“Quality & happy
occasions”
As a fun little exercise, I asked each of the staff to pick out a piece or a
few pieces of jewelry that represented what Packouz stood for – aside from the
many luxury Swiss-made watches. (*As a
note of responsibility – Packouz Jewelers does not carry any conflict
gemstones.)
After much thought, Heidi picked out a few Oscar Heyman
pieces. I am not much of a “bling” type
of person, but I will say that that the pink sapphire and diamond necklace was
exquisite. I even got to try it on and
was it ever weighty! Given that it was
six figures, I certainly was aware that it was clasped around my neck for brief
period.
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| Oscar Heyman necklace of pink sapphires and diamonds...oh my! photo credit: Brooke Van Roekel |
Tonya, Rick’s wife and the person handling all of the PR and
advertising for the business, picked out an emerald and diamond ring because it
was so pure and the quality was unlike what you’d find at many other
stores. She felt that those qualities
represented Packouz.
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| Just a little emerald and some diamonds photo credit: Brooke Van Roekel |
Jennifer picked out an entire display that had a mix of new
styles along with some classic pieces.
The blending of the new with the classic really captured Packouz
Jewelers for her.
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| A lovely assortment of classic and contemporary pieces photo credit: Brooke Van Roekel |
Rick created an assortment of three items with color,
quality, and beauty. They were of the
highest quality, were original pieces, brought color or a little flair, and
contained a simple, understated beauty – just like Packouz Jewelers.
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| Color, quality and elegance photo credit: Brooke Van Roekel |
Larry, whose business this was for 3 generations of his family, went straight for the bridal cases and made an insightful comment. He said, “Everyone who comes in, usually comes for happy occasions.” That is a very good point about the jewelry business. It is for happy reasons that people purchase jewelry. There may only be one exception - those who are trying to get out of the doghouse!
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| A ring that is meant to be shown off! photo credit: Brooke Van Roekel |
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| Lovely on any woman's finger! photo credit: Brooke Van Roekel |
I am grateful to Rick for spending so much time with me on
that dreary Monday and for outlining everything he did from one minute to the
next. Keeping up with his brain and all
of the many hats he wears puts any haberdasher to shame. Thank you, Rick.
To the staff who humored me with answering all of my
questions, let me wander the store, and happily pulled any item from the case
for me to try on, thank you for being so gracious.
To Larry, who clearly has been an inspiration to so many staff
and Portlanders, alike, I now fully understand why Packouz Jewelers is so well
established in the community.
I so enjoyed my time with all of you and am impressed with
your deep knowledge and genuine kindness.
Packouz Jewelers will, no doubt, continue to flourish.
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