Rita Rudner once quipped, "I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry." Ladies, whether or not your betrothed has a piercing, the mark of true adulthood for men is often met at a jewelry store while purchasing an engagement ring. "It can be intimidating to go into a jewelry store when you're buying a ring," says Tom Jacobi, owner of Schneider's Jewelers in Kingston. "It's our job to make you feel comfortable." Wedding jewelry, however, isn't just about engagement rings and wedding bands. Jewelry also makes a wonderful, meaningful gift for your wedding party or those nearest and dearest as a thank you for being a part of your special day.
For Creative Couples
"Our main focus is unique wedding bands." Says Bruce Lubman, owner of Hummingbird Jewelers. "We have over 40 different designers from antique to classic." Hummingbird Jewelers in Rhinebeck offers one-of-a-kind creations for all special moments. Owner and gemologist Bruce Lubman and his wife established themselves in 1978. The quaint 1,000-square-foot store offers a beautiful space, personal attention, and a diverse collection of jewelry, as well as an on-premise workshop upstairs that is used for master designers, antique restoration, jewelry repair, and custom one-of-a-kind creations. "Couples are getting more creative now," says Lubman. "They'll bring in their grandmother's stone and have something designed that's more modern or restore the family heirloom." As for the groom, there are a few new designers that are exploring alternative metals, think: Tungsten carbide, carbonate, and stainless steel. But for brides, they won't chance anything but the classics. Once the ring is bought the couple will also scoop up gifts for their wedding party. Bridesmaid gifts are particularly popular. Lubman sells an array of freshwater pearls from artists that are both unique and affordable. Another route is eco-friendly artist Lori Bonn, who sells personalized jewelry made with recycled metals.
Hummingbird Jewelers, 23A East Market Street, Rhinebeck. (845) 876-4585; www.hummingbirdjewelers.com
All in the Family
Zimmer Brothers has been family-owned and operated since 1893. The store is now managed by the fourth and fifth generations who still provide the same superior products and customer care. Vice President Jocelyn Klastow says that Zimmer Brothers has become renowned for having one of the largest selections of antique and estate jewelry collections in Hudson Valley, which have come into high demand. "Halo settings, with a micro-pave is the new estate look," says Klastow. "Diamond eternity rings are also popular. Women want to stack rings now. They buy one, like the engagement ring and then stack from there. We do custom just for this." Zimmer Brothers also offer Die Struck rings- a process that's relatively unique to the store and making a comeback. Klastow explains, "Die-struck metals make the ring solid and resistant with no weak spots. They look magnificently polished and are the best of quality. People want to return to that quality again." Gifts are also of the utmost quality at Zimmer Brothers. Klastow says, "An engraved picture frame makes a great gift for the parents or even a bridal shower." We'd have to agree.
Zimmer Brothers, 39 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie. (845) 454-6360; www.zimmerbrothers.com.
Neither Platinum Nor Plastic
Country Gallery, the 400 square-foot not-so-country store has been selling Poughkeepsie one-of-a-kind gifts for the last 30 years. Manager Jennifer Tell says, "We're the place that people come for something unique. We fill the niche that's not platinum and not plastic." Country Gallery sells over 50 lines of jewelry but their number one seller is Pandora, the wildly popular charm bracelet collection. Tell says, "Husbands come in and start their wife with one. Or a mother whose daughter has a collection will buy her a charm for a wedding gift. One bride bought her bridal party a bracelet with a suitcase charms because they were going to Vegas for the bachelorette party. They're great gifts because they signify events in your life." Country Gallery also sells a fair amount of Brighton Jewelry. Tell says, "It's a great gift because of price and also because Brighton Jewelry is good for dressing up at the wedding and then pairing it with jeans and a t-shirt." Finally, her selection of John Mediros, whose jewelry line mimics that of David Yurman, with a much lower price point, is quite popular with the mothers of the bride and groom. Tell says, "This handmade line from Rhode Island features a cuff that's very popular. It's has a classy and upscale look that our moms really like."
