Oodles of Love in Carolina

“My little old dog:
A heart-beat
At my feet.”
- Edith Wharton

My guardian angel does not have wings. She has curly hair, a skip in her step, and an ever-wagging tail. Coco, my ten-year-old miniature “rescue” poodle, has been the one doing all of the rescuing since I adopted her from Carolina Poodle Rescue six years ago. She needed a loving home, yes, but I needed to heal my wayward heart. She arrived at a lonely, tentative time in my life and brought me the spirit that I needed to move forward.

I am ever-thankful for Coco and for Carolina Poodle Rescue, a private rescue group near Spartanburg, South Carolina. In the past nine years, they have carefully matched over 2000 fuzzy companions with their “furever homes.” Thanks to Dreamweaver Farms, CPR’s 50-acre haven in upstate South Carolina, they are able to provide rehabilitation and sanctuary, whether temporary or permanent, for poodles and other needy dogs. CPR focuses on poodles and poodle mixes, but as director Donna Ezzell explains: “We take in non-poodles from time to time because a non-poodle’s story touches the heart of someone here.” Their efforts are funded solely through adoption fees and donations, but I am amazed at how conscientiously and generously CPR cares for every creature who crosses its threshold. It was my admiration for all that CPR does that inspired me to join their team of volunteers.

My volunteer work with CPR even merges nicely with my work at Fink’s Jewelers. A retail schedule actually allows for unique availability when it comes to transporting dogs to the safety of the farm or from the farm to their adoptive families. At first I was sad that I wasn’t able to help out on the weekends, which is when most volunteers are available. However, I usually have a day off during the week, so I can fill in on weekdays when other volunteers are at work. I also make an effort to integrate my experience at Fink’s Jewelers with my CPR involvement. I’ve worked in the office and on the sales floor at Fink’s Jewelers. I apply my knack for paperwork and my passion for developing client relationships to help CPR treasurer Beth Jancse maintain one of their adopter databases.

Carolina Poodle Rescue and Fink’s Jewelers are among the many blessings for which I express gratitude this Thanksgiving - and every day. My rescue poodle is the embodiment of so many blessings – my guardian angel, my heart-beat, Coco.

To learn more about Carolina Poodle Rescue, please visit their website and check out their page on Facebook.

Now through December 16, 2009, support Carolina Poodle Rescue, just by voting at care2.com. The winning shelter will receive $10,000!

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Ellen Freeman has been with Fink's Jewelers for 4 years. When she's not busy rescuing poodles, she enjoys synchronized figure skating and spending quality time with friends and family.

Fink's Jewelers proudly honors our rich tradition and history for helping our communities become a better place to live, work and play. Each year we provide financial and in-kind support to numerous organizations and encourage our employees to become active leaders in the community.

How I Turned an Heirloom Diamond into a New Ring

by Cindy Siegler, Fink's Jeweler's customer, Atlanta Georgia

I have done business with Fink's Jewelers for over 20 years, so I knew if I was ever going to redo my grandmother’s ring (which was very precious to me) it must be done by someone I could trust. The original piece and current center stone belonged to my grandmother. The center stone was her engagement ring from 1920; it was a “mine cut” diamond which had chipped over the years.

I wanted a ring for my right hand which represented me as an individual, not necessary all my other roles as wife, mother, daughter, caretaker, etc. I had some general ideas and designs in mind; however [Fink's diamond buyer] Clif Burcham helped me clarify the specifics in terms of my style preferences, diamond cut, comfort, etc. and helped me visualize what I actually wanted the ring to look like. He helped me put the vision into reality. The ring really speaks to my personality and individuality.

I was surprised and overjoyed by the frequent updates and communication on the progress of my ring transformation. I never had to ask what was going on because Fink's was always proactive in letting me know. Furthermore, they provided dates for each part of the process and contacted me just to let me know of the status so there were never any surprises. I have been so pleased with my ring. My expectations were exceeded in all areas with Fink's.

I have suggested remounting to several friends since it has given me to opportunity to turn an heirloom into a unique piece which is one of a kind. I hear many girlfriends talk about what they want in a “right hand ring”. I agree that the right hand ring is now a fashion staple for every woman who wants to express themselves as individuals. With the help of Fink's Jewelers, I have a unique right hand ring that celebrates the women in my past and expresses my own uniqueness.

With sincere thanks,
Cindy Siegler

Bling of the Month: Baby Baubles

A growing expectation among expectant women these days is receiving a token to commemorate their journey into motherhood. A “push present” or “baby bauble” is a gift from a new dad to the new mom, celebrating the birth of their child. According to Wikipedia, the tradition of giving gifts to a new mother has roots in England and India. As a gesture of appreciation and respect for carrying their child for nine months and “pushing” through labor, dads give a special gift that will last a lifetime. Here are a few of our picks for pretty baubles that the mothers-to-be will love.

Tiny Treasures Initials
Italian designer Roberto Coin has created Tiny Treasures in diamond and white gold that give a woman a reason to wear diamonds every day. Each tiny pendant features pave diamonds set in 18k gold. Start off with her initial, then add one as each child is born. Initial pendants start at $380 each, large cursive initials start at $4000.

Eternity Bands
A slim Fink's Diamond Eternity band can be worn as a right-hand ring or paired with other rings. Available in platinum, palladium, and 18k yellow or white gold, our bands feature diamonds that meet the standards we use to classify our Fink's Superior Quality Diamonds. For an extra-special touch, ask about including your baby's birthstone to create a family ring she'll cherish. Diamond bands shown start at $1050, prices vary with finger size and metal choice.

Charm bracelets
A charm bracelet is frequently referred to as her “Lifetime” bracelet, growing over the years to one day be passed on to her daughter, continuing the tradition of charm collecting from generation to generation. Choose a few charms to mark this special occasion, then add to it every year. Available in gold and sterling silver. As shown, $360.

Pearls
A strand of pearls is a classic jewelry must-have and a strand of Mikimoto Akoya pearls are as near-perfect as can be. Available in various lengths with 18k white or yellow gold clasps, starting at $1610. Now through June 30, you'll receive a free pair of matching pearl stud earrings when you purchase a strand of Mikimoto Akoya pearls.

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Prior to joining Fink's Jewelers as eCommerce Manager a year ago, Denise Stanley owned an advertising agency in Roanoke, VA. She can be found Twittering and Facebooking about Finks.com daily. She enjoys being mommy to her two fantastic daughters.

Part of the Fink's Family. . .

by Joey White, Fink's Jewelers, Assistant Manager at the Streets at Southpoint, Durham, NC

Many customers believe that a salesperson is interested in only making a sale-doing whatever it takes to get their money, and that afterwards, never hears from them again. At Fink’s Jewelers, we are here to not only be sales professionals, but also to build relationships with our customers.


Recently I was invited to attend the wedding of my very good customers Heather and Sean. I met Sean in December 2005, when we began picking out gifts from our extensive David Yurman collection for Heather, his then girlfriend.

When other gift giving occasions arose, Sean would come back into Fink’s and together we would choose new and exciting pieces. Eventually the time came for Sean to propose to Heather. She had definite ideas of what she wanted her engagement ring to be, but we searched our wide selection of diamonds to pick out just the perfect ring for her, and in October 2007, Sean found “the ring” and proposed.

When they came in a few months later to select their wedding bands, I was very delighted to hear that they wanted to invite me to attend their wedding ceremony. I was honored that as their jewelry salesperson, they also thought of me as their friend. What a great thing to be included in the company of their cherished friends and family members! Their wedding took place on October 4, 2008 at Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh. It was a beautiful setting for an outdoor autumn wedding.
It’s been very rewarding to learn that customers think of me as more than just the person that sells them jewelry. They think of me as a friend and that’s just another perk of working at Fink’s Jewelers.

Joey White has a B.A. in Business Management from North Carolina State University. He is a 14 year veteran of the jewelry industry and has been with Fink's Jewelers for the past 8 years.

The Pink Ribbon Gathering

by Sarah Floyd, Fink’s Jewelers, Sales Associate at 419 at Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA

This week marked Roanoke’s 11th annual Pink Ribbon Gathering. This American Cancer Society fundraiser is a project that the Fink family whole-heartedly supports and Marc Fink has actively backed it for years, hosting a table at the event as well. In the past Fink’s Jewelers has partnered with Mikimoto, Cartier, John Hardy, Roberto Coin and David Yurman for this event.

The Pink Ribbon event began as a Pink Ribbon Tea to raise fund for the local American Cancer Society Discovery Shop. It was hosted in the basement of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Ladies came in hats and white gloves to support this great cause. A fashion show of Discovery Shop fashions served as entertainment and a group of volunteers made sandwiches, tea and sweets. In the first year almost $10,000 was raised.

Over time, with excellent volunteer leadership, the event has expanded and grown into a large luncheon. The Pink Ribbon Gathering is now hosted at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. Over 600 attendees participate in the event. The luncheon includes a pre-Gathering time, gourmet lunch, fashion show, jewelry giveaway and a speaker.

Fink’s sponsorship has grown as well. This year we donated 100 gift bags containing jewelry, Fink’s Jewelers Gift Cards and one bag had a grand prize in it from a vendor partner. This year David Yurman and Fink’s are donating a necklace and earring set from the Pavé Quatrefoil Collection! No wonder the gift bags sell out before the day of the event! Proceeds from the gift bags are donated in full to the American Cancer Society to help find a cure for and contribute to the fight against breast cancer.

At 2007’s luncheon Janie Fink, author and survivor shared her incredibly funny and moving journey through cancer and beyond and received an enthusiast standing ovation from the crowd.


Annually, this event nets over $55,000 for the American Cancer Society breast programs and services. To find out more about the 2008 event that took place October 20, please go to www.pinkribbonroanoke.org.

Sarah Floyd has been in the jewelry industry for 27 years, the past 10 with Fink’s first as manager at Towers Mall and 419 @ Colonial Ave. and now as a Sales Associate at 419 @ Colonial Avenue, Sarah has been involved with the Pink Ribbon Luncheon as a committee member and attendee for the past 7 years. She is shown here with a rather handsome Abercrombie and Fitch model and Joy Davis of Fink's SouthPark.

The Big Bad Ball

by Carlos Colmenero, Fink's Jewelers, Store Manager at The Streets at Southpoint, Durham, NC

There is nothing like a night out on the town! The first event I was able to attend for Fink’s was the Hospice of Wake County’s “Big Bad Ball” hosted by the Capital City Club in downtown Raleigh. Talk about electricity! The club occupies the entire top floor of the Progress Energy Building! That’s one thing I love about working for Fink’s Jewelers. Marc Fink really wants us involved in the community. He told me on my first day I needed to find something that I believed in, that I could be a part of and help to make a difference. Anyway, I’m digressing…..back to the Big Bad Ball. The name says it all. As a manager, I am fortunate to attend a variety of events. They all have great causes and many are for charities that help the community. The Big Bad Ball is one that takes it to another level.


The first year I attended, I remember Adriane Karlinski from our Triangle Town Center store giving me a call to ask if I would like tickets for my wife and me to attend. Of course I had heard about it from years past and immediately said yes! Since then, I have been looking forward to it every year. It’s a black tie event and when walking down the hall of the Progress Energy Building in downtown Raleigh, YOU FEEL THE ENERGY! You are always greeted with a smile…..at $125 a ticket you should be…but they spare no expense. Up to the top floor you go. There you are greeted with champagne and again a smile.

Another great thing for both the Hospice of Wake County and Fink’s is that we earn a Platinum Sponsorship which means Fink’s commits to donating over $10,000 to Hospice. This year, for example, we have partnered with Breitling for the event to provide two luxury timepieces.


Every year as I survey the attendants, everyone looks sharp. When I first arrive I like to see what we are donating on display. Adriane, who I mentioned earlier, is responsible for the event for Fink’s, and has been working hand in hand with the Hospice of Wake County on the pieces we are raffling. Everyone who purchased a ticked is eligible to win. When you get there, you tear off your ticket stub and throw it in the bucket. Like I mentioned, Breitling is our 2008 partner and I can’t wait to see what will be won!

Time to hit the silent auction tables; so many things for auction; I have to keep my wife from taking us to the poor house! Oh well, it’s for a great cause! From autographed basketballs and footballs to Hurricane jerseys and trips to Mexico, the silent auction has it all. I’m telling you…..there are literally over 1000 pieces up for bid! There is even a local artist who creates a masterpiece before your eyes.

After tearing my wife away from the spa and beauty table we head over to check out the food. This is what I look forward to the most. The buffet at this event puts any buffet in Vegas to shame…no joke! And the music, oh the music. They have live bands
and I have a good friend who usually plays the keyboard in one of the bands, so I go visit him for a few. Meanwhile the countdown is on for the silent auction…which means we are only minutes away from the main event (and I’ve lost my wife again). I guess I could be a little biased when it comes to this part of the event…mainly because we are involved. Time for the magic!

Everyone gathers around the podium. With windows all around, you can see Raleigh in all its splendor….The winner of the Breitling watches are…? I guess you’ll have to attend this year if you want to know, it could be you!

Time to get another bite to eat and hit the dance floor. I’m not even sure what time the event ends since it has outlasted me the past 4 years. Sincerely though, the event is a great time. The part that I like best is that everyone has a great time
and it helps support a wonderful cause. My grandfather was in need of hospice care but where he lived it wasn’t offered. A true shame. To help an organization like the Hospice of Wake County is not only part of the job…but a pleasure!

For more information or to join in on this year’s Big Bad Ball, click here.

Carlos has been in the jeweler industry for 12 years and will be celebrating his 6th year with Fink's this October. He and his beautiful wife Lori have been married for 10 years and have a superstar son, Kobe and a soon-to-be daughter, Avery.

Going Green at Fink's Jewelers

by Veronica M. Wilson
John Hardy Store Captain, Triangle Town Center, Raleigh, NC
Triangle@finks.com

When I first started with Fink's Jewelers, I was introduced to the John Hardy brand. Instantly, I was intrigued by the craftsmanship and Balinese-inspired designs. At the time, I was totally unaware of the effect the John Hardy brand would have on my life.
Passionate about the environment and our impact on it, John Hardy became one of the first companies to take a stance on global warming. As a way to offset the carbon emissions of print advertising, John Hardy began to reforest the island of Nusa Penida (just off the coast of Bali).
His headquarters and workshops in Bali are located on a fully functioning organic farm where all of the buildings are made of sustainable bamboo. On the compound, where the Hardy family also lives, they grow all of their own vegetables and grains. Each day, more than one hundred artisans and craftsmen, including John Hardy himself, sit down for lunch under an open canopy.

I am so proud to carry John Hardy's collections in my store, but I am even more proud and passionate about one collection in particular. The aptly named "Bamboo Collection," available in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold, is designed to raise awareness and funds for the bamboo reforestation of Nusa Penida. On each piece from the Bamboo Collection, the number of bamboo planted is stamped inside. A great reminder of how we can be fashion forward and environmentally friendly at the same time! Who knew it could be as simple as wearing stunning jewelry? Please stop by Fink's Jewelers store to take a look at our large assortment of unique and beautiful John Hardy pieces.

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Items features in this blog:
John Hardy 18k Bamboo Slim Ring
John Hardy Set of 3 Bamboo Slim Bangles
John Hardy Bamboo Cuff Links
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Veronica has been in the jewelry business for nearly three years, the past two of which have been with Fink's. A native of Raleigh, NC, she studied International Business at Meredith College. She also has three certificates from the Gemological Institute of America.

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to Fink’s Jewelers blog! Over there on the right sidebar is a brief history of Fink’s Jewelers. More information can be found on our website about our history, stores, vendors, events, jewelry care and quality and so much more! On top of that, many of our posts will give you an inside look at the jewelry industry from our corporate employees and a peek at our 14 stores through the eyes of our sales staff. You’ll also get the low down on Fink’s events and our publications via this site.

In addition to a blog, 2007 has brought a few other changes for Fink’s Jewelers. It all started in February with the grand opening of our second freestanding location in Forest, Virginia near Lynchburg. We refer to this location as Thomas Jefferson Crossings, or just Lynchburg. Per usual we gave away Fink's gift cards to the first customers there. And to celebrate further we even gave away a three stone Fink's diamond ring!

Then in May we moved our MacArthur Center location in Norfolk, Virginia within the mall. The new location is over 3,500 square feet!
This summer we closed our Crabtree Valley Mall location and chose to focus on the other three stores in the Raleigh, North Carolina area - Cary Towne Center, Triangle Town Center and The Streets at Southpoint. But we’re not done yet! Just this fall we opened a new store in Charlottesville, Virginia at Barracks Road!

In addition to stores opening, closing and moving, we've been busy with customer events in almost all our markets throughout the year and we’re just getting into the holiday season! Pictures and details will come soon, promise!