When Claudia of Country Jeweler decided to open the store in the Prune Tree Shopping Center (near Safeway), themes from the country would direct the interior design. Claudia’s artistic talent is also seen in the jewelry pieces she designs and Lynn fabricates. Recovered antique chairs to relax on, jewelry displayed in wood cabinets on glass shelves, family and horse photos on the walls, and one hun
dred and fifty-year-old draperies that were once in her great-grandparents home, all provide a welcoming country ambiance.
“Some people are intimidated when walking into a jewelry store, so I have tried to make it feel comfortable for customers to come in,” Claudia reflected. The Country Jeweler was established in December of 2014, and showcases one-of-a-kind pieces, and also has the capability to restore antique jewelry, re-purpose jewelry, re-size rings, re-tip worn off prongs, replace batteries in watches, and repair watches. Designs by Claudia are seen in display cabinets with multi-colored gemstones and diamonds set in gold. “I can personalize these,” she showed one necklace with a larger gemstone on the top and several small stones of other colors below. “Some customers like these to give to mothers with the mother’s stone on top and the children’s stones hanging below.” They can be custom made. Claudia, a self-described fashion & countrywoman, is a horse owner, and her love for them is shown in necklaces and pins featuring horses
When a customer has an item to repair, Lynn uses a laser welder, a piece of equipment that can pin-point the area, and complete the work without using a flaming torch. In restoring the worn prongs on a ring, for example of one type of repair, Lynn can rebuild the gold tip and bring the ring back to excellent condition. It’s a delicate task, but the state-of-the art machine makes it easier to complete the work. Claudia’s design talents were born while growing up in her father’s business in Indio, CA. He was a watchmaker and jeweler. Claudia graduated from the Fashion Institute with a degree in jewelry, fashion, and interior design, GIA, and previously owned several stores in Palm Desert, and then managed a Jewelry Store in Santa Cruz for many years. Items for sale, other than jewelry are gift items, clocks, aromatherapy essential oils, and watches. Country Jeweler’s hours are: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m.