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.

Fabulous Fall Finds

This fall the look is all about statement pieces and making a splash. We’ve seen it with politicians’ wives, Hollywood starlets and on the runway during fashion week. Unlike some others, the statement piece trend is simple to make your own. Simply choose your favorite type of jewelry i.e. necklace, earrings, bracelets, rings . . . then find a look you’ll love to wear! Below are my choices for fall statement pieces that suit almost every style and preference.


First up are necklaces . . . With the weather cooling down and turtlenecks being spotted, the necklace has a chance to shine! Beaded necklaces are a hit with David Yurman this year as well as bib necklaces by John Hardy. They’re perfect over and under the high necklines of fall tops and dresses.

However, I think my favorite this year is the layered pearl look. Often when walking through our stores, I instantly fall in love with what our sales associates have put together. Sometimes there’s a quality that’s shown when a piece is worn that you just can't see in the case. Honora has some perfect pieces in their colored pearl collections for a chunky look without too much bulk. The dark multi color pearls come in lengths up to 80 inches and can be worn wrapped a time or two or long. At our holiday catalog shoot this year we paired the 80” rope necklace with a 36” necklace of the same size pearls and an 18” necklace with a slightly bigger pearl. It is gorgeous! We tried it with a cream top, navy top and aubergine top (which was the final look you'll see when your catalog arrives!) and all complemented the pearls perfectly. This look could be worn with shades of green, brown, grays and metallics too.

My last pick in the layering family are rings from our Italian gold designers. I’ve always wavered between liking rings that stand up and catch light boldly and a ring that looks good but stays out of my way. Roberto Coin combines the two in yellow,
white and rose gold three stone diamond rings that are meant to be layered. The choice is yours whether to go with one, two or three shades at a time. They are also available with one diamond for more of an understated look.

A bold color choice, Marco Bicego has stackable rings with color gemstones all in 18k yellow, white and rose gold these rings pair up with the sun and sand of summer and the falling leaves and autumnal hues of the current season.

And finally, an old look worn in a new way. I always thought of pendants as a little outdated. But this year we’ve seen them worn in new ways. When wearing a v-neck dress or top placing a bold pendant and the tip of the “v” ends up making the pendant look more like an enhancer minus the chain. The same can be done with multiple pendants centered on strapless gowns much like an enhancer would hang but without the necklace. This look would work under blazers on camisoles or on all your holiday party dresses.

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Hollie Wingate has been the Marketing Coordinator at Fink’s for the past two years. She and her husband Mike live in Roanoke with their new son, West and their furry child, Lizzie.

Goods for the Guys

by Rhonda Anderson, Fink’s Jewelers, Sales Associate, Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, VA

Men can be daring, stylish, elegant and professional. Through diverse looks and options, the David Yurman Men’s Collection has a style for every man.
Every man can fit jewelry into his lifestyle, he just has to know who he is and what looks he can handle. That’s why Saturday, November 1, 2008 Fink’s at Chesterfield Towne Center is hosting a spectacular Men’s Trunk Event. Men’s jewelry is a rapidly growing trend that gives men the opportunity to truly express themselves. David Yurman’s son Evan has introduced many distinctive designs with different textures such as Seahorse, Alligator, Rhinoceros and Sea Urchin, which shows a love of nature and craftsmanship. Hollywood celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Usher and many others have even been seen wearing his fine quality jewelry! Evan says, “Our jewelry is for a man who knows what works for him, who understands design and quality.” The collection features stylish dog tags, sterling silver heavy link chains, bracelets and rings with rare stones.
It also includes black diamonds, titanium and watches. . .something for everyone! We are so excited about this event and think you will be excited to see the new collections too. A David Yurman representative will be on hand to help present this collection and help each guy find his style. Please come in and see what’s new in store.

Rhonda Anderson is a Sales Associate at Fink’s Jewelers Chesterfield Town Center and the David Yurman diva in her store. She is a 10 year jewelry industry veteran.

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.

John Hardy Month at Fink’s Jewelers

by Tammy Cox, Fink’s Jewelers, Sales Associate, Short Pump Town Center, Richmond, VA

September was John Hardy Month at Fink’s Jewelers’ Richmond stores. If you’ve stopped by lately you may have noticed the new John Hardy images on the wall and the huge selection of John Hardy pieces on display. To wrap up this focus month in style, Saturday, October 4th Fink’s Jewelers Short Pump Town Center is hosting an event with John Hardy Head Designer Guy Bedarida and we couldn’t be more excited! All three Richmond stores have come together to focus on John Hardy’s vision and BEAUTIFUL new designs this fall. Lucky for us, Guy is personally coming to unveil the new collections and even previewing one-of-a-kind pieces from the Cinta Collection!

Some of the collections being featured are the Bamboo, Naga, Langit and the list goes on! The Bamboo Collection is a tribute to the beauty, strength and versatility of bamboo, the noble tree-like grass that has been called “nature’s gift to mankind.” This collection depicts bamboo saplings and leaf shoots in a new design evolution. In staying true to the philosophy of sustainable luxury, each piece from the Bamboo Collection has the number of bamboo planted stamped inside.


The Naga Collection is not for the faint of heart! The naga is the cosmic dragon found in ancient cultures throughout the world. In Chinese Mythology and throughout much of Asia, the universe is supported by two entwined nagas, an expression of positive and negative forces. The naga symbolizes the life force that brings health and prosperity. This collection is truly a must see!


The Langit Collection is a new twist on the Silver Chain Diamond Pavé Collection and is just plain gorgeous. Each piece is delicate and bold at the same time.



Of course all this is just a preview, I’m sure the real deal will be a sight to see!

Tammy has been with Fink’s jewelers for fours years and in the jewelry industry for over 25 years. She is the John Hardy Store Captain for the Short Pump Town Center location of Fink’s Jewelers and has a bench work and custom design background.

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.

Pink Ribbon Polo Cup

Charlottesville, VA
pinkribbonpolo.com

Fink’s Jewelers participates in many Pink Ribbon events throughout the year. Each employee involved volunteers their personal time and energy to make event a success. One such event is the Pink Ribbon Polo Cup ....

Over the past four years the Pink Ribbon Polo Cup has become a highly anticipated event in Charlottesville. This year’s event was held on June 14 at the King Family Vineyards in Crozet with Team Eagle versus Team Embarq in the main event. Proceeds from this event are divided equally between Martha Jefferson Hospital and the University of Virginia Health System Cancer Center for the fight against breast cancer. Organized by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation the event is more than just a polo match.

Festivities began mid-morning with a tour by the Stage Junction Clydesdales; live music was provided by the Duke Merrick Band and a wine tasting was held by the Vineyards. The majority of attendees brought picnic lunches and set up either under the pink umbrellas or field side waiting anxiously for the traditional divot stomp. Karen Sherwin and Dianne Bain from Fink’s Jeweler’s Barracks Road location participated, coordinating a beautiful Roberto Coin Cheval Collection bracelet donation for the raffle. With breast cancer prevention, awareness and research being near and dear to the Fink’s family, we’re ecstatic to participate in such wonderful and worthwhile events.

Art + Jewelry = Favero

by LeAnn Shifflett
Fink's Jewelers, Barracks Road Shopping Center, Charlottesville, VA

It’s one thing to admire beauty, but quite different to create it. This is why fashion and jewelry go hand in hand. And no one knows fashion more intrinsically than Mariano Favero. He founded Favero in 1973 in the northeastern part of Italy, a region famous for the working of gold throughout the centuries. Sometimes referred to as Italy’s best-kept jewelry secret, this brand is making inroads in Hollywood where Barbra Streisand, among others, has been spotted wearing the jewelry, not to mention Catherine Zeta-Jones’ wedding band was a Favero design. It’s no surprise that Favero finds itself completely at home in the fashion capital of the world.

Favero is one of the newest brands to Fink’s but has had tremendously positive introduction. Mariano Favero’s craftsmanship and vibrancy exploits itself by using beautiful gemstones and quality diamonds that are uniquely brilliant. Each piece can be worn as a statement piece or in understated elegance.

A lady that enjoys and has an appreciation for elegance and beauty will be attracted to Favero jewelry. When she wants a bold look, color matters and Favero does not shy away from it at all! This jewelry line allows any lady to steal the show and seize the day!

Even if you have a limited wardrobe in color or feel like you wear too much black and white like me, Favero will be the splash of color that awakens you classic attire. However, if you are already sparkling with a colorful wardrobe, add complementary pieces to complete your look with a fun flare from Favero. From classic style to trendy chic, Favero fits a need and desire. After all, Mariano Favero made attention to detail an intricate part of his world-class jewelry design.

Whatever the occasion, try Favero! Favero is more that jewelry, it’s breathtaking art.

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Items featured in this blog:
Oval Cut Gem and Diamond Drop Earrings
A 7x9 mm oval-cut Aquamarine, Citrine, Pink Tourmaline, or Green Tourmaline surrounded by approximately .29 ctw diamonds, set in 18k white gold.

Favero Princess Cut Gem Necklace
A 5.5 ct oval-cut Aquamarine, Citrine, or Green Tourmaline surrounded by approximately .25ctw diamonds, set in 18k white gold. 16-inch white gold chain features 6 bezel set diamonds.

Oval Cut Gem and Diamond Ring
A 10x14 mm oval-cut Aquamarine, Citrine, Pink Tourmaline, or Green Tourmaline surrounded by approximately .24 ctw diamonds, set in 18k white gold.
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LeAnn Shifflett has been with Fink's Jewelers for over one year and holds a GIA accredited jewelry professional certificate. When not working she enjoys spending time with family and friends and outdoor activities.

Dog Days of Summer

By Lindsey Kirby
Fink’s Jewelers Marketing Director, Roanoke, VA

Ahhh, the lazy days of summer… I wish!

Somewhere in-between the spring flowers and holiday sparkles lie the dog days of summer. While most people lounge by the pool or take relaxing beach vacations, we here in the Fink’s Jewelers marketing department work through our busiest time of year! Now is the time Susan, Hollie and I prepare for the much anticipated Holiday selling season. It all begins with our annual Holiday catalog.


The process starts with hand-selecting the beautiful pieces of jewelry for every page. Our buyers have just returned from the industry’s largest jewelry show held in Las Vegas armed with orders for fall’s hottest fashions. Each buyer, along with Mr. Fink, selects the best-of-the-best to feature in our catalog. Then, the fun begins! Susan, our Art Director, begins the creative process of hand-drawing the entire book – page by page. Those drawings are then sent to our photographer in New York where he will position the jewelry for every shot as Susan envisioned.

At the same time, each of us in the marketing department sifts through hundreds of model shots to pick the beautiful face that will represent Fink’s Jewelers for the coming year. Once we’ve found the perfect girl, we begin scouting locations for our model photo shoot. From fancy New York studios to a swanky Nashville hotel, each year we end up somewhere new. For two days, Susan and I dress our model in fancy clothes and beautiful jewelry and take more pictures than you could ever imagine. While the photographer is making sure our model looks perfect in every shot, Susan and I are focused on the true star of the shoot – the jewelry!


Then, the real work begins. We narrow down hundreds of model photographs to the perfect few that showcase the jewelry perfectly. At the same time, color-correcting the jewelry on every product page in order to show the true sparkle and life of each piece. After the pages are selected and the final digital files are complete…it hits the press. A few weeks later, more than 200,000 Fink’s Jewelers catalogs arrive in homes all over the country. Women swoon, men chose the perfect holiday gifts and we ladies in the marketing department let out a huge sigh of relief.

As we all know, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” And, our annual Holiday catalog has a beautiful story to tell!
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Lindsey is at the helm of Marc Advertising, Fink’s Jewelers in-house advertising agency. She has been with Fink’s for over six years, first as the Marketing Coordinator then as Marketing Director. She is a Roanoke native and Virginia Tech alum.

Pearls, Every Fashionista’s Favorite

by Converse Roberts
Fink's Jewelers, Northlake Mall, Charlotte, NC
sales.northlake@finks.com

It shouldn’t be shocking in the least that Cartier bought his famed Fifth Avenue store for a double strand of them. After all, Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn wore them with style and grace, and the Princess of Monaco chose to accessorize with them for her legendary royal wedding extravaganza. Sophisticated and ultra-feminine, pearls have long been every fashionista’s favorite. Like our cherished little black dress, pearls are a must in every well dressed lady’s jewelry wardrobe. A collection without them would be, well, a very incomplete collection at that…

Legend has it that Cleopatra (one of history’s best dressed women) once drank a crushed pearl, then valued at $1 million, in vinegar, to prove to Marc Anthony that she could throw the most decadent dinner party of their time.

Whether worn in drops as Teri Hatcher did at the Golden Globes with her David Yurman earrings, or as studs accented with diamonds with a fabulous pair of designer jeans and fitted t-shirt, pearls have an enduring elegance that scream true style like no other. And to imagine that wearing pearls was once a crime severely punished for those not of extreme wealth and privilege!

With the vast depletion of natural pearls, such options would never have been possible if not for the grueling years sacrificed by Kokichi Mikimoto in the name of researching pearl cultivation. American genius, Thomas Edison, upon meeting with the Pearl King, remarked that, “This isn’t a cultured pearl, it’s a real pearl. There are two things which couldn’t be made at my laboratory – diamonds and pearls. It is something which is supposed to be biologically impossible”. Experts all over the world agreed with Mr. Edison that there were no differences between the natural pearl and Mikimoto’s cultured pearl!

Thanks to his brilliant discovery, years later the Mikimoto Company offers a collection so stunning Grace Kelly would surely approve. For those of us that have the desire to add these luminous beauties to our collection, it’s easier than ever. Mikimoto celebrates their 150th anniversary this June with an unheard of twelve month, deferred interest, financing. Although no longer a crime to wear luxury pearls, it certainly would be to pass on Mikimoto’s generous offer!

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Items featured in this blog:

Mikimoto 7-7.5" Akoya Pearls in Motion Necklace and Earrings
Mikimoto Black South Seas Pearls in Motion Necklace and Earrings
David Yurman Silver Pearl Bead & Chain Necklace
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Converse Roberts holds a GIA Graduate Jeweler degree, the Jewelry Design, Casting, Mold Making certificates, and is currently studying to earn the Graduate Gemological Degree, all from GIA.

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.

Tags, Not Ties, This Father's Day

By Dan Schaffer
Manager Finks at MacArthur Center Norfolk, Va.

With Father’s Day soon approaching, when my clients are shopping for the man in their life over, I find myself taking them to the Men’s David Yurman case — especially with all the new choices Yurman has to offer in exotic stone choices for men's rings, cuff links, bracelets and dog tag necklaces. These days men don’t have to settle for ties on Father's Day.

I find the new textures in the alligator, the rhino print and the living coral so interesting and unique. Whether you're looking for a stylish piece of jewelry for a man or searching for the next great piece for his David Yurman collection, this season gives plenty of great options, even for my repeat customers who can’t think of a gift for that certain someone.


We also know that the David Yurman client is a collector of sorts so now we can start a collection for him. David Yurman is so special in the jewelry industry because he has continually been able to reinvent himself over and over again and since we live in a more casual society his designs are made to be worn all the time (even the ones with diamonds). So the next time you’re looking for a gift that isn't that "same old same old" come on into Fink’s and let’s explore the newest things that David Yurman has to offer in his men's line.

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Items featured in this blog:

David Yurman Black Onyx Tag
Black onyx dog tag with sterling silver logo and "925" inlay and Cable trim. Sterling silver chain.
David Yurman Sea Urchin Ring
Sterling silver sea urchin-embossed ring with 18-karat yellow gold DY stamp and faceted black diamond center.
David Yurman Rhino Plate Bracelet
From the Naturals Collection™, rubber bracelet with sterling silver rhinoceros-embossed plate.

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Dan Schaffer is the manager Fink's Jewelers at MacArthur Center Norfolk, VA. He has been in the industry for 25 years, ten of which he has been with Fink's Jewelers. Dan is GIA Certified in Diamonds and has completed extensive training with Breitling and Tag Heuer. He loves God, family, and golf (in that order).

Love is in the Air

By Astra Houff
Sales Associate, Valley View Mall


Now that springtime is in full bloom with all the beautiful colors of the season, many couples turn their focus on love and romance. June is the month where so many hearts choose to begin their lifetime journey together. What better way to show her just how special she is than to give her the gift of eternal beauty and brilliance … a Fink's diamond!

Whether you choose a designer brand or prefer a gorgeous, classic"It's a Fink's Diamond" engagement ring, you are guaranteed to have the most perfectly cut, prestigious diamond that money can buy!

I love designer Ritani, whose perfect creations display exquisite detail and make a signature statement. The Ritani Endless Love ring in platinum represents Past, Present, and Future ... it's romantic and very vintage for the lady who loves that look. This ring is a modern classic.

From our exclusive collection, you can't miss this very unique solitaire, mounted on a platinum band of channel-set diamonds. This is one that every lady enjoys trying on! Whether this is a new beginning with your special “one”, or you are celebrating a lifetime of memories, the best way to show your passion and love, is to find that perfect Fink's diamond that tells her just how perfect you think SHE is!!!

When we say, "It's a Fink's Diamond," our customers know they're getting only the best. Fink's proudly carries only the highest quality diamonds because our own certified diamond buyer holds our diamonds to a higher standard. He states that our diamonds not only have to look “good” on paper, but they must also PERFORM … that is, how they sparkle, how brilliant they shine and how well they are cut. This is what separates our beautiful diamonds from the rest out there.

Whether you choose from our huge selection in stock or let us help you design your own diamond ring, you'll see why buying your diamond with Fink's Jewelers is the sound decision so many couples have made for over 75 years.

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Items mentioned in this blog:
Ritani Endless Love ring
Fink's .5 ctw Solitaire with Diamond Eternity Band
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Astra has been with Finks for 5 years. She successfully completed the Bronze and Silver classes for Tag Heuer and attended the David Yurman conclave last year in New York. She's a mother of a fourteen-year old son who's into band and track, married to a wonderful guy named Ray.

Vicenza, Verona, and Venice ... A Sneak Peek at this Fall's New Gold

By Kristie Lipscomb
Fashion Jewelry Buyer

Thinking about May as “Gold Month” reminds me of my FABULOUS trip to Italy as a guest of Roberto Coin. I attended the Vicenza Gold Fair where I viewed designer lines from all over the world. Vicenza is considered the “gold capital of the world.”

I had the honor of meeting and spending time with the ever so passionate and innovative jewelry designer, Roberto Coin. It was truly an honor and a pleasure. After spending time with Roberto and his lovely wife Pillar you can clearly see where Roberto Coin’s slogan “Happiness as an Address” comes from. Italians know how to do it right!

Roberto Coin scheduled tours for our retail group in Vicenza, Verona the Venice. Each city was so fascinating and interesting.

In Vicenza we attended the show for two days and toured Roberto Coin’s corporate headquarters and one of the factories…very interesting. Their processes and techniques are really innovative. Verona is said to be the city that inspired Shakespeare to write Romeo and Juliet.

Saving the best for last…Venice! You just walk down the sidewalks humming “when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s Amore” or at least I did anyway, ha! The waterways and history behind the city are fascinating. We took gondola rides, had a drink at the infamous Harry’s bar and shopped until we dropped.

I met so many interesting and wonderful people, made new friends and experienced a trip of a life time thanks to Fink’s Jewelers and the hospitality of Roberto Coin. Ciao!

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Click here for a sneak preview of a new Roberto Coin collection introduced at the Vicenza Fair, arriving at Fink’s Jewelers this fall.
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Kristie, shown here with Italian jewelry designer Roberto Coin, has been with Fink’s Jewelers for 8 years. She holds a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) in Marketing from Radford University. She will be attending the upcoming JCK Las Vegas 2008 show May 30 - June 3, selecting the newest, most luxurious jewelry for our collection.

The Handbag Theory

It’s common knowledge that women notice other women. Women notice sooner when another woman changes her hairstyle, has on the latest trend or just looks great overall. Our Director of Sales Training, Charlene Hudson has been overheard saying that when a woman has on a fabulous pair of shoes or a cute sweater she’s going to tell them. And she does on almost a daily basis! Her reasoning? Women put effort into how they present themselves. If someone is going to spend hours getting her hair the perfect mix of chocolate and caramel brown and it looks good, let her know! Not enough people in general, women in particular are acknowledged for their style effort.

Realistically, most (but not all!) men shop for function and most (but not all!) women shop for function too, but also spend time making certain their purchases fit their style. Women also encounter purchases that are slightly more involved than those men face, like handbags, jewelry and shoes. Often, the jewelry industry is indicative of other high-end retail trends.

In the fall 2007 issue of Accent Magazine Marc Fink was asked what the biggest change in the jewelry industry was in the past 25 years, his answer:

“Self-purchasing women, the power of women in the workforce, two-income families. Women are empowered today and they don’t need permission to buy a piece of jewelry; they buy it for themselves. They treat themselves if they want to. When I first joined the business, it was much more of a gifting business. Society has changed.”

He goes on to explain how Fink’s employees are top-notch in their customer service and sincerity and quotes long-time employee Marie Compton as saying, “We like to out-nice the competition.”

JCKonline.com’s Caroline Stanley recently posted on her blog a post titled, The Handbag Theory – Do Women with Great Handbags Shop for More Jewelry? What a great concept?!?! The woman with the high-end, designer handbag is the type of woman coming into Fink’s, knowing what she wants and purchasing her own jewelry, then telling her friends about the experience.

Mr. Fink was spot on in his assessment of female self-purchase shoppers. Women know what they like, typically know what they’re in the market for and respond to a positive customer service experience. Check out the article and let us know what you think.

Spring Fever

As the weather slowly warms, we tentatively start looking forward to late evening walks, long summer days, sundresses, sandals and shopping for baubles that match!

The most comprehensive source for scoping fashion trends is the internet. Obvious, right? Right. So, take a look at your favorite clothing retailers’ sites and see what’s going on this year. You’ll probably find prints galore, whether in an abundance of color or just two or three perfectly paired tamely together, interesting patterns are all over everyone. Stripes, checks, florals, ruffles are taking over much attire as the weather warms and the jewelry trends are falling in line, just as they should.

Working from last fall’s trends, this season layering necklaces, cocktail rings and animal and nature inspired jewelry are the most current fashion staples. Whether it is subtle like the John Hardy Kawung Collection and David Yurman’s Renaissance Collection or bold like some of the silver, gold and gemstone creepy crawlies and literal animal prints we’ve seen in the past year, nature is now in a big way.

So enjoy the current state of sunshine with colors and prints that will set you apart and as always, it’s all up to your personal style so just have fun.

Just a Click Away

So often you know what you’re looking for, but don’t know the designer. Or you may have a specific look in mind, but don’t know exactly what needs to be purchased to achieve it. Maybe, you’ve seen something on a television show or red carpet but can’t quite seem to remember if they were pear-shaped or round drop earrings.

With the invention and further expansion of the internet, the search is being narrowed! Some major magazines like People, InStyle, and Lucky already have tools on their websites that allow consumers to click on a celebrity image and learn more about what they’re wearing. Site like SeenOn.com and Like.com are taking the search an easy step forward.

Like.com does a “likeness” search so that if you’ve seen a great handbag or pair of shoes they’ll pull from a MASSIVE amount of internet knowledge and show similar items. A visual search is also available so when you see a pair of red platform pump you have to have, just go to shoes and color.

SeenOn.com offers a more celebrity centric approach with categories like TV, Movies, Music, Products and most specifically Celebrities and sub-categories for red carpets, network shows and so on. And those Oscar looks mentioned below, check them out here.

Update: JCK's Style360 blog does a thorough coverage of many of the women's fashions at the Oscars here.

All or Nothing

When you buy jewelry, is it all part of a master plan, buying a whole suite or piece to complete a suite, or do you mix and match what you like and just “make it work”? Some people just have a flair for putting on anything, mixing and matching different brands, different metals, different stones . . . and making it look great! Meanwhile . . . everyone else is stuck working hard for an effortless look. What’s your style?

Many times on the red carpet, celebrities will wear one stand-out piece and maybe accent with a few smaller pieces. The Oscars are Sunday night, so we’ll see what the trend is this year. In the meantime, take a look back at Oscar red carpet fashions from the 1930’s all the way up to the past five years.

Happy Valentines Day!

5 Days and Counting. . .

Less than one week and yet another holiday is upon us once again. For cup half empty guys Valentine’s Day can incite fear and dread, but for cup half full guys it’s seen as the perfect chance to redeem yourself after that Christmas gift bombed in front of her WHOLE, ENTIRE family. Who knew a deep fryer wasn’t on her list?!? Everyone loves chicken wings, right? And she may even use it to make you some chicken wings, meaning everybody wins! Right.

In a recent Jewelry.com survey, 50% of women expected to be disappointed this Valentine’s Day with the gift they received. In all fairness though, when asked what they really wanted, 50% also said diamond jewelry and we all know women don’t always ask for what they really want, so the guys aren’t completely to blame. In the survey, 90% of participants admitted that at some point they had bought themselves diamond jewelry for Valentine’s Day in the past. So maybe it just that expectations are high, but never verbalized, or that guys are just focused on practicality and function (and really, nothing will make your life better than getting her something she loves), or maybe it’s a combination.

This time around it might be best to stick to the list, and if she doesn’t have one, all Fink’s Jewelers are stocked with wish lists cards to make life a little easier.

Seeing Stars. . .

Sometimes we see stars. Real, live stars hanging around Fink's events and employees. We hadn’t mentioned it? That’s cause we know how to play it cool, or at least hide our excitement until the photo is taken.

Short Pump’s Vicki Robinson with John Travolta:


MacArthur Center Manager Dan Schaffer with John Travolta:


SouthPark’s Anna Gordon with Rusty Wallace:


Watch Buyer Mitch Skaggs with Tiger Woods: