It’s New to Us by Jean Stratton

SPECIAL GIFT: “Even in a difficult economy, people are still buying jewelry. There are still birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions, and people really want to commemorate important moments and give their loved ones a special gift.” Monica Walker, sales floor manager and assistant store manager at Forest Jewelers, is wearing one of Forest’s special pieces: a 14k yellow and white gold necklace with diamond drop.

Unique, One-of-a-Kind Jewelry Selection Designed and Manufactured at Forest Jewelers

A gift of fine jewelry is timeless, an unmatched expression of love and affection. A diamond bracelet, an emerald ring, a gold bracelet, a strand of pearls — to be worn and appreciated today, but then to be passed down to another generation, extending the enjoyment over time.

“This is a ‘feel good’ business,” explains Monica Walker, sales floor manager and assistant store manager at Forest Jewelers, 104 Nassau Street. “We’re helping people to commemorate their special life memory. People buy jewelry for lots of reasons. Sometimes because they want to commemorate a life event; sometimes because they got a promotion, and it can be a memory-maker. Other times, they just fall in love with a piece, and sometimes, they want something that can be passed down through the generations — an heirloom.”

What is unique about Forest Jewelers is its focus on fine quality one-of-a-kind pieces, often designed and manufactured on the premises by owner Mitch Forest and the other two jewelers at the shop. And in addition to creating their own one-of-a-kind pieces, Mr. Forest and the jewelers specialize in custom work, including redesigning vintage family pieces that can benefit from a new look while retaining the personal meaning for the owner.

Mr. Forest, a jeweler, designer, and manufacturer, opened the store in 1982, and he has a unique appreciation for fine jewelry. He has also provided a setting that is welcoming and congenial for customers.

New Pieces

“People like our store and the atmosphere.” says Ms. Walker, who has been in the jewelry business for 25 years. “We’re a small family jewelry store — a nice, unassuming store. People feel comfortable when they come in, and we spend time to help them find the right piece.

“And I want to say, the biggest thing we offer is Mitch — our customers tell us this all the time. Mitch really sets the store apart from others. He sets the tone, and many members of the staff have been here a long time. They’ve found a home. And for customers, there is nothing like coming into a store and seeing someone they know and feeling welcome. We have so many regulars, and many come in often — even weekly — to see what’s new. We always have some new pieces on display.”

The selection is handsomely displayed, and customers appreciate the variety of precious and semi-precious pieces as well as watches for men and women, and the intriguing assortment of estate jewelry, notes Ms. Walker.

“Customers like everything, and of course, everyone has their own personal taste. Some clients love pins, others want necklaces or rings. Also, we are always happy to advise customers. Men often like suggestions about what to get their wives or girl friends. It’s also fun when the University students come in to get something important for a special person in their life.”

“Add a Pearl”

And pearls never go out of style, she adds. “We have all kinds, including gorgeous black Tahitian pearls, which are wonderful for a special occasion. We also have pearl rings, bracelets, earrings, etc. A very popular item is our ‘Add a Pearl’ necklace. You can start one for a little girl, and then add one pearl for birthdays, holidays, etc. By the time, she’s 18, she will have a very nice necklace.”

Forest’s selection is very engaging. No one will be able to resist the beautiful sapphire pendant with diamonds on a white gold chain, designed by one of Forest’s jewelers. Equally special is the “reversible” pendant with sapphire on one side and diamonds on the other. Just tailor it to your wardrobe of the moment, and it, too, is a fashion statement.

“We have a wonderful diamond ‘tennis’ necklace with graduated stones that is very appropriate for a black tie event,” says Ms. Walker. “There are also lovely floral-shaped mother-of-pearl earrings with diamonds in the center.”

The store’s selection of sterling silver is always popular, and lockets are very special gifts. They are available in silver or gold, and with or without diamonds.

Estate Jewelry

Estate jewelry, including pocket watches, appeals to many people because of its history. It can also provide a unique look. “We have a very interesting set of amethyst and gold cuff links that are actually magnets, from the late 1950s–early ’60s,” points out Ms. Walker. “Also, you can put estate jewelry together with a new piece, and it creates a completely different look.”

Gifts for men at the store include signet rings, watches, and cuff links, and men, who might not have had one at the time of the wedding, also sometimes come in to get a wedding ring, especially if the couple is going to renew their vows.

The store’s assortment of baby gifts and items for children, including crosses for first communions, and lockets, is very appealing, and Forest’s also offers repair work and appraisal service for insurance purposes.

Customers like the fact that the jewelers are in the store and visible, adds Ms. Walker. “They are happy to answer customers’ questions. Another thing our jewelers do is melt old gold jewelry and use it to design new pieces. And we are also buying gold now.”

There is a wide price range, with items starting at $25. A selection of colorful watches in bright shades are $80. In addition, selected items are currently marked down 50 percent.

“People love jewelry,” says Ms. Walker, “and as long as they do, we will be here for them. We want to make sure that everyone who comes in is happy.”

Forest Jewelers is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (609) 924-1363.

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