For example, endurance race car driver Nick Boulle of Dallas-based de Boulle Jewelry notes that there is a shared passion between people who love watches and cars. “It’s done a lot for client crossover,” Boulle says. “We’ve built great relationships over a shared passion. We’ve had groups of up to 25 people with us at the races.”

Stephenie Bjorkman of Sami Fine Jewelry in Fountain Hills, AZ, who competes in risky sports involving horses, says her passion for horses has become an integral part of her business by recognizing the potential of that horse-loving customer niche. “My staff gets excited if someone walks in the door with horse s— on their boots!” she says. “Horses are expensive, and horse people can afford jewelry!”

Hockey player Michael Kanoff of Michael’s Jewelers in Yardley, PA, decided to sponsor his team by buying jerseys, which turned out to be a great idea because he’s picked up many new customers who play in the league and sold an engagement ring to one of the league referees.

At the very least, these 10 jewelers have something to talk about, whether or not they consider themselves to be daredevils.

Nick Boulle, president of de Boulle Diamond and Jewelry in Dallas and Houston, TX, in his racing gear (left) and with sister Emma, father Denis and mother Karen.

Race-Car Driver
Nick Boulle, de Boulle, Dallas, TX

Endurance race car driver Nick Boulle has raced at famous tracks across the United States and Europe, from Daytona Beach to Le Mans. Highlights of his racing career include winning the ROLEX 24 Hours at Daytona in 2017 and finishing 7th at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

“I truly love to compete in all ways, and to me, motorsports brings together a lot of the things that I love,” Boulle says. “It requires physical fitness; you have to find solutions to complex problems with your teammates, engineers and mechanics; and it also involves creativity as you work to navigate and ‘see’ the perfect line and driving techniques to drive a car around a racetrack with constantly changing conditions at the absolute limit.

“Then you throw in the fact that you’re all alone in the car, under immense pressure, and the track is filled with people who want the exact same thing that you do in that exact moment, and it makes for a great show and an unbelievable test of one’s skillset.

“I find the feeling of being in the car fairly calming. Sometimes at the start of a race, I might get some nerves, but once the race begins, you are so focused that it all becomes really quiet. None of our daily worries are able to invade the space, and even after a driver change in the middle of a 24-hour race, you get out and immediately debrief with the engineers and the next driver on standby to figure out how we’re going to keep improving the car and our standings in the race at that moment.

“I think what’s made me stay so in love with the sport is that when you are at the racetrack, you are working with your teammates and the car in absolute sync towards a common goal. Life can be complicated, but with motorsports, when you are competing at the racetrack, everything is suddenly very simple. You want to win and succeed and move the car forward; life becomes binary.

“You’re so focused that it’s almost cathartic because it’s very calming being around a situation that’s so simple. You want to win.”

Ellie Thompson

Trail Rider
Ellie Thompson, Ellie Thompson & Co., Chicago

“Over the last 10 years, the challenge of riding technical trails and keeping my fitness optimized for long days on my bike has been a great source of inspiration and a way to reinvigorate my energy. I enjoy racing as well as joyriding, both as a solo rider and with friends! The sport is not without risk and peril: I have come back to it again and again despite three collarbone breaks, a broken leg and multiple surgeries.”

Racing and Heli-Snowboarding
Steve Quick, Steve Quick Jewelers, Chicago

Steve & Melissa Quick

Melissa Quick says while her husband, Steve, is no longer racing powerboats (the most dangerous of his hobbies), he is racing cars and heli-snowboarding. “He never makes it to the Arizona shows because he is back-country snowboarding from a helicopter in British Columbia or Alaska!”

Steve concedes he is an adrenaline enthusiast with a competitive streak, but doesn’t consider himself a daredevil, since he takes every safety precaution possible.

“I have friends who base jump and wingsuit; they are daredevils in my estimation. I want at least half a chance if something goes awry. Roll cages, oxygen, rescue teams above in helicopters, six-point harnesses are all part of my comfort zone.

Steve Quick’s high-powered catamaran, below, before it was badly damaged in a wreck, left. He has since moved on to car racing with strict safety protocols.

“I am rarely as focused and exhilarated as I am behind the wheel or on my snowboard. I have been racing boats most of my adult life. The fascination with speed on the water culminated with a 17-year career racing Powerboats Offshore. They were large high-powered catamaran hulls that are more aircraft than boat.

“A few years after my last boat race, Manos Phoundoulakis [of EXEC] suggested I join his Gem Besties automobile racing team. Melissa was always uncomfortable when I was at a boat race, rightly so as we saw many competitors die. Not so with the cars. Accidents can and do happen whenever you are going very fast in competition, but our safety protocols are very robust.

“Most people presuppose that I must love skydiving or motorcycles. Not so much. I do a lot of helicopter skiing. That would be the only thing I do that if a really bad day happened it could be the last one. Everything is relative, and to many people, I would fit the definition of daredevil. In my mind, I’m a reluctant one.”

Fireworks Expert
Chris Wattsson, Wattsson & Wattsson, Marquette, MI

Chris Wattsson works for the company that conducts Marquette’s official Fourth of July celebration complete with choreographed music and a laser light show at Marquette’s Ore Dock, an event that attracted more than 7,000 people this year.

“I’ve always loved fireworks ever since I was a kid,” Wattsson says. “Even at 6 years old, I was always playing with firecrackers. I’d take a coffee can and a soup can, drill a hole in the top, and when you light it, it shoots itself out of the water. I like the concussions and choreographing it to music.

Chris Wattsson of Wattsson & Wattsson helps set up and operate the o icial Fourth of July fireworks display in his hometown of Marquette, MI.

“I just love the explosions. People are parked all the way out watching it from the shoreline. It’s a four-day setup. We close for a while, too, because I’m gone for a week. I take a week off to work even harder: There are heavy racks to move around, 60 to 80 pounds, a couple hundred of them that you have to move.

“I have to board my dog, Echo, a Norwegian elkhound, across town. He hates my hobby!”

Pyrotechnics
J. Mason Cutchin, JMason Custom Jeweler, Chapel Hill, NC

“Pyrotechnics!!! Rockets, cannons and fireworks are all very satisfying after hours. As a goldsmith, I play with fire every day. The rules are the same. Planning and building for successful performance apply to jewelry and pyrotechnics. Great fun! I wonder how many jewelers want the term daredevil as part of their profile? Pyrotechnics is no place for a daredevil. Cycling and water-skiing days are over. Riding my old unicycle would be a daredevil stunt these days!”

J. Mason Cutchin

Skydiving and High-Altitude Hiking
Denise Oros, Linnea Jewelers, La Grange, IL

“My wonderful engineer husband, who is a licensed IFR pilot, loves flying planes, but me, well I love the adrenaline high of jumping out of them. The peacefulness of floating once that chute opens is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. You can see for miles, and you can hear every little thing when you’re coming down. Amazing!

“And I’m extremely fortunate that my best friend is an endangered-wildlife biologist. As soon as Vegas is over, she plans our hiking trip through the Zion Narrows, which were shut down because of the snow melt this year. Bryce Canyon, which is high altitude hiking, and we often carry oxygen with us. Escalante and the Grand Staircase are just endurance venues, and this year we hiked and became familiar with the flora and fauna of Capitol Reef. You can’t beat southern Utah for incredible views and amazing scenery!”

Motorcycle Racing
Tom Duma, Thom Duma Fine Jewelry, Warren, OH

“I used to race motorcycles professionally; in fact, I told my dad, who was in the jewelry business, ‘Don’t count on me coming into the business, because I’m going to make lots of money racing and retire by the time I’m 40.’ Well, the professional racing was true. The making lots of money and retiring at 40 didn’t happen! I got really injured (fell off at the Indy Mile at 120 mph) ending my dreams of a national championship. But I still race at an amateur level in the 60-plus class, and I just did a two-seater ride at Road America on a Suzuki 1000. Chris Ulrich was at the controls, and I was on the back. It is called a Two Up ride! We did 155 down the straightaway. I have video and pictures to prove that!”

All-Around Adventurer
Jennifer Hornik Johnson, Miller’s Jewelry, Bozeman, MT

“Oh, I’m a big risk-taker. Love the thrill! Call me an adrenaline junkie. Have been bungee jumping, sky diving, canyoning, rappelling, rock climbing. A couple years back, I ran off the side of a mountain in Jackson Hole, WY, (paragliding); it was awesome. I have also paraglided off the coast in Lima, Peru.

“One of my favorite trips was to Switzerland in college, where I went canyoning, mountain biking and bungee jumping in the Swiss Alps.

“Another uber-memorable trip was to Peru in my mid-20s. After spending some time living and volunteering in/near Cusco, I traveled the country with my dear friend, Allison. Our days were filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We did stuff like whitewater rafting the Urubamba River and sand-surfing on the dunes of Huacachina! We also competed a multi-day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, of course. It was incredible.

Jennifer Hornik Johnson (left) with two friends at Machu Picchu in Peru.

“A final story I’ll share was a special skydiving trip taken with both of my siblings. My brother and I took our sister soaring as her college graduation gift. All three of us did tandem jumps for the first time that day in Southern California. Talk about family bonding! (We didn’t tell our parents about the risky (ad)venture until it was over and we were all three safely back on the ground, of course.)

“My next big adventure could be in Africa. I have been trying to schedule a trip to Tanzania to (hopefully) summit Mount Kilimanjaro and experience a safari.”

Reined Cowhorse Competitor
Stephenie Bjorkman, Sami Fine Jewelry, Fountain Hills, AZ

Stephenie Bjorkman holds five world titles in the sport of reined cowhorse.

“I compete and show horses all over the United States. I currently compete in the National Reined Cowhorse Association where I show in cutting, reining, and cow boxing. I also show in the American Quarter Horse Association, where I show in reining, cow boxing, ranch riding, and ranch rail.

Stephenie Bjorkman, owner of Sami Fine Jewelry in Fountain Hills, AZ, competes in the National Reined Cowhorse Association competition.

“In the reined cowhorse, lots of people get hurt. Horses fall on their riders at almost every show. Being around horses and cattle, you cannot control your environment. Both are animals and will kick, bite, buck, and do lots of unexpected things. Cowhorse is a dangerous sport where you show your horse in reining and then chase a cow. I have gotten bucked off, kicked in the head (concussions), bitten and dragged. I still love riding horses! My sport is very high speed and dangerous and gives you an adrenalin rush. I can’t get enough.

“I also raise miniature horses that I use for therapy, team-building events, etc. I have tons of horse clients (that I have met competing) along with our jewelry store clients who visit my miniature horse ranch (snugglefarms.com).”

Hockey Player
Michael Kanoff, Michael’s Jewelers, Yardley, PA

“I played hockey as a kid all through high school and loved it. I stopped playing once I graduated. Every year, friends would ask me to play men’s league ice hockey, but I had no interest. But one day, one of my buddies called and convinced me to start playing again after an 18-year break. I started playing in my mid-30s and quickly realized I was in awful shape. Hockey completely changed my life, as I started working out for the first time in my life and eating better just so I could keep up with kids 10 years younger than me.

Now in his late 40s, Michael Kanoff (center) of Michael’s Jewelers still plays competitive hockey.

“I have had my share of injuries. I broke my collarbone from playing and swore I was done playing at that point. But I missed it and went back to playing after a year. I’ve been playing men’s league ice hockey for 14 years now, and I feel like an 18-year-old kid when I play and a 70-year-old man for the next two days, but it’s worth all of the aches and pains. As I am getting older, a lot of the time I don’t feel like playing. But when it’s time to leave, I blast hip-hop, Metallica or Rage Against the Machine in the car ride over and I am good to go.

“I refuse to stop playing because that would make me old, and I think age is a state of mind. I have way more energy in my late 40s than I did in my 30s. I am now chasing kids around the ice who are 20 years younger than me; I can’t catch them, but I hold my own.”

The post 10 Jewelers Share Stories of Larger-Than-Life Adventures appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

Harvey and Madeleine Rovinsky have run the business, which has stores in Villanova and Newtown, PA, and Somers Point, NJ, for 57 years, The Press of Atlantic City reported. The business was by Madeleine Rovinsky’s father, Bernie Robbins, in 1962.

The exact ownership group remains to be determined, according to the newspaper.

Without a family succession plan, the couple considered selling the business. Eventually, “We said, ‘You know, this has been right in front of our faces all this time. Instead of trying to find a qualified buyer, why not give it to people that are successfully running it now?'” Harvey Rovinsky told Fox Business.

He plans to continue with the business as CEO, CBS News Philadelphia reported.

A retirement sale is underway. The transfer is set to take place next quarter.

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Here are some great examples of store design elements, decor and social-media posts imbued with symbolism.

Watching the Clock
Mitchum Jewelry, Ozark, MO

After watchmaker John Mitchum purchased Trantham Jewelry in 1961, he changed the store name to Mitchum Jewelry and asked Ron Bilyeu, a local sign painter, to also change the name on a double-sided clock that hung prominently on the Ozark Square near the store. When it came time to expand their freestanding location in 2018, John was able to restore the clock. John and his son, Randy, tracked down Bilyeu, who repainted the words “Mitchum Jewelry” on the sign. John’s original watchmaker’s bench, which had been circulated throughout the Ozark community since the beginning of the 20th century and was signed by previous watchmakers, is also on display at Mitchum Jewelers.

A Tradition of Quality
Kelley Jewelers, Weatherford, OK

An image of founder F.L. Kelley at his original watch bench hangs in a prominent spot in Kelley Jewelers’ showroom in Weatherford, OK. Next to that image is the wall clock that has been kept in pristine working order since F.L. first hung it up in 1931. “More than 90 years later, it is a symbol of our continuity with the past and our tradition of quality,” says owner Kim Ingram.

Just Look For the Clock
Wanna Buy a Watch, Los Angeles

At Wanna Buy a Watch, a vintage double-faced Gruen neon clock has served as an outdoor signpost for more than 25 years. “It serves the community by announcing the time to westbound and eastbound pedestrian and vehicular traffic,” says owner Ken Jacobs. “And while some people think that we are The Gruen Store, no one has to remember our address; they just look for our clock. The fact that our clock is from the 1930s really tells the vintage story of our shop. We are a landmark in the neighborhood.”

Ice Breakers
Dutille’s, Lennon, NH

At Dutille’s, owned by Jude Dutille, history is not just a thing of the past; it’s a constant conversation starter embodied in a large silver, hand-engraved plaque and the 1880 Joseph L. Hall safe in the store. The plaque, engraved by J.S. Wolfe, the original store owner, dates back to 1910 when he was a student at the Philadelphia College of Horology. Both are great conversation starters with customers; everyone wants to know how it got in the building. Both items offer a glimpse into the store’s past and its rich tradition of jewelry-making.

Photo Wall
Drenon Jewelry, Independence, MO

Founder Mike Drenon quit his factory job to pursue his dream of owning his own jewelry store in 1945. He and his wife, Pansy, took their life savings of $500 and invested it into a tiny shop in an old strip center. He built his own showcases and carried his merchandise around in a shoe box. The jewelry store has been a huge part of the family ever since, a legacy that is celebrated with a photo wall in the family’s newest 8,000-square-foot store, which debuted in 2018. Third-generation owner Steve Frisch, Mike’s grandson, started at the store when he was just 7 years old. Staff is mostly comprised of third and fourth-generation family or those who been there long enough to be considered family.

A Storied Past
Murphy Jewelers, Pottsville, PA

Fourth-generation jeweler Mallory Murphy recently unearthed a treasure trove of old advertisements and newspaper articles about the Murphy family that she’d never seen before, dating back to 1913. “It’s brought a whole new meaning to #tbt (throwback Thursday) social media posts, as we’re able to give customers a glimpse into our storied past. It’s interesting to see our earliest advertisements signed off as ‘jeweler and optometrist,’ as well as ads telling trolley patrons to stop off the trolley and get their watches repaired. We even unearthed our very first ‘ad’: an announcement in a 1913 newspaper stating our great-grandfather opened up a watchmaker’s shop!”

Memorable Apparel
Craig Husar, Brookfield, WI

When Lyle Husar founded his business, he was very well known for wearing the traditional attire of Swiss watchmakers, which happened to be lederhosen (leather shorts with suspenders). “We always worked it into our ads and got a lot of good laughs out of that, but people remembered us,” Lyle says. His son, Craig Husar, framed the last pair of lederhosen his father wore and hung them up in his new store.

Sign of the Times
Julz, Canton, OH

A 1940s neon sign announcing “Jewelry and Watch Repair,” found in the House of Stones building in New Philadelphia, OH, was restored and hung near the shop in the newest iteration of Julz in downtown Canton, OH. Both stores are owned by Alan Rodriguez.

Nostalgia on Display
Moonrise Jewelry, Cape Charles, VA

Outside Moonrise Jewelry two features reflect owner Meredith Lusk’s roots; an antique iron bench with Victorian motifs from her grandmother’s garden, and flickering faux gas lanterns reminiscent of her time in New Orleans as a Tulane undergrad.

Family Inspiration
Revolution Jewelry Works, Colorado Springs, CO

When designing her store, Jennifer Farnes, owner of Revolution Jewelry Works, wanted to give a nod to her family’s story and her favorite memories. “My mother collected driftwood from riverbanks to decorate the front yard of my childhood home, which inspired all of our wood to be stained a dark gray,” Farnes says, “and the countertops are knotty pine with natural faceted gemstones suspended in the hardened epoxy. My first experience welding was when my father and I built a giant toolbox for his long-haul work truck, which inspired the diamond-plate accents.”

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The robbery happened Saturday evening at Javier the Jeweler in Philadelphia Mills Mall, WPVI-TV reports. The mall was evacuated after the robbery, in which the suspects smashed display cases with a sledgehammer.

Medics on the scene treated the people who were sprayed.

It’s not yet clear how much jewelry was taken. Police are still searching for the four suspects.

Watch the news video:

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Customers are looking for curation in the form of gift suggestions and ease of shopping, like videos that link to shopping opportunities on the website and information about store hours that make Christmas shopping seem convenient, even on Dec. 24. When curating a gift guide, select pieces that range from affordable to over the top, suggests Shayne McCoy, founder of Straight Up Social. Make sure it’s an omnichannel effort. Create a separate landing page to promote your gift guide or publish it to a blog post. Then share it with customers in an email newsletter.

An Omnichannel Approach

The team at Houston’s Zadok Jewelers decorates both the interior and exterior of the store to create a festive environment and boost the holiday mood. It’s one touchpoint in the company’s 360-degree brand experience, which also includes a magazine, a digital and print gift guide and a bridal billboard. And because they display a video loop featuring holiday and party looks on seven LED panels facing Houston’s busy Post Oak Boulevard, the decorations take on a life of their own. In addition, an annual holiday gift guide is circulated to subscribers through a digital newsletter and used in local print publications. The in-house team chooses items based on what’s trendy and stylish in the market; customers love that the gift guide takes the guesswork out of holiday shopping. This year, the Zadok team has also created a bridal campaign billboard that promotes Zadok’s bridal boutique, a standout feature of their new store that opened in 2021.

The Murphy Bow

Murphy Jewelers’ signature “Murphy Bow” has become synonymous with the Murphy family business over the last few decades and is prominently featured in Christmas advertising, whether digital or direct mail. “It’s something our customers look for on special occasions, even telling their loved ones, ‘You better get me a Murphy Bow!’” says Mallory Murphy, who owns the business with her mom, Kim Murphy. “We often hear stories of families hiding it under the Christmas tree or inside a bag so as not to spoil a surprise.” Murphy Jewelers is based in Pottsville, PA.

Gifts with Purchase

Zorells owner Tim Ell concentrates on radio, TV and video, then reinforce the message with billboards in his Bismarck, ND, market. This year, the focus is on o ering products that can’t be easily comparison shopped and that come with incentives including gifts with purchase and interest-free fi nancing. Ell purchased a large quantity of necklaces and earrings to be used as the “irresistible gifts with purchase” for customers who spend a certain amount. Ell says that while many of his competitors advertise by claiming to have the lowest price, he prefers to add extra value rather than engage in a “race to the bottom.”

Having Fun with Instagram

Karen Hollis is the star of her unscripted Instagram video show for her Batavia, IL, K. Hollis Jewelers, whether she’s showing a few of her favorite holiday gifts, literally “spinning” into the holidays with dance moves or lying on the store fl oor petting her dog. She is her brand. And her brand is all about authenticity, spontaneity and fun. “What’s funny is people are calling the store and saying, ‘Do you still have that necklace you were wearing on Instagram on Tuesday?’ We had to start making a list of what I wore when because I couldn’t remember,” Hollis says. She has so much fun on social media that she’s put together a bloopers compilation of outtakes that she posts on April Fool’s Day

The Voice of the Business

Marc Majors, owner of Samuel L. Majors Jewelers in Midland, TX, appears in his own TV commercials, a personal touch that resonates with the crowd looking to buy local and buy small. “Anybody can take video or pictures of product and make a generic commercial, but when you add the personal touch of being in your own commercial and talking about your business, then it seems more important,” he says. “I also voice my own radio spots, and people seem to gravitate toward that as well. I’ll be in the grocery store talking to the cashier and someone will tell me they recognize my voice.”

Finding the Right Niche

Maejean Vintage is based in Lancaster, PA, and was founded over a decade ago as a global online business specializing in vintage and antique jewelry. But their showroom is open by appointment, so co-owner Laura Mae advertises in the local Fig Magazine as a way to connect with their local customer base. “It’s pretty much the only print advertising we routinely partake in,” she says. “The magazine is local and focuses on fascinating and inspiring stories, guides, and community. When deciding upon print advertising for our unconventional and niche business, the right fi t was especially important.” For this particular holiday ad, social media coordinator Heidi played model. “We decked her out in some of our most glamorous and sparkly pieces with a holiday inspired look!” Mae says.

All About the Jewelry

Rick Nichols, owner of Nassau Jewelry Co. in Fernandina Beach, FL, has been advertising in the local Amelia Island magazine for seven years, and shoppers bring in the ads or mention they’ve seen them year-round. Readers tend to be over 40 and not active on social media, so it’s a good way for Nassau Jewelry to connect with what is a desirable demographic for them. Nichols doesn’t mention Christmas in his holiday-season ads because he doesn’t believe it’s necessary and he prefers simplicity. “People are aware it is Christmas,” he says. “In the end, it’s about the jewelry.”

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Zadok Jewelers
Houston TX, founded 1976

Judges say Zadok Jewelers is a fine example of an elite luxury retailer across all facets of their business. Their fully revamped e-commerce website, launched to coincide with the opening of their new store in 2021, is one of the best in the business. The move, which brought the showroom to a sprawling 18,000 square feet, also delivered 14 shop-in-shops, four boutiques, and interior finishes best described as opulent, rich and elegant. Zadok was founded in Houston by Dror Zadok and his wife, Helene; their sons, Jonathan, Segev and Gilad represent the seventh generation of the family business with roots in Jerusalem and Yemen. Architect and design firms include Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and Nina Magon Studio.

Craig Husar
Brookfield, WI, founded 1968

Craig Husar, in honor of the company’s 50th anniversary, decided to pursue his lifelong dream of building a freestanding store and designing it himself. He collaborated with Swarovski to create the Star of Husar, the largest star-shaped chandelier in the Midwest, which is suspended inside a 40-foot tall, halo-topped tower. Judges also noted that Craig’s personal story adds allure to his brand. Before returning to the family jewelry store founded by his father, Lyle, Craig worked as exhibition director for treasure hunter Mel Fisher. “Who wouldn’t want to buy jewelry from a treasure hunter?” says judge Mitchell Clark. The architect was Jeff Stowe, So Architecture, LLC.

Murphy Jewelers
Whitehall, PA, founded 1913

Judges describe Murphy Jewelers’ third store, which debuted in 2020, as warm and comfortable. Modern, open-air casework, a cozy fireplace, 86-inch TV and a bar serving Pottsville, PA-made Yuengling beer, combine to make everyone feel at home. The factory building-style exterior design has a retro vibe that speaks to the company’s storied history, while the online presence is well integrated into the business and by no means an afterthought. The store was designed by owners Mallory and Kim Murphy, with some help from their cousin, Annie Murphy, an interior designer.

Hale’s Jewelers
Greenville, SC, founded 1856

Lucian Lee opened a stunner of a new store in 2021 with an update of Hale’s, the 166-year-old retail jewelry business that he spent a lifetime growing. Judge Bruce Freshley of Freshley Marketing describes the architecture as jaw-dropping. “It’s actually one of the most dramatic retail stores of any kind I have seen in years,” he says. But the raves didn’t stop with the store design. Judges were also impressed with Hale’s community involvement and family-first spirit. “Hale’s may be the oldest business in Greenville, but this store is a breath of fresh air,” says judge Mitchell Clark. Architecture and interior design by DP3 of Greenville.

Revolution Jewelry Works
Colorado Springs, CO, founded 2013

Revolution Jewelry works has grown by leaps and bounds since Jennifer Farnes founded it in 2013. The latest iteration of her custom operation brings the total footprint to 4,300 square feet and features a 350-pound showstopper of a chandelier as showroom centerpiece. The floors are liquid metal, and gemstones are embedded in the countertops. Judges say creativity and joy is masterfully expressed through the interior, which Farnes designed, while authenticity and warmth are conveyed through the online experience. The marketing message is fresh, bold and edgy, just like the store.

SMALL COOL

WEND Jewelry
Seattle, founded 2020

Owner Wendy Woldenberg creates handmade, gender-neutral jewelry from sustainably sourced materials. She opened WEND, a combination studio, showroom, classroom and art gallery in 2021. The small but soaring space was designed by Zero Plus Architects with 17-foot-tall ceilings and a wall of glass. Judges note the versatility and efficient use of space. Every element of the WEND brand feels seamlessly interconnected and infused with natural elements.

Walton’s Jewelry
Franklin, TN, founded 1974

After the business suffered a fire in January 2021, the resulting unplanned renovation uncovered a treasure trove of historical features: hardwood floors, a beadboard ceiling and old brick walls among them, which add to the character of the place. The business, which specializes in antique and estate jewelry, is owned by Julie Walton Garland and her father Michael Walton. Judges say Walton’s is a rare window in time that exudes Old World charm while also being seamlessly integrated online for a 360-degree experience.

Malka Diamonds & Jewelry
Portland, OR, founded 2008

Malka Diamonds & Jewelry, owned by David and Ronnie Malka, is a full-service jewelry store that showcases exceptional craftsmanship. The new location, which opened in 2020, is on the second floor of a building in Portland’s lively Pearl District. The showroom, designed by Elk Collective, is divided by a custom cube with windows, which houses a full shop. Judges found the space beautiful and inviting. Judge Joanne Slawitsky said the abundant natural light pouring in from the windows and reflecting the light in the glass-on-glass cases gives the space the pleasant illusion of spending time outdoors.

Anna Zuckerman
Boca Raton, FL, founded 1996

Anna Zuckerman outfitted her 750-square-foot showroom with luxury finishes and custom showcases to display the eponymous, affordable jewelry brand she launched in 2020. The storefront, designed by BE Designs, brings to life her vision of making luxury accessible to all, offering fine sterling silver jewelry styles with an average retail price of $199. “Every woman deserves to sparkle” is her mantra. Judges say the space is stylishly luxurious and beautifully upscale.

Karina Brez
Palm Beach, FL, founded 2011

Judges find Karina Brez’s showroom to be open and inviting despite its tiny 125-square-foot showroom footprint. Brez’s jewelry brand is founded on her love for jewelry and horses, which takes shape in equestrian-themed pieces crafted with exquisite detail. That love of detail is reflected in the store’s interior design from the gilded ceiling to the braided carpeting. The showroom opened in 2021 and was designed by Romanov Interiors to make the best use of the space.

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“Vendors are talking about how they manufacture in a carbon-friendly manner, customers are asking for sound abatement and realizing the importance of low VOC wall coverings and paint (volatile oil compounds that contribute to poor air quality),” she says.

Along with this increased awareness has come a longing for hints of nature indoors, even (or especially) in places of business.

Green retail space, which incorporates plants, living walls and other greenery into the space, along with natural features including wood and stone, is a burgeoning trend, says interior designer Leslie McGwire. She enjoys bringing nature into the interior if it aligns with the store owner’s vision. In the right setting, green accents can be a breath of fresh air literally and figuratively.

When it comes to a living green wall, the only way to keep the greens looking great is to have a professional service come in weekly, McGwire recommends. “They water and replace old plants. They use common plants so they can change them out for a low cost.”

McGwire says employees and customers alike are more relaxed and productive when surrounded by nature. Positive emotions can lead naturally to a happier shopping experience and increased sales; extra oxygen can fight inertia and fatigue.

An Oasis in the Desert

At Occasions Fine Jewelry in Midland, TX, interior designer Leslie McGwire worked with owner Michael Fleck to install a living green wall, which has become a focal point of the recently reimagined showroom. The greenery acts as an oasis in the store that has an ambience and color palette that Fleck describes as desert luxury.

Moss Makes the Scene

While a rolling stone may gather no moss, that’s not the case for Wendy Woldenberg, who enjoys collecting it. The jewelry designer founded her retail business, WEND Jewelry in Seattle, on principles of sustainability. She has incorporated moss into a sit-down jewelry display. The jewelry, which is inspired by natural elements, both complements and contrasts with the organic backdrop.

Seasonal Sensation

At the Village Goldsmith in Wellington, New Zealand, the plants in the green wall installation are automatically fed three times a day and tended to by gardeners twice a month. Different plant species are added, sometimes to create seasonal color palettes. “It’s a wonderful and ever-changing vista,” says Allette Ockhuysen, brand manager. “It creates an environment that produces oxygen, filters the air and provides a comfortable and healthy atmosphere for clients and staff.”

Subtle Serenity

At Murphy Jewelers in Whitehall, PA, pops of green add refreshing accents to a neutral color palette in the expansive, 4,050 square-foot showroom, which opened in 2020. The store is owned by the Murphy family, who designed the interior.

A Relaxed Vibe

At Mitchum Jewelers in Ozark, MO, planters filled with vibrant green foliage take center stage, but can be seen along many sight lines throughout the space. “I think one thing that customers notice immediately in our store is how comfortable the vibe and energy are,” says owner Randy Mitchum, who undertook a major expansion and remodel in 2018, under the design direction of Jesse Balaity of Balaity Property Enhancement. Another appealing organic feature is a stacking stone wall in the bridal enclave.

An Enchanted Garden

Ellie Thompson in Chicago has an organic theme throughout her jewelry boutique. A shade garden adds warmth and curb appeal out front. Inside, sterling silver jackalopes, designed by Thompson, hide among miniature ferns. Jewelry pieces, including a snake, pop up on plants and natural stone surfaces, lending them an organic air. A magical rose motif adorns one wall.

Picturesque Party Space

Interior and exterior seamlessly converge on the patio at Provident Jewelry in Wellington, FL, where palm trees and a lush, green border add tropical ambience to events ranging from polo season parties to more intimate affairs. Owners Rob Samuels and Scott Diament own Provident Jewelers.

Blending with Nature

Karina Brez, owner of Karina Brez Jewelry in Palm Beach, FL, has framed her entrance with greenery, easing the transition from exterior to interior. Once inside, expansive windows allow for views of palm trees. The store was designed by Romanov Interiors.

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Wasim Shazad, owner of V. Jewelers on Philadelphia’s Jeweler’s Row, could be sentenced to up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution to the IRS, authorities said. Scroll down to watch a news video from WPVI-TV about the case.

He allegedly conducted financial transactions through a series of jewelry purchases made by an IRS undercover agent.

An agent bought jewelry from the store using cash and claimed that his income was from selling drugs, according to authorities. The jewelry consisted of a platinum and diamond necklace sold for $24,000 and a canary diamond and platinum ring sold for $23,000.

Shazad, of Norristown, PA, was accused of failing to report the payments to the federal government.

“Federal laws that regulate the reporting of financial transactions are in place to detect and stop illegal activities,” said Yury Kruty, IRS Criminal Investigation special agent in charge, according to Patch.

Kruty added that the failure to report the transactions “promoted the use of ill-gotten gains within our financial system, which is a crime.”

“His admission of guilt today underscores law enforcement’s tireless commitment to enforcing these laws,” Kruty said.

Shazad’s legal troubles came to light in December 2017, when his store was raided by federal agents.

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Owner Gary Block, grandson of founder Harry Block, has decided to retire along with his wife, Leslie Block.

The business has been at its current location on Baltimore Pike since 1966, but its origins date to 1929, Patch reports. That’s when it began as a mail-order operation.

In 1955, the company launched a catalog showroom model, eventually growing to four locations. It sold not only jewelry but also housewares, electronics and other items, according to Patch.

Since 1985, Block has focused on jewelry.

A going-out-of-business sale is underway.

“We’ll miss our customers and the camaraderie of seeing them on a regular basis,” Gary Block told Patch.

Read more at Patch

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Branded Bottle Leaves an Impression

Erik and Leslie Runyan, owners of Erik Runyan Jewelers, developed their own wine label to promote their Vancouver, WA, business. “It gives me great pleasure to open and share a bottle with a customer or send them home with some to think about and enjoy later,” Erik says. They’ve also hosted Wine Wednesdays to give clients another reason to visit. Light appetizers and local seasonal wines are used to create a fun and casual environment at the jewelry store.

What’s Upstairs? A Lifestyle Libation

On the second floor of BC Clark’s newest store in the upscale Classen Curve shopping center in Oklahoma City, guests will find a second spacious showroom, which is home to the Life:Style department featuring home decor, gifts, accessories, a bridal registry and — what else? — a wine bar. BC Clark is owned by Jim Clark and sons Coleman Clark and Mitchell Clark.

An Elegant Twist on Coffee

An elegant coffee service fits the mood at John Cauley Jewelers of Mobile, AL, which offers beautiful surprises around every corner. “When a new customer comes into the store, we usually hear them say, ‘Wow, this is a hidden gem,’” says owner John Cauley, whose gradual expansion of the space has turned it into a succession of separate rooms, each with a particular style and purpose.

Hershey’s Kisses Always In Stock

Vardy’s Jewelers owners Vandy Shtein, Fanya Hull, Misha Shtein and Alice Shtein strive to make the Cupertino, CA, store welcoming. From complimentary wine and champagne to freshly brewed coffee, the showroom is the family’s home away from home. They roll out the red carpet for customers with comfortable seating, potted plants, real wine glasses and Hershey’s Kisses. Vardy’s is ADA-friendly (including its website) and always has treats and cool water to welcome four-legged guests.

This One’s For Oenophiles

Rome Jewelers is set in a comfortable, friendly environment in Wilmington, OH, complete with a wine bar, large-screen TV and refreshments. In the summer of 2020, they opened a complementary business, Venice Wine, inside the store. Owners Marc and Joe Sodini upgraded the wine cases to custom fit the maximum allotted wine on each shelf. Lighting features in each case illuminate the special details in every bottle. Under the bottled shelved wine, they carry a selection of wine-themed gifts.

Cultivating a Hometown Flavor

Kim Murphy and her daughter, Mallory Murphy, were both instrumental in the interior design of their new Murphy Jewelers store in Whitehall, PA, while consulting with cousin Annie Murphy, an interior designer. They are especially proud of the bridal bar, where customers can shop for an engagement ring while enjoying a Yuengling beer from the Murphys’ hometown of Pottsville, PA. There’s also a cozy fireplace and an 86-inch TV. “Knowing our customers would be spending a lot of time in this area making a lifelong purchase, we wanted to make sure they were comfortable and at ease,” Mallory says.

Bourbon Banishes Stuffiness

When Diamond Center Jewelers opened in 2020 in Fort Smith, AR, the bar area with a 60-inch TV quickly became a client favorite, say owners Jim Cash III and Kayla Cash. “I am a whiskey and bourbon buff, so keeping the bar stocked is a lot of fun to me,” Jim says. “The bar automatically eases clients. They don’t feel like they are in a stuck-up or stuffy jewelry store.”

Everyone’s Favorite Is on Tap

T.C., Beth and Chris Carter envisioned a warm, inviting and hospitable atmosphere for their Mountain Home, AR, store from the moment that clients walk in the front doors and see a fireplace. Carter’s Jewel Chest’s hospitality bar area offers snacks, drinks and a TV. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s are often shared and a local brewery’s favorite beer and root beer are always on tap. The on-tap beer is proving to enhance the men’s experience, especially, allowing them to feel more comfortable in the jewelry store environment. It doesn’t hurt that the TV over the bar is always playing sports too. In order to further enhance the customer experience, a signature of the store is freshly baked cookies that are passed out daily.

Fully Equipped for Relaxation

The Diamond Family’s owners Michael and Alex Haddad have equipped their dream 4,000-square-foot store in St. Louis, MO, with a lounge featuring a full bar, leather couches, massage chairs, a 60-inch TV, an electric fireplace and refrigerators for beer, water, soda and wine. “Treating people like family is the pillar of our business,” says Michael.

It’s a Treasure Hunt for All Ages

Liz Saba, owner of Presley & Co Fine Jewelers prominently displays a safe from the 1930s near the entrance of the San Diego store. “We keep wine and champagne for the adults, and ring pops and chocolate coins for the kids in the safe, and kids delight in helping to open it and discovering the treasure inside,” Saba says.

Let’s Hang Out

Owner Chae Carter says Carter’s Jewelry of Petal in Petal, MS, is known for being welcoming. In addition to serving refreshments, Carter has responded to the needs of her customers by adding hang-out areas, as the need becomes clear, including a Kid’s Corner for children to play and color while parents shop, and a Men’s Den, which includes a bar and a lounge.

This Bar Is Trademarked

Tim and Sharon Zorells treat clients of Zorells Jewelry in Bismarck, ND, to mimosas, wine, coffee, and soda while they have their jewelry cleaned or browse luxury designer selections at their trademarked Wine and Shine Bar. The store was designed by Leslie McGwire.

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