Finalist-ACS 2002 – The Collector Fine Jewelry

The Collector Fine Jewelry, Fallbrook, CA

OWNERS: The Collector Fine Jewelry; ADDRESS: 912 S. Live Oak Park Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028; PHONE: 760-728-9121

THE COLLECTOR was opened in 1971 by Bill Larson, whose Pala International tourmaline mining company had already been operating for three years. The store and staff present jewelry with an emphasis on education. Displays of natural crystal formations, rare wood and fossils are used in the creation of display cases, and a model of a mine tunnel with an authentic timbered opening visually demonstrates how gemstones are created by nature and mined by man. There’s also a kids’ corner with mineral specimens and educational toys.

Anna Sowden was wowed by The Collector’s unique presentation. “What an adventure!” she enthused. Karen Karch was more impressed by the texture of the interior, saying, “I like the earthy wall detail.” She felt that, despite the unusual décor, the store still managed to feel “like a plush living room.” Gwen Carrington gave high marks to the Larsons for being “very consistent with the overall image and brand of the store.”