True Tales: From Here To Eternity

Published

16 years ago

July 2, 2008

VALUE SHOPPER

?ON CHRISTMAS EVE, an elderly gentleman came into the store looking for a sapphire eternity band. We didn’t have one in stock and explained to him that an eternity band is generally custom-made as resizing is not an option after presentation as a gift. He said he would send his wife in after Christmas to order the ring. The wife showed up in mid-January for estimates on a white gold eternity ring with sapphires. We priced it out with two different grades of sapphires and she went home to ‘talk to the boss’. When she came back after a couple of weeks to have some other jewelry work done, we asked her what her husband had decided was on the sapphire band. Her response was: ?He said if I was younger he would go for it, but at my age he doesn’t think we’ll really get our money’s worth out of it.’ She settled for garnets.?

FRANCES B.,
TONAWANDA, NY

?I HAD A WOMAN come into the store looking for a ruby ring. After 45 minutes, she finally had focused on one ring for $1,500. We talked a little more and she told me that she would have to go home and pray on it. If God wanted her to have the ring, she would come back the next day. Now, I’m a fairly religious guy and have a great amount of respect for God. But, I really don’t think God cares one way or the other whether this woman buys this ring. So I figured if she could use God as a sales obstacle, I could use God as a closing tool. I simply said, ?Ma’am, why do you think you’re here with me today? God already brought us together so that you could purchase this ring!’ Five minutes later, she walked out of the store with the ring on her finger! The Lord works in mysterious ways!

JOE C.
MIDLOTHIAN, VA

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.”