Laura's Jewelry Blog

Summer goes fast - shop smart!

2010-09-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

It's officially over. Summer.

This summer was good for me. I finished my MBA through Webster University; I won Jeweler of the Year from the Arkansas Jewelers Association. These are two significant accomplishments, and I'm proud of myself!

So now it's fall and it's time to think about Christmas, new jewels, affordable gifts for our customers' Christmas purchasing. As I think about advertising for the fall, I can't help but think about the biggest problem most of our customers have...

the false idea that there is a great bargain out there on the internet. It's just not true, so don't fall for that seductive idea! There is some bargain junk out there one the internet, and there are lots of non-bargains. We don't buy diamonds sight-unseen off the internet, so why should you?

You shouldn't! Don't do it! Take the time to shop locally. See it before you buy it.

Thanks!

Winning is fun

2010-08-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

I just returned from the Arkansas Jewelers Association 2010 Convention here in lovely Little Rock, and I'm thrilled to say that I won the "Jeweler of the Year" Award.

It's really amazing to have this great career, family business, customers I love, and the acknowledgment of my fellow Arkansas jewelers.

We also had some fantastic speakers, talking about colored gemstones, marketing, security, and ethics. What a weekend!

Thank you everyone, and I'm already looking forward to next year's convention.

Laura

turquoise jewelry

2010-03-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last 6 days in New Mexico, and I have to say I've begun
to appreciate turquoise jewelry. In fact, I'm nuts about everything colorful,
all of a sudden! So bring out the vivid blues, greens, even reds and purples!

Turquoise, topaz, emerlad, ruby, amethyst...pick a color and go with it-
You can't go wrong with bright colors to get you out of the winter mindset.
Spring is here and color goes with it.

Your jewelry pal,
Laura

Silver Clinic this week

2010-02-10T05:15:00.000-08:00

We're having a "Silver Clinic" this week at Stanley's. What does this mean to you? Good question. You have old silver trays, pitchers, picture frames, and other articles left to you by great-grandmama or your favorite aunt. Most likely, they need some work or at the very least a nice re-plating of their silver finish.

Bring them to us! For two days we'll have an expert, Evie Susie, from the Bron-Shoe Company. She will evaluate and price your repairs at our special 20% off price.

You don't want to miss this event. Call for details, or just bring those pieces in.
February 16 & 17, 2010 only.

Your jewelry pal,
Laura

Valentine's is almost here!

2010-02-08T07:50:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thinking of Valentine's Day. It's less than a week away, and it's time to think.
What's the Valentine's Day gift you most remember? Flowers? Candy? No, it's that item which still brings you joy and memories.

If you are lucky enough to have a Valentine, be sure to give him or her a gift which lasts longer than one week. And if you are giving the gift, remember that also.

We have all our watches on sale through Valentine's, and there are plenty of great choices left, from $150 up to $15,000!

Additionally, I just returned from the Tucson Gem Show with new fun gifts that cost under $500.

Come visit and we'll help you make this Valentine's one to remember!

your jewelry lovin' friend,
Laura

2010-01-16T09:43:00.000-08:00

I had a great time in New York City last weekend, shopping, window shopping, chatting with jewelry industry friends, and going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. That never gets old, no matter how many times I go! I visited the ancient Egypt wing and saw jewelry that is over 5000 years old. Now that's a good investment!

Seriously, when you buy any jewelry of any price, make sure you are buying a quality piece from a reputable source.

Just this week, three local customers have learned that their "fine jewelry" purchases from out of this country (south of here) are fake. A lot of money was wasted. So, when you're ready to purchase a new jewel, keep it local. Buy from a trusted source who will be here when you need them! Like Stanley Jewelers Gemologist, for instance.

Your jewelry loving friend,

Laura

laura@stanleyjewelers.com

Merry Christmas to all

2009-12-22T17:54:00.001-08:00

We've had a great year at Stanley's and appreciate all our customers and their kind words.
Remember, we are here for you! We'll never run out of great jewelry.
Visit often.

Laura the jewelry girl
Happy Holidays!

We'll be open Saturday, Dec 26, so you can buy yourself that treat no one thought to get you for Christmas!

A Conflict-Free Holiday

2009-12-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

It's unfortunate that humans get into conflict over precious resources. But it's reassuring to know that the jewelry industry is trying to control the damage. Let's face it, the mining of any precious resources cause good and bad effects. Many people have died for the oil industry, to name but one example.

We all value diamonds, gold, and colored gemstones. When you are buying these items, know that although perhaps tiny percentages of individuals in the originating localities have taken advantage of local labor through fear and injury, the vast majority of these purchases have a positive effect on their mining populations.

For example, diamond mining revenues have changed Botswana for the better through schools, roads, and infrastructures built. So ask if your jeweler is part of the Kimberly Process, if she supports "No Dirty Gold," and the like.

Then treat yourself. It's good for you and the world, too.

Jewelry Lover Laura

Jewelry for Christmas? I have another idea too!

2009-11-27T03:59:00.000-08:00

We are stocking the coolest non-jewelry gift this year! It's a beautiful writing pen with diamond or gemstone accent.

You can buy your favorite person, coworker, boss, doctor, or mailman this gift for $85 to $150.
These pens have the look of a fine Swiss writing instrument, but won't break the bank.

Come see them in person. I'm afraid a photo just doesn't do them justice!

Laura the Jewelry Lover
In store 6 days/week until Christmas!

Almost Christmas!

2009-11-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

Every year retailers get excited about the Holiday Season, and I am, but I've got something else to be excited about. In this awful economic year of 2009, activity and sales at Stanley's are up, which is almost unheard of.

I think it's because we have such a great staff, helpful attitude, and we really love jewelry. Also it's helpful that our inventory is magnificent! We just put a 142-piece estate collection into stock, along with many other individual estate and brand new pieces. We have the biggest collection of estate jewelry ever!

Please come shop for the holidays. Starting Nov 14, we'll be open Saturdays through December, and I really think that if you're shopping for jewelry this season, we will be your final destination.
And why wouldn't you shop for jewelry...it's the one gift that lasts forever!

Jewelry Lover Laura

Everlon is here!

2009-10-15T09:33:00.001-07:00

It's very exciting to get a new product in our store. We see so much of the same types of jewelry, over and over, but we have just put into stock our new Everlon Collection. We're one of only 300 independent jewelers nationwide to carry this exclusive, beautiful jewelry. There are only 6 of us in Arkansas!

Look at the pictures and you'll see why I'm so excited. The designs come in white or yellow gold, platinum, or sterling. The diamonds are all beautifully cut and matched, and the look is classic elegance.

Please come see it in person, or email at will!

Laura the jewelry lover

I love pearls!

2009-09-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know I absolutely adore pearls.

Round, oblong, baroque, button, white, pastel, irradiated, single strand, multi-color, or any other way a pearl comes to me, I love it! I'm inspired by this beautiful strand of baroque Akoya pearls I just found, from a favorite pearl importer. Why do I love them? First of all, they are huge! Each pearl measures 1" long. They are bright white with beautiful iridescence which almost gives them a "glow." They are dramatic like you can't believe. You need to see them to appreciate their beauty.

We only have two strands of these unique beauties, so come quick!

Laura

The Pearl Lover

Wedding Bands For Men

2009-09-10T18:43:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you I am very excited about our new alternative metal wedding bands! We have a new collection of tungsten, titanium, and ceramic bands which are gorgeous. It's fun to find an exciting new style of ring for men, and it's great to see guys get so excited about them.

This is one of my favorite styles. Check out this website www.ostbye.com, to see even more!

I love that they are so hi-tech looking, they come in great mod styles, and the metals are lightweight and super scratch resistant. Maybe the greatest thing is how they have lifetime free size exchange if needed. What more could you ask for in a wedding band?

Come see our new collection and we'll have fun with the "alternative metal" group.
Stanley Jewelers Gemologist on Historic Park Hill

Laura

Brides and Empowerment

2009-08-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

It's Labor Day weekend, and I'm prioritizing my three days. Mostly I'm thinking about the upcoming bridal show/fair, "Out of the Box Bridal" at Pavilion In The Park, September 10. I'm always leery of bridal fairs, but this one promises to be different, with a more intimate setting, fewer vendors, and just one of each type of vendor, and all of quality, like Stanley's.

I'm focusing on what information I'll take, what jewelry I'll take, and how we'll get the brides and brides' families attention. I considered making distinct Stanley cookies, with a diamond on top, but I think we'll give out mugs with Tazo tea instead. Who doesn't like tea? No one, I think.

Maybe the Stanley cookies will debut this Christmas! Maybe. For this Thursday, I'm going to bring beautiful white diamonds and some vivid colors, too. Also some fancy shapes, wedding bands, gifts for the bridal party, and something for mom.

Most importantly, I'm going to encourage the brides to open their own personal Stanley charge account, with a little help from Wells Fargo, because after 6 years of marriage, I know it's important to be able to buy myself a little treat and pay it off in a few months without stressing out the household account!

So, ladies, remember, it's not a bad thing to maintain your own personal gift account. You just buy something, pay it off, then buy something else. In this economy, if you can do that, without paying interest (6 months no interest with Stanley's), you are way ahead of the game. And you are allowed to buy him something with your account, too!

http://www.outoftheboxbridal.com/,
https://financial.wellsfargo.com/retailprivatelabel/entry.jsp if you want to preapply.

2009-08-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning here in Little Rock, raining. I'm really excited about two things...we can all vote on the historic Hope Diamond's new setting, to be unveiled in 2010.

Go to http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/smithsonian/hope.html and cast your vote.

I like #1 the best...

Also Stanley's will be participating in the first "Out of the Box Bridal" event in Little Rock, on Sept. 10. It's at Pavilion In The Park, and if you are interested in attending, please let me know.

http://www.outoftheboxbridal.com/

It's a small, non-stress event, the polar opposite of local "Bridal Fairs."

Diversity

2009-08-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

I spent a great weekend with jewelers and industry types from all regions of the country. I love that interaction! New York and Las Vegas sound so glam. Whitney Sielaff, Peggy Campbell, Ruth Batson are inspiring to be around.

But now I'm back at Stanley's, at my little desk, typing on my same old keyboard, doing my job, and I LOVE what I do here. So far today, I've priced some new Estate Jewelry for stock; I've special ordered a SuperFit adjustable shank for a customer's beautiful diamond ring, talked about several cool vintage watch repairs with the owners, and I'm shopping for an AGS Ideal Cut diamond for a soon-to-be engaged couple.

What other job involves such diversity, challenges, and such beauty? None, I think.

Ark Jewelers Association 70th Anniversary

2009-08-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

It's jewelry weekend here in Little Rock! I spent a great day at the Doubletree Hotel for our state group convention yesterday, and today, we have a guild meeting of the local American Gem Society jewelers from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Misssissippi. We're the Arkla/Dixie Guild. I love meetings like this because it's a chance to catch up, get a new idea, and find out where jewelers have taken very cool vacations in the last year!

Yesterday, in a session, I realized the time has come for Laura to have a blog. So here it is.

I hope I won't bore you! More soon

Love, Laura