Marco’s True VIP’s...You!

I’ve returned from my vacation feeling fresh and inspired having enjoyed two weeks of rest and relaxation. My column about divorce jewelry was well received in my absence and I thank everyone for their kind words. Our store would be nothing if it wasn’t for this vibrant and active community that makes up Marco Island. I’ve gotten to know my customers well and understand their tastes and habits better. Our clients are dynamic, athletic, worldly, and well informed. You play tennis, pickleball, golf, boat, fish, dive, and fly airplanes! And look fabulous while doing it. You are caregivers for loved ones, you are survivors of heart attacks and cancer. You are widows and widowers who come to us shortly after your loss to clean your spouse’s jewelry so you can gift it to a child. We’re honored to be trusted with these delicate matters and our heart breaks for you. You’re also new grandparents who happily come in to buy a baby bracelet or cross for the new bundle of joy. All of these events in life are what makes us human and a part of a community. Some of my favorite customers are fantastic bakers and bring us the most delicious treats. Looking at you, Key Lime pie lady, Cheesecake lady, Italian cookie lady, and Chocolate chip cookie lady. Also, French macaron lady if you’re reading this, I’m sure you have a piece of broken jewelry that needs repairing and I will pay you top dollar for more of those macaroons. 

Those of you on Facebook who recommend us to people, we thank you. I read each and every comment. To the lady who called me unfriendly, fair point. I went through a bad divorce a few years ago and I’m feeling much better now. In fact, a lot of our clients mention how much nicer I am than my dad. Dad’s 50 years of retail have made him a little rough around the edges. You can’t beat his experience though. He has seen it all. I would like to address one FB comment. A woman highly recommended my father for his expertise but mentioned how he doesn’t like to work on jewelry bought elsewhere. This is a little inaccurate. We perform repairs on thousands of items a year, we don’t care where you bought it. Repairs are our bread and butter. If it can be fixed, my dad will do it. He loves a challenge. Occasionally, the cost-benefit analysis just doesn’t make sense. Dad is 70 now. He knows when you’re throwing good money at bad. If he doesn’t think you’ll be happy with the outcome, or the cost is prohibitive, he will decline the job. This is not a slight to you or your jewelry, I’m sure it was expensive at the time of purchase, and we understand sentimentality. Things get worn out, though - scrap it and apply the credit to a new fabulous piece of jewelry that you can wear for the next 30 years. Buy yourself something your children will fight over one day! 

To our customers who appreciate our tongue-in-cheek commentary and just pop in to tell us how much you enjoy our articles, thank you. Often, they will have an absurd request and know they may end up in the articles. They say, “Please don’t put me in your article!” Dad always says, “Too late, I’m already writing it in my head, don’t worry, I’ll change some details to protect your anonymity!” All in a day’s work at the Harbor Goldsmith! We have a lot of laughs, and our little staff all get along, having known each other for years at this point. Annette tried to retire this year, but we declined her resignation. Eventually, she realized she really would miss all the action and friends she’s made over the last 25 years. It’s really a special place, Marco Island in general and specifically the Harbor Goldsmith. My friends from high school have grown children who are getting engaged and have come to us to design their rings. It really all comes full circle. We value our clients and work hard to keep our hard-earned reputation for fair prices and quality jewelry with a friendly face. One time I was dining out with my father on the island, and a newly engaged woman came up to us. She showed us her ring and exclaimed, “Richard, I am so excited about my engagement ring, you did such a marvelous job. The diamond is so big! I never expected something like this! My husband is just a plumber!” When people are truly appreciative and happy it makes it all worth it. Dad loves to share the horror stories of retail and these stories always get a laugh, but I thought it was important to tell the stories of when everything goes right. I even had my first in-store wedding proposal a few months ago! He got down on one knee in front of everyone and asked his girlfriend to marry him. It was such a wonderful moment I’ll remember forever. I wish for many happy years of wedded bliss for you both!

Marco Island is a special place. Our Marco Island angels are a great way to commemorate a memorable trip to paradise. People return year after year to buy one as a gift for a loved one. They light up our medians during the holidays and hold a special place in people’s hearts. They are only found at the Harbor Goldsmith. We carry them in multiple sizes and in silver and gold. Thank you to all our patrons who have supported us through the years. We plan to continue to serve you for many years to come. 

Lindsay Ellen is the daughter of Richard Alan, longtime author of “All That Glitters” and owner of The Harbor Goldsmith…the island’s go-to jeweler since 1994. Lindsay is, in fact, “The Jeweler’s Daughter.” She will be writing this column from time to time while her dad gallivants around the globe this summer. She welcomes your questions and comments about both columns: harborgoldsmith@comcast.net, www.harborgoldsmith.com.