It’s New to Us by Jean Stratton

TIMELESS ELEGANCE: “Jewelry is a gift of timeless elegance. It brings pleasure to people in many ways. It can give you insight into a family, as it is passed down through different generations.” Mark Weinglass, owner of the new Leon-Meyer Jewelers, is shown by a display case, filled with a signature sampling of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, featuring diamonds, emeralds, pearls, gold, and platinum.

Newly-Opened Leon-Meyer Jewelers Store Offers a Wide Range of Jewelry and Repair

No holiday gift is more welcome and valued than a lovely piece of jewelry. It will last and be a continual remembrance of the sentiments of the gift-giver.

Now, Princeton residents have a new opportunity to find such a gift. Leon-Meyer Jewelers opened the end of November at 6 South Tulane Street.

Mark Weinglass, owner with his wife Simonne, represents the second generation in a family of jewelers, and he brings long-time experience to his new store.

"I'm knowledgeable in all areas of the business. I can handle all levels of service: I'm the watchmaker, the jeweler, and the designer."

Hands-On Experience

Mark learned all about jewelry in his father's store in Somerville, which opened in 1953. "From the time I was a boy I had a lot of hands-on experience, and I learned to judge the value of stones."

A long-time Princeton resident, Mark decided to relocate the store to Princeton. "I wanted to open here," he explains. "I've lived here a long time, and I wanted to offer the Princeton community a wide selection of services and range of prices. This is a smaller store than the one in Somerville. It's a boutique approach, and we have a pretty eclectic store. I enjoy working in and being a part of the community where I live."

Leon-Meyer Jewelers offers many choices to customers. High quality diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, gold and silver, and pearls are all available, and in addition, a variety of whimsical, less costly pieces. It's all about wherever your budget can take you!

"We have jewelry at many price points — from $25 to $2500 and up," says Mark. "We have children's jewelry and also a large assortment of religious jewelry, including crosses and religious medals."

Popular choices in jewelry today are gold and silver, gem stones, and lots of color, he reports. "We see a lot of silver jewelry now in bracelets and earrings, and also the new 'drill' diamonds, which just kind of 'float', creating a very aesthetic look.

"Dangling earrings are always popular, and along with earrings for pierced ears, we have a selection of non-pierced hoops that have spring-loaded clips with a very strong hold. They are so light you hardly know you have them on. They're as light as a feather, and in 14-kt gold and gold-filled.

Good Price Points

"Estate pieces are another important item," he continues. "People like them for their quality and history, and they are offered at good price points."

Pearls are always special for the holidays, and the Leon-Meyer selection includes high quality Japanese pearls with strands of all lengths and sizes, and a beautiful single large Tahitian pearl pendant. There are also champagne and black Tahitian pearls.

Watches are another popular holiday item, and the choices are very attractive, including a woman's estate watch, featuring striking opals around the face.

Diamond engagement rings are always big sellers, and Mark notes that holiday engagements are a favorite for couples. "People like to get engaged during the holidays. Many times on Christmas Eve in our Somerville store, a gentleman would walk out with a purchase, and another man would be pounding on the door to get in!"

Men's jewelry, including rings, cuff-links, and tie tacs are also available.

In addition to the jewelry selection, Leon-Meyer offers a variety of services, including repair, re-stringing, custom redesign, custom remounting, and estate restoration. Appraisals are offered, and cleaning is complimentary.

Custom Work

People often enjoy having an older piece re-set or altered to have a more modern look, yet that will retain the feeling that it has evoked, notes Mark.

"We do the work on the premises, and we can do it very quickly. We will take custom work up until December 23, and we'll have it back for you on the 24th. Of course, for holiday custom work, we recommend ordering as soon as possible."

Over the years, some unusual requests for custom work, including for pets, have been received, he reports. "For example, we custom-designed dog tags with a diamond for a client's pet. You never know what a client will ask for. It keeps it interesting."

He is very encouraged with the number of customers who have already come to the store in the short time it has been open. "We have a real mix, including Princeton residents, visitors from out-of-state who are visiting here, and also a lot of my Somerville customers have come in.

"I look forward to being able to share our services with clients, whether it's for re-stringing, watch repair, custom design, or providing them with an engagement ring or a fun bracelet. It's real one-on-one service.

"Jewelry is so meaningful," he adds. "A person can buy a piece because they like it, another buys it to share with someone else. It can start out as a relationship between two people, and then become an heirloom as it is passed to others in the family. In our Somerville store, we saw six generations within families. Jewelry is a very special gift."

Leon-Meyer Jewelers offers gift certificates, and is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday and evenings by appointment. Hours will be extended for holiday shopping. (609) 688-9888. Website: leonmeyerjewelers.com.

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