native American artistry. The brothers partnered with Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi artisans, opening jewelry stores throughout the Southwest. Their success inspired Ralph’s son, Alex, who showed a knack for working in the family stores when he was just 12 years old.
Alex took over the family business at 18 years old and was instrumental in transforming Kalifano into a global brand. In 1996, he traveled to China to design the company’s signature hand-carved gemstone globes, further diversifying the brand. Alongside his wife, Fahima, Alex expanded Kalifano’s offerings to include fossils, crystals, and recycled metal art, all while maintaining a curated collection of Native American jewelry to honor the company’s roots.
The Business Today
Alex and Fahima’s four children — RJ, Rami, Mohammad-Judeh, and Jannah —continue the family tradition, managing and growing the business. The opening of Kalifano’s newest store at American Dream in the Meadowlands is a celebration of this multi-generational journey, a fusion of history and innovation that invites customers to experience the beauty and craftsmanship that defines the brand.
“I literally grew up in the business,” RJ told the University of Nevada magazine, where he earned his MBA in 2023. “I was labeling jewelry, working in our retail locations — I’ve been involved as long as I can remember.”
Visitors to the new location can expect a wide, curated selection of unique products, from awe-inspiring crystal formations and fine jewelry to one-of-a-kind metal sculptures. The store’s design pays homage to the Khalaf family’s rich heritage while embracing a modern, elegant aesthetic that captures the spirit of the Kalifano brand.
