Holland’s Jewelers Blog

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.  I am convinced that I was born in the wrong state.  I love snow and cold weather, the colder the better.  This year, for the first time in several years, we had a significate amount of snow to fall in Apex.  I felt really bad about closing the store on Saturday but after a looooong weekend trapped at home with the kids, I was willing to risk a wreck just to reopen the store on Monday.  I hope, if you have kids, that you made some great memories this past weekend.  Some of our favorite family traditions are making snow cream, ice Pepsi’s and sledding.  With Valentines just a couple weeks from now, I’m praying that the snow will stay away.  We have some amazing jewelry in house that will “heat up” your sweetie.  Bracelets by Alwand Vahan,  beads from Zable and Amore & Baci and 40 new engagement mountings from “Valina”.   We have also added a new Silver and Gemstone line this month called Vyana.  Beautiful designs and bold gems set in Argentium silver.  If you dislike wearing silver because it tarnishes so easily, then this is the jewelry for you.  Argentium is a uniquely alloyed silver that will not tarnish, BONUS!!  We look forward to seeing you and don’t forget to sigh up for our $500.00 Holland Gift card.

Feeling Lucky?  You could be!  This Valentine’s, when you stop by Holland’s Jewelers, try to guess how many candy hearts are in the jar.  From January 28th through February 12th, the closest guess wins a HOT $500.00 Holland’s gift card to use toward any purchase.  Good Luck!!

Happy New Year!!  Well I’m a little late but I have finally finished my New Years resolutions, have you.  I’ve learned over the years that if you aim to high, your bound to fall.  Well I’ve set my sights low this year.  I’m hoping that by listing my resolutions in this post, I’ll be able to look back at them next year and see how I’ve fared.

1. Work smarter not harder.  After 15 years at the repair bench I have decided to spend more time on Facebook and   Twitter (during work hours of course) talking to other folks and getting ideas on how to be more productive at work with less effort.

2.  When in doubt, ask for advice.  No matter what I think, that “Rocket ship” shaped ring is not going to sell in Apex or any other town no matter how cool it looks.  It’s best when Ginny and I shop for the jewelery store together.  She keeps me away from the pieces that are so ugly that they’ll be around till the day I die, and I’ll be buried with them.

3.  Have more fun!  That’s a given and should be on every one’s list.

We are looking forward to some fun this year at our store.  Ginny and I have lots of new exciting things planned to make 2010 a year to remember.

The best deal in town this Christmas is our Fresh water pearl necklace.  These lustrous beauties are 18 inches long with a sterling silver clasp.  The pearls have a rose’ color and are 5.5 to 6 mm in size.  The regular price for this classic necklace is $49.95 BUT if you spend just $150 bucko’s this Christmas, on anything in the store, these pearls are yours for just $24.95 each strand.  As many as you want boxed, wrapped and ready to give.  I’m getting a couple strands for my daughters and niece.  Beautiful pearls and a beautiful price.  Merry Christmas!!!

I would like to introduce you to the winner of this years Christmas give away.  Vincentia Vetterl is now the proud owner of a fab-u-lus Swiss blue Topaz necklace designed by Lorenzo.  The pendant is made from Argentium silver (anti-tarnish) with 18 karat, yellow gold highlights. When we called to tell her the good news she could not believe it, and in less than 15 minutes Vincentia was back at the store to claim her prize. One of the coolest things about this necklace, Blue Topaz is her son’s birthstone.

Our 8th annual open house was so much fun.  At last count we had around 400 folks stop by to eat, drink and register to win some prizes over the Friday and Saturday event. As always we introduced our Christmas special during the open house.  This year we have a beautiful strand of 18 inch, freshwater pearls we’re  offering at $49.95.  Or with a purchase of $150 or more they are only $24.95.  These pearls are awesome and make a great gift anyone on your list.  Each hand knotted strand has a Sterling silver clasp and 5.5 to 6 mm pearls.   We only have a few strands left so come by and check them out.

If you listen to the radio, T.V. or read things on the Internet then you may think that life as we know it is over.  The economy is in the crapper and your money is worth a big ol’ goose egg (0).  I choose not to believe the hype.  Thank the Lord I have my health, my family, a roof over my head and food on the table.  Sure there are alot of other things that I would like but I am content to be content.   With that being said I think that this year, more than ever, it is very important to spend wisely.  We have been diligently looking for beautiful jewelery for our store that will fit in your budget and under the tree very nicely.  This year I’m starting  my girls a silver bead bracelet from Zable.  There are over 150 beads that can be added with their favorite colors, or things they love.  There’s even a silver “Starbucks” cup for the caffeine addict in your family.  The Lorenzo collection continues to suprise us with New beautiful, bold styles in silver and 18 karat yellow gold. We have a “Honey Citrine” set, at our store, that would melt butter.  You will find just what you need this year at Holland’s Jewelers, for everyone on your “NICE” list.  We’ve already done the hard part for you.

This is not meant to be a sad occasion but rather a celebration of a life that lived each day with joy and vigor.  Mr. H was more than just a jeweler.  He was a father, teacher, mentor and grandfather.  He loved his family and helping others.  We will miss him but we have comfort that he is in a better place and that we will see him again.

Charlie C. Holland, 82, of 6237 Old Jenks Rd., Apex, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday October 8th, 2009. Born in 1927, Charlie lost his mother at age 8, then his father at age 11, beginning a difficult orphaned childhood. His compassion, concern, and support for orphans remained with him his entire life.

Following training at Spencer School of Watchmaking, he and his wife Ann founded Holland’s Jewelers in Apex on August 1st, 1960. Charlie had a passion for his Lord, serving the Apex Baptist Church as deacon and various committee chairs throughout his long membership there. He was devoted to the Apex business community serving as charter member of the Apex Rotary Club as well as Triangle Youth for Christ. He also served the community in the Apex Jaycees, the Apex Library Board, the Downtown Merchants’ Association, and the Apex Chamber of Commerce who honored him as “Citizen of the Year” in 2006. He was a member of the Apex Masonic Lodge and the Amran Shrine.

A service celebrating his life and home going will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday October 11th in the Apex Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Apex Cemetery. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Ann P. Holland, two sons: Charles Lee Holland & his wife Gloria of Apex, and Andy Holland & his wife Kim of Raleigh; five daughters: Charlene Smith & her husband Wilton of Burlington, Angela Dixon & her husband Dale of Fuquay-Varina, Paula Mills & her husband Paul of Trinity, NC, Ginny Sears & her husband Stacey of Apex, and Rebecca H. Young & her husband Sam of Cary. Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Charlie was preceded in death by four brothers, and survived by one sister, Jewel Holmes of Benson.

His family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday at the Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St. in Apex. Those desiring to do so may make memorials to The Smile Train, or to Mabopane Orphanage, through Apex Baptist Church, 110 S. Salem St., Apex, NC 27502.

Where have you guys been?  I guess I’ve been having a great summer and neglecting my post for the blog…I’m slack and proud of it.  Well, well lets see what is new in the “Holland’s neighborhood”.  First of all we have a new addition to the jewelery store, Mrs. Annette Fraga.  She has been with us for about two weeks and we love her already.  Stop by and say “hi” if you’re in the area.  More exciting news!!!  Holland’s is now the exclusive carrier of “Alwand Vahan”….and no that is not some sort of virus.  It is actually a beautiful collection of bracelets, rings and necklaces, that are created in silver and gold, with or without DIAMONDS.  Take your pick.  My wife went crazy for these designs and chose this line out of dozens of potential vendors.   They are fun to wear alone on your wrist or give them some company and stack them all the way to your elbow.  You have GOT to see these bracelets and while you’re at it, go ahead and pick out a few for your Christmas list.  Santa will thank you later.

SOOOOO, how has your summer been?  Have you done everything you planned to?  I can’t believe that August is nearly half way through and school starts for my kids in just two days.  We have been unusually busy around the store, thank goodness, and I can’t remember a summer where more folks have gotten engaged.  Lots more going on, look for a “balloon pop” sometime late September for our annual anniversary sale.  Our store will have no less than 500 helium balloons that will be up for grabs, each one will contain a gemstone with one holding a grand prize, a .71 carat, round diamond.  Valued at over $3,500.00.  You can’t win unless you try.  We will be sending out details in the upcoming weeks by snail mail and email.  If you are not on our list, please email me (hollandsjewelers@bellsouth.net) or call.  Enjoy the rest of your summer and the 100 degree weather that comes along with it.  Nothing says summer like feeling yourself melt when you walk outside.