If Valentine’s Day is an occasion you like to mark
with jewelry, be sure to drop by one of our stores to
see our selection of jewelry and gifts. Hearts, a
traditional association with Valentine’s Day, can be
had in gold or diamonds. How about a gold locket,
one which can hold family photos? Or a bracelet with
a sentimental charm attached? Although we’re
always happy to hear you wish to make a major
purchase, Valentine’s Day is one day on which the
thought is more important than the item. Each of our
stores has a selection of wonderful jewelry and gifts
starting under $100, and we would love to help you
find just the right thing. After all, you can give your
sweetheart flowers, or you can give her flowers with a
beautiful ring or pendant attached! Which will be more
memorable?
This is always a fun week at our stores because of the
wonderful stories we are able to share with our
clients. We hear so many unique ways to present a
Valentine’s gift, and so many special stories, that it
makes our job much more fun. I remember the times
a youngster has come into the store, clutching some
bills hard-earned through babysitting or chores,
looking for something special for Mom.
Budget? “$45.00.” It’s rare that we have not been
able to find something suitable, wrapped in our gold
paper with a red ribbon. We can just imagine the
pride on the face of that youngster when the gift is
presented. Or Dad will come in with one or two
small “advisers.” A few years ago I sold a lovely little
estate ID bracelet, originally from Tiffany & Co., whose
previous owner had engraved the following message
to his sweetheart: “You are the song in my heart.”
What a wonderful legacy! Come see what we can find
for your own romantic story!
| The Tucson Gem Show |
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I just returned from the Tucson Gem Show, the
biggest and most important gem show in the world.
Gems and minerals take the town over in early
February, and it is possible to see gems costing
hundreds of thousands of dollars in one exhibit, only
to stroll across the freeway and find rocks selling by
the pound. It’s unique, fun, and an important venue for
fine jewelers.
Over the years, we have found new sources for
different gems, have purchased fabulous individual
colored gemstones, and have learned of the newest
developments in the industry. Traveling to these
different shows, even if we are not buying much at that
particular time, is an important way of keeping in touch
with the industry and unearthing good new supplier
partners we may wish to work with in the future.
In April I will be traveling to the Watch Fair in Geneva,
Switzerland, to see the unveiling of the newest
collections from Cartier and Baume & Mercier. This is
the highlight of the watchmakers’ year, the fairs in
Geneva and Basel, and is always fascinating and
inspiring.
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| Magic Stones |
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What birthstone can provide all of the following
qualities? It has healing and energizing powers, it is
calming and sobering, it can enhance mental
strength, and it can relieve stress, grief and
depression. Not only that, it can prevent intoxication!
And, best of all, it is a lovely deep purple color.
Amethyst, of course, the birthstone for February, is the
answer. How did amethyst gain its sobering
powers? Legend has it that Amethystos, a Greek
maiden, was being pursued by Dionysus, god of wine,
celebration, intoxication, and joviality; he no doubt had
less-than-honorable intentions. Amethystos
appealed to Diana, who saved her by turning her into
a pure, colorless quartz crystal. Dionysus, overcome
by sorrow at this development, anointed her with his
glass of wine, turning amethyst forever after a lovely
shade of purple. Now what more justification do you
need for buying yourself a beautiful amethyst to wear
to all future cocktail parties? Best of all, it’s a
reasonably-priced gem.
Many gems have similarly exotic legends associated
with them. Knowing their history and purported
powers can truly enhance your enjoyment of your
jewelry. Stop by our stores and ask for a brochure on
your own birthstone.
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It's Another New Year |
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Welcome to 2007, and thanks to all of our customers
who made the recent holiday season fun and
successful for us. It’s a special time, and we are
honored to be able to share in so many family holiday
celebrations. It’s fun to share the anticipation and to
know secrets before they are revealed. A friend of
ours who owns and operates three very successful
jewelry stores in the Midwest expressed it well in a
Christmas Eve email: “Another customer came in and
told me it can't be Christmas without coming to my
store on Christmas eve. Wow....do I feel good or what.
I guess this is my extended family.” How better to
express it? We all treasure the memories we have
built up with generations of customers and really do
feel as though you are our extended family.
What will the year hold? Whatever is in store, jewelry
can be a way to mark special occasions. Whether for
a birthday, anniversary, wedding, engagement, or just
no occasion, the recipient will always remember the
circumstances of the gift. But jewelry doesn’t always
have to be a gift to give someone else. I have
customers who have purchased a piece of jewelry to
mark their own important milestones, whether
promotions, graduations, or other personal
achievements. Sometimes just making the decision
to buy a piece of jewelry for yourself is a very important
step. And every time you walk into a meeting wearing
the watch you purchased for yourself when you were
named partner, or the charm bracelet bearing charms
to mark the important passages in your life, you gain
an extra bit of confidence.
Congratulations is due to Rick Velayo, store
manager at our University Ave. location. Rick has just
been elected President of the California Jewelers
Association. Rick has given valuable and dedicated
service to the CJA board, and his achievement is
something we are all proud of. Not only that, Rick
carries on a Gleim tradition: Arthur Gleim was CJA
President in 1967, precisely 40 years before Rick’s
election, and he is pleased to see Rick carry on in his
footsteps.
The CJA was founded in 1933, and has long been an
active and vital trade association. Service to the
industry has been a Gleim standard ever since Arthur
Gleim became involved in the American Gem Society
and CJA. Among the offices held by individuals from
Gleim the Jeweler are President of the Northern
California Chapter of the American Gem Society (five
times!), President of the American Gem Society
(twice), President of the Jewelers of America, and
Chairman of the Board of the Gemological Institute of
America. What does all this involvement mean to you,
our clients? It means that we are well-known and well-
regarded in the industry, giving us (and you!) access
to gems and jewelry which we otherwise might not
have exposure to. It means that we have connections
we would not otherwise have. In the end, it means
that you, our clients, have access to the best of the
best.
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