True Tales: A Pearl by Any Other Name

Published

10 years ago

March 27, 2014

True Tales: A Pearl by Any Other Name

Published in the April 2014 issue

A PEARL BY ANY OTHER NAME

The Russian priest who performed my aunt’s funeral called me about a month later and said (in broken English): “I have a pearl I want to show you that you might be interested in.” I figured he was looking to sell me a pearl. I didn’t want to buy a pearl but didn’t want to be rude so I said to bring it in and I will take a look at it. He comes in later that week with his daughter, asks if he can have a word with me and says, “The pearl I spoke of is my daughter. Would you be interested in her?” I managed to keep my laughter to a chuckle and kindly told him I was already spoken for. — Gregory Fliegauf, Fliegauf Jewelers, Washington, NJ

LOVE, UNEXPLAINED

A fellow came in with a woman, acting lovey-dovey. She tried on diamond rings and held hands and kissed. Two weeks later, he came in with a different woman, same routine, except for the fearful glances at me, worried that I would spill the beans. Week six: back with the first woman. So nervous, his hands shook. We never did find what was going on. — Barry Tricker, SGC, Stowe, VT

GROOMSDAY PREPPER

A guy came in to pick out an engagement ring. As we talked, I asked about his fiancée. Turns out he didn’t even have a girlfriend but wanted to be ready “just in case!” He ended up paying for it, but still no girlfriend. Last I heard, he had moved to a different city in hopes of finding a woman.— Lora S. Wright, Southern Jewelers, Sanford, NC

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.”