Headlines

Jewelry Manufacturer Temporarily Out of Commission Following Nearby Demolition Accident

The company makes jewelry for over 300 U.S. retailers.

Published

4 years ago

November 1, 2019

INSTORE Staff

Strellman’s Dramatic Jewelry, a manufacturer in Virginia, MN, is temporarily out of commission following a wall collapse resulting from a nearby demolition.

Owners Jim and Julianne Paulsen saw the accident happen, the Mesabi Daily News reports. Their store, Rocks the Jewelers, was not hit, although its walls sustained stress fractures. But their manufacturing facility, in another building, was. It was severely damaged.

The newspaper reports that “debris came through the roof and bricks smashed through the ceiling of one room” of the manufacturing business.

Plans for cleanup and repair are underway.

“We cannot produce jewelry until this is fixed,” said Julianne Paulsen, noting that her company makes jewelry for more than 300 U.S. retailers. Many retailers are waiting for Christmas orders, she told the Daily News.

The dust is a problem at the moment, she said. If the mold is not perfectly clean during production, the gold can suffer from pitting, she noted.

The wax has to be completely clean in the mold or it makes the gold porous and you get pitting,”

Several other businesses were affected but have reopened.

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.”