Now that we have started a new year, it's time to thank
all of our clients who helped make our holiday season
and our year a success. In spite of what you may have
read in the media, we had good sales and helped
create memorable holidays for many people. It was a
poignant Christmas season, as it was the first one in
the history of our company without my father's
presence, but he would have been pleased and proud
to know how many Gleim boxes appeared under trees
and in stockings in our 77th Christmas season. He
loved being a part of everyone's family celebrations,
and it's humbling to contemplate the thousands of
local families who have worn jewelry from Gleim's.
| Valentine's Day |
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Of course this is an occasion which needs
mentioning. Valentine's Day is the kind of day on
which the thought is as important as the actual gift.
We always try to have a good selection of jewelry and
gifts priced under $300 for this occasion, and this year
is no exception. We have gold hearts, gold roses, (for
only $65), colored gemstone earrings, jewelry boxes,
chains and charms, and many other items which are
very reasonably priced. Of course, you can certainly
find some wonderful gifts for well over $300, but you
don't need to spend a lot in order to give your
sweetheart a memorable day. Stop by to see how to
be a hero on Valentine's Day!
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| Tucson Gem Show |
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I am about to head to Tucson, Arizona, for my
annual trip to the largest gem show in the world. For
several weeks each February, the entire city of Tucson
is given over to dozens of different shows, at which
you can find just about anything you can imagine. It's
easy to go from one exhibit at which you see rocks
sold by the pound to another at which you can see
exquisite precious gems priced at over $100,000.
Although I will spend most of my time at a show open
only to the trade, it's always fun to go by some of the
other shows to see what kinds of interesting things I
can find. It's also a good opportunity to track down
unusual or very special gems for clients, if there is
something you happen to be searching for. Just let
me know and I can add it to my list.
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| New! Titanium, Tungsten Carbide, and Black Ceramic Carbide Rings |
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We have just added collections of bands in these
three contemporary metals to our University Ave store,
and they provide a wonderful alternate to gold and
platinum.
Titanium is the strongest metal in the world, and is
very light weight; it makes a great wedding ring for the
man who is not used to wearing a ring of any kind.
Tungsten, another non-traditional jewelry metal, is
extremely hard and, for those who prefer a ring to have
more "heft" than titanium, is the heaviest metal in the
world and provides a ring with a weight similar to
platinum.
And the black ceramic carbide provides a ring which
will retain its black color without wearing off; it has the
weight of titanium and the scratch resistance of
tungsten carbide.
All of these rings come in a combination of textures
and designs, and have proven to be very popular with
our clients. Better yet, most are priced at well under
$500, a feature welcomed by brides and grooms
facing a tight wedding budget. This collection is
exclusive to our University Ave store; stop by and take
a look at our space-age bands!
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| February Birthstone: Amethyst |
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Amethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks
and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of
Bacchus, also is said to keep the wearer clear-
headed and quick-witted. Throughout history, the
gemstone has been associated with many myths,
legends, religions, and numerous cultures. English
regalia were even decorated with amethysts during
the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. It has been
associated with many myths, legends, religions, and
numerous cultures. Amethyst is purple quartz, a
beautiful blend of violet and red that can found in every
corner of the earth. Historically, the finest amethyst
were found in Russia and were featured in much royal
European jewelry. Today, while Brazil is the primary
source of this gemstone, fine material can be found
elsewhere, especially in Zambia.
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| Harper's Bazaar Award |
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For the second year, the December issue of Harper's
Bazaar Magazine has named Gleim the Jeweler as
one of the best jewelry and watch retailers in America.
We are one of only 18 firms in California so named,
and are very pleased and proud to be so honored.
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Jewelry Always Has a Story |
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I continue to hear about how meaningful jewelry can
be, and it's heartwarming to know that it can be even
more meaningful when it comes in a Gleim box.
Just the other day I was talking to a friend I
encountered as we were both walking our dogs. She
pointed out a gold bangle bracelet; it was her eighth-
grade graduation present (which was more than a few
years ago) and, at the time, it was a very special gift for
her because it was from Gleim's. She never takes it
off, and it's a way of keeping herself connected to her
family.
Another client talked about watching his mother open
gifts one Christmas. Just seeing that the box was
from Gleim's made her so happy that she began to
cry.
I am currently making a wedding ring for a young man
who I have known most of his life. His late mother
and I were good friends, and, even though he now
lives on the East Coast, it was very important to him
that I be involved in making the ring he is presenting to
his fiancée.
All of us at Gleim's have such stories to tell, as we
have all been privileged to share in important family
occasions.
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