Gem Quiz

I Earned My Stripes Among Royalty and Gave Birth to a Gem-Cutting Town

Today I am more likely to be found at arts and crafts shows.

Published

3 years ago

May 9, 2021

INSTORE Staff

I Earned My Stripes Among Royalty and Gave Birth to a Gem-Cutting Town

NO GEMSTONE IS more creatively striped by nature than I. At times, I can look like the rings of a tree trunk, eyes, fanciful scallops or even a landscape with trees. I was highly valued as a talisman or amulet in ancient times. And collecting bowls made of my funky chalcedony quartz base were popular among European royalty during the Renaissance. Indeed, such was demand for me that I gave a start to a cutting industry in the small German town of Idar-Oberstein that persists to this day. While once acquired by kings and queens, I am now more likely to be sought out by the kind of shoppers who go to arts and crafts shows.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”