Get Inspired

Liz Saba’s San Diego Jewelry Store Reflects a Rock ‘n’ Roll Vibe

She was profiled in a book about the Southern California punk-rock scene.

Published

4 years ago

September 23, 2019

INSTORE Staff Instore October 2019 Issue Online Extra

Liz Saba’s San Diego Jewelry Store Reflects a Rock ‘n’ Roll Vibe

ONLINE EXTRA: Q&A

What do you look for in designers that you represent in your store?

I look for women who creatively tell a story through their unique designs. They evoke feelings when you put on their pieces. I want designers that you won’t see at traditional jewelry stores!

You have pet sea monkeys? Please elaborate!

We wanted pets in the store, but furry animals were not an option. We got a self-enclosed eco system with Sea Monkeys and had a naming contest with our clients. The winning names received a gift card to our store. So now we have Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy Ramone!

What’s it like being open some evenings? Is there a different mood or ambience or clientele?

It’s important for us to open evenings because we are surrounded by fabulous restaurants. Couples on dates stop by and discover us. It also opens up shopping hours for our clients that work.

What’s it like working with family?

Working with family makes for a fun camaraderie. Trust me, there are days that you’re not feeling it, but at the end of the day, it’s brought us all closer together.

What do you like best about your occupation?

What I love best is that we make people happy and become part of their story, their lives. It’s meaningful to us. I also love that people that didn’t think they could have a special piece of jewelry accessible to them know they have a place to go. I also love that after 36 years in this industry, I still see designs that are so new and fresh!

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

When am I not working? LOL. I love to go watch live music, shoot pool, and, of course, spend time with my 16-year-old daughter, Presley.

What inspires you about living in San Diego?

I’m so proud to live in America’s Finest City! San Diego is amazing. It’s a big city, but has a small town feel at the same time. It’s so culturally diverse. It’s about community. We have everything we could want, and have you experienced our weather?

Please describe some trademark jewelry pieces you like to wear.

My trademark pieces I always wear are my big inside outside diamond hoops, Debra Navarro studs in my second hole, and my Graziella Gem Swirl Ring. I literally sell it off my finger when people see it. I rock a Baracuda necklace from Jacto and bangles from Melissa Spalten. I just added a new fave: The Boss Ring by Dru. I like being eclectic. Being matchy-matchy bores me.

Time to Do What You've Always Wanted? Time to Call Wilkerson.

It was time. Teri Allen and her brother, Nick Pavlich, Jr., had been at the helm of Dearborn Jewelers of Plymouth in Plymouth, Mich., for decades. Their father, Nick Pavlich, Sr., had founded the store in 1950, but after so many wonderful years helping families around Michigan celebrate their most important moments, it was time to get some “moments” of their own. Teri says Wilkerson was the logical choice to run their retirement sale. “They’re the only company that specializes in closing jewelry stores,” she says. During the sale, Teri says a highlight was seeing so many generations of customers who wanted to buy “that one last piece of jewelry from us.” Would she recommend Wilkerson? Absolutely. “There is no way that I would have been able to do this by myself.”