Prestige Promenade pearls and sweets
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1112536
28 www.thejewelrybook.com Themes like phenomenal gemstones— think rare opals—take shape depending on the store's clientele, especially if they're already acquainted with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. "Alexandrite is the gateway to the exotic stones," adds Nagpal. His most memorable event to date? His first, held at Lacy & Co. (now a Ben Bridge store) in El Paso, Texas. A female client asked a lot of questions un- til she finally purchased a $35,000 spinel ring. When owner Ellen Lacy learned of the sale, she was stunned, since that long- time client had never before spent more than $10,000 at a time. Afterwards, the client returned for Nagpal's annual pre- sentation, saving up her jewelry allow- ance to spend on Omi Privé. Now, retail supporters have multiplied. David Gaston, buyer and manager of Hal Davis Jewelers in Boise, Idaho, has carried Omi for three years. The quality of the gems and jewelry are the main reasons for the relationship, but team demeanor is another. "Niveet shares his knowledge and makes clients comfort- able," says Gaston about how some big- ticket sales occur. Deja Laufer, president of Deja & Co. in Saratoga, Calif., has worked with Omi for 20 years. One of her most memora- ble Journeys includes the year a client spent nearly $1 million on a rare ruby necklace and ring. Mary Todd-McGinnis, vice president of sales and training at Ben Bridge in Seattle has been working with the brand for five years. She recalls when a longtime Omi collector requested a piece with blue gems to match the eye color of her late husband. Nagpal offered an indicolite tourmaline center stone encircled by pale blue sapphires. A man sitting across the table was so entranced by the option that he put one on his wish list. "He came in for a ruby that night, but those blues started him on another Journey," she notes. Omi Privé, West Covina, Calif.; 877-664-4367; www.omiprive.com G E M V O YA G E W I T H O M I P R I V É A D V E R T O R I A L C O V E R S T O RY Model in 2011 AGTA Spectrum Award–win- ning platinum bracelet with sapphires and diamonds. Cushion-cut ruby from Mozambique weighs 4.01 carats. Omi Privé.