It honestly seems like just a few weeks ago that I put away my Christmas decorations; but here we go again, ready for another holiday season! I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to the holidays; I love everything about them – the food, the parties and the presents! Especially buying presents! Although people are pinching their pennies these days, if you are in the market for some jewels for your best girl or guy, there is a place in Renton that you should shop – and that is Garland Jewelers.

In business for 56 years, they are a rare gem (sorry, pun intended) these days when it comes to serving customers. Owner Gary Slotnik knows all of his customers by name — and the nice thing about Gary is, he is as cordial to you when you pop in for a new watch battery or to clean your wedding ring as he is when you come in and spend $1,000. Garland Jewelers’ philosophy is that they stand behind everything they sell. They also have a strong presence of philanthropy in the community and frequently THANK their customers in unique ways. I like that.

I took a tour of the shop recently (don’t tell my husband!) and got a behind-the-scenes sneak peek on what is “hot” in the jewelry industry this year. One of my favorites was the “dancing diamonds collection” – they are so beautiful that they literally dance and sparkle in front of you. Another stunner was the padparadscha — an orange sapphire. You would be a hit if you wore either item to a party, that’s for sure. And, always popular are the custom three stone gems — one for your present, one for your past and one for your future. They have Murano glass, from Italy.

Last year for Christmas, I received a unique set of earrings in rose gold — something gaining in popularity and beautiful on most any skin tone. This year, there is chocolate gold! Oh, doesn’t that conjure up images? Chocolate AND gold. Now, there is a present for your sweetheart. Gary bought the store from his father Jack Slotnik, who started the store with $500 in his pocket, near Coulee City. Later, he moved to Tacoma and then Renton. He chose Renton because he went to some local restaurants and saw that the waitresses didn’t wear jewelry and thought the store had a market here. He was right; and 56 years later, they are still going strong. What impresses me most about Gary is that he still holds the belief — after all these years – that Renton is a special place where all things are possible. I think you are right, Gary. If you want to find a little sparkle for under your Christmas tree — I’m sure Gary would give you a tour, too.

Susan Bressler is an active member of a number of Renton organizations, including Piazza Renton. E-mail her at scbressler@comcast.net.

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