When we talk woman owned, family owned, and operated businesses I alway tell the story of Alana. You can spot her a mile away. She is elegant, but extravagantly adored, by jewelry. You can tell her by the eye glasses.
The jewelery business is hard to explain to people whose experience is the local shop, or mall store. People travel the country, or world, doing trunk shows. They carry around cases of jewels and settings. Finished product, estate jewelery, is what Alana traded in. Her daughter, Heather traveled with her since she was a kid. She would sleep, some times, under the table at the trade shows.
In 1993 a corner space at Northgate Mall vacated before Christmas. The mall itself was having a hard time keeping retailers. There were structural problems, it was tired, and a little run down. The owner of the mall was an old guy who was way past his prime. Alana asked if she could have a short term lease through Christmas. That was the year I met her.
I love jewelery, never wear any, but love to buy it, and give it. Carrol Jewelers down town was where I used to shop. Mr. Carrol had some of the most vintage pieces in the city. Stuff that only comes from the safety deposit boxes of the very wealthy. His shop was a museum. He was the kindest, most decent man. Alana is a lot like him. She has a stunning knowledge about what’s good, and fair.
Alana’s first year at the mall was a big gamble. It was just kind of thrown together. She had filled up about ten cases. I’m pretty sure she was there every day. I went back several times. She had a great selection of 1920s diamond settings. Very detailed workmanship, and the clearest stones. The pricing must have been reasonable, because I think I bought something, just not sure what.
Over the years I have been back many times. Her daughter took over the store, and I don’t see Alana there as much. I think she still travels, and buys, because the selection continues to grow. Some of the very best jewelery your money can buy is there in that little corner shop all of about 400 square feet.
This is great place, that I highly recommend it. Here’s the link to the web site: http://www.alanajewelry.com/
After going through your post, I suggest all the viewers to really visit the 400 sq. feet shop named Alana Jewelery. I too will love to visit this shop.
Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
Very informative article post.Really thank you! Keep writing.