Would You Like Coffee, Cocktails, or White Chocolate Bread Pudding With Your Diamonds?

Aug 31

5 jewelers who go above and beyond simply shopping

Shopping for jewelry should be a memorable experience (no pressure). When you browse glistening displays, antsy to find an engagement ring or just-because jewelry, your heart beats faster, and your tummy flutters. But then, a crystal flute filled with bubbly appears in your hand, and jewelry jitters begin to drift away, allowing you to relish the beautiful space around you and the bountiful gemstones ready for you to ogle. You remember: this is a celebration.

We know five jewelers offering delicious coffee or fabulous cocktails among their finery—there's even a jeweler who makes cookbooks benefitting the Red Cross. After you've hung out with these jewelers, you may never want to shop anywhere else.

I.Gorman, Washington, DC

Pull up a stool at I.Gorman’s Wedding Band Bar and get ready to cheers. A visit to this modern, welcoming store could involve champagne and an extensive Bourbon selection. "It's really just breaking down the barriers of the negatives that retail has had and realizing that this is an experience; it's fun, it's about them, it's about the special times in their lives," Adam, son of I.Gorman's founders Bonnie and Ivan, told us.

Baribault Jewelers, Glastonbury CT

"We think of it as a home away from home and want people to feel comfortable," Christina, a third-generation Baribault, said. Interactiveness and innovation are also important to Baribault. The "Be Creative" station features a flat-screen TV where customers can see their designs come to life. You can wander to the Coffee Bar for their signature heart cappuccino. They also have a private showing room that hosts bridal parties that include jewelry styling, where Christina says, "We pour them champagne and do it up in front of our big floor-to-ceiling mirror."

*The Fifth C Coffee House at Baxter’s Fine Jewelry*

Baxter’s Fine Jewelry, Warwick RI

Baxter's is all about giving customers something they can't get while online shopping, like a pumpkin spice latte or an espresso martini. "People go to coffee shops, and they talk and feel comfortable, they hang out," said Paul, son of Baxter's founders Robert and Gloria Messerlian. Inspired by the four Cs of diamonds (cut, color, clarity, carat), the fifth C, in this case, is coffee at the jeweler's The Fifth C coffee house. When trying to decide on the best coffee maker to purchase, Paul's mindset was: "We make the best jewelry, I want the best cup of coffee, as well."

Alter's Gem Jewelry, Beaumont TX

Alter's Gem Jewelry’s cookbooks took seed when their employees started cooking for each other in their full kitchen, where they shared stories and flavors from various cultures. But the books didn't come to life until after Hurricane Rita in 2005. "We wanted to do something that would help raise the community's morale that didn't ask them for money," the store’s owner, Brian, told us. In addition to staff and locals, celebrities like Kate Bosworth and James Earl Jones contributed to their first book, Gems to Savor. The second book, Gems to Enjoy, came out after Hurricane Ike in 2008. Both cookbooks raised money for the Red Cross. Fun fact: they also bake cookies for customers daily.

*The man cave at Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers. Photo via INSTORE.*

Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers, Billings MT

Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers went big with its 7,500-square-foot space decked out in a modern ski lodge vibe complete with a fireplace. Their “man cave” has a 70-inch TV and beer and wine offerings. Meanwhile, the “gold mine” room encourages young guests to catch up on cartoons while the adults shop. “The goal is to help couples step outside of buying mode and get into a relaxed state of mind,” said General Store Manager, Jason. They also have a sophisticated CAD station where clients can sit back and see their designs manifest with an Old Fashioned in hand.

Editor: Samantha Durbin

Wordsmith: Melody Nazarian

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