I decided to write this blog as first and formost - I love to write!
As a shop owner (more about that later)I also write a newsletter,
and many of our customers have said they would love to hear the stories...
With a blog it's more of a conversation, as you the reader can respond
to what strikes a chord, and there is the ability to connect with others...
so here we go - into the sublime world of jewelry! I am new at this, so
please bear with me...I think the best place to start is to give you a bit of background...
It was the early 70's in NYC. I had just moved north to the city from Palm Beach, Florida.
I had sold my shop, CHEZNU, and was ready to try something new. I wasn't sure what,
but with NYC at my feet, I was optimistic that there were many opportunities and all
I had to do was be open to the possibilities...
After setting into my new apartment on the corner of 79th and Park, and spending days
getting unpacked and somewhat organized, I decided to take a break and go for a long walk. It was a beautiful fall day and the sun was brilliant. I eventually found myself on West 57th Street...
in front of Tiffany and Co...
I can close my eyes and be there right now...I walked by Tiffany's several times,
and at first darted into Bonwit Teller's next door to get some items for the apartment.
(Remember Bonwit's signature "violets" on all of their packaging! Beautiful...
Soon I was back outside in front of Tiffany's and finally got the courage to enter...
(I am a shy 22years old after all...)
I will never forget the first time I walked through those imposing doors...
It was a hub of refined excitement and activity! Beautifully dressed customers were standing
in front of all of these glass cases...filled with the most impeccable, astounding array of jewels
I had ever seen...Imposing men stood watchfully in dark suits at every corner, the quick, precise
"tap-tap" of pens could be heard as salespeople called for the floor "runners" to help them finalize
transactions...
I walked through the doors and stood transfixed for what seemed like an eternity,
slid to the closest counter to hold on and catch my breathe...Instantly, an older
gentleman appeared from behind the counter. "May I help you, madame?" he said.
"No thank you..." I managed to say..."Well, yes, actually - I would love to see some gold earrings!"
Out of the cases came the most magnificent earrings...simple, with that rich luster only 18 karat gold can impart. I was instantly transfixed...and thought, "This is it" How can I work here...!" I was lucky, my particular salesman was gentle and kind - I do not remember his name... I think he knew I was just biding my time. I finally asked him "How can I work here...what do I do, who do I speak with?" He chuckled a bit, and then was kind enough to lead me to the back of the ground floor to speak with Roberta, Tiffany's floor manager...and there it began. We set up an appointment for an interview, and a Lie Detector Test...Stay tuned for more...
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