it’s incorporated into a pendant or a bracelet with the classic Jewish
inscription.” As for what to look for during the holidays: “I think diamond
Continued from Page 22
studs are always a terrific gift,” offered Sorkin. “Now they’re
doing them with what they call a ‘halo’ style — a center dia-
Judaica has become a more personal gift over the years, whether
mond surrounded by smaller diamonds. It makes the diamond
it’s buying a Yahrzeit candle-holder or an apple-and-honey dish for
look bigger and is a great fashion accessory which is going to
Rose Hashanah like she sells, or buying a necklace with a Jewish
be very popular.”
star or a yad at a jeweler. While many of them have ideas on the per-
Just as fashion has changed through the years, so have the acces-
fect gift, they’re more than happy to incorporate yours.

sories men and women wear in public. “The world is not as formal
“People are buying custom designs and redesigns, which is
as it used to be,” said Spiegelman, who was born in Netanya, Israel,
something we do a lot of,” explained Robert Schwartz of Harry
before his family moved to Vineland, N.J. when he was 5 years old.

Merrill & Son, whose grandfather founded the company in
“Lifestyles are more casual, therefore jewelry’s more casual.

1954. “Maybe they inherited something from their grandmoth-
“Before, people went out on weekends and to nice restaurants
er and it’s sentimental but not to their taste. So we remake it
and were more dressed up. Today, they’ll put on jeans. People tend
into something.”
to buy jewelry that can be worn every day.”
At the same time, they’re always trying to anticipate what the
They also tend to buy it when they feel they’re getting good value.

public will want. “We stock up on certain stones — rubies, sapphires,
For generations, that’s been the word along Jeweler’s Row. But as
emeralds — our ‘bread and butter,’ ” added Schwartz, flanked by his
the older generation begins to give way, there’s concern
for the future
You want customers to be a part of creating their own
“The last few years, it really has become an age
thing,” noted Sorkin. “People over the age of 40 will
piece of jewelry, which I think is way more fun that buying
come into town to Sansom Street, because they know
it’s a great destination. It’s the younger generation I
something ready-made."
feel we’re having a problem with getting the word out.

They might not know how excellent a place to shop
BEN SORKIN
Sansom Street is. You can see a tremendous variety of
new and old items that you’d never be able to see it in any one store.

mother, Iris, Harry’s daughter. “But of course, there’s trends.

“But you certainly can see it in 60 stores. It’s true that a satisfied
“One year you might sell more stud earrings or bracelets. For a
customer is the greatest asset in any business. Because jewelry is
while, journey necklaces or ‘past, present and future’ necklaces were
such a personal item, a job well done usually leads to more business.

popular. I don’t want to be negative about large jewelry stores, but they’re
“We do some Judaica, too, though it’s not as popular as it used
not manufacturers or designer and don’t know how to create a piece
to be. We’ll get a Star of David from an estate sale or someone will
of jewelry for the most part.”
say, ‘I had this or that custom-made for a Bar Mitzvah.’ ”
That’s certainly not the case with the businesses on Jeweler’s
You can even design your own. In fact, Ben Sorkin encourages
Row, at Jay Roberts or with Joy Stember, who puts her metal Judaica
it. “Jewelry should be fun,” said Sorkin, whose store is filled with an
on display at some 15 top quality crafts shows throughout the coun-
array of sports memorabilia, including baseballs signed by Hall of
try. So when it comes to choosing that perfect piece of jewelry for
Famers and a Wilt Chamberlain signed photo. “You want customers
the holidays, keep in mind that those are just a few of the options.

to be a part of creating their own piece of jewelry, which I think is
With so many to choose from, how can you go wrong? l
way more fun that buying something ready-made.

“I love to create from a customer’s ideas. Even with Judaica, I try
to give them a variety and let them choose what they want, whether
Contact: Jmarks@jewishexponent.com 215-832-0729
Selection Name: Hamberg of Bustleton Jewelers
Width: 3.625"
Depth: 3"
Color: Black plus one
Comment: Guide
s The Clock i Holiday
R RETIREMENT
ETIR E MENT
I IS S CALLI
CALLING... N G ...

. Ticki
n g.

. Only 30 Days Until
Hamberg of Bustleton
Closes Forever
Choose from a Great Collection of
Fine Diamonds, Precious Gems, Estate
Jewelry, Pearls, Gold Jewelry, Famous
Brand Watches and Giftware.

Name: Cong. Mikveh Israel*-use this o
CONGREGATION Width: 3.625"
MIKVEH ISRAEL'S GIFT SHOP:
Depth: 3"
NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Color: Black plus one
Comment: 1/6pg, UNUSUAL
gift shop,holiday
mag JUDAICA &
AND AFFORDABLE
A f amily t r adition since 891 4 f or uni q ue j e w rel y
with xe ce p tional q uality and a af ff of of r dabilit
d .y
75% OFF
Shop N o w f or All Y our Holid a y Gi if f ts
2 1 5-4 6 7-4 7 4 4
1 30 3 2 Bu tls
te on A v enu e
T e l : 2 1 5 - 9 2 2 - 5 4 4 6
e cti on of Bu tls te on & By eb yrrr
( N e ttxe o S u no )oc
T u ue s & Thhu sru
a01 m -5 :3 p0 m
W ed & F ri a01 m -6 pm • taS 1 0a m -3 p m
In esret
4 4 N . 4 t h s t r e e t , P h i l a P A 1 9 1 0 6
( O f f M a r k e t s t r e e t b t w n 4 t h a n d 5 t h s t r e e t s )
ALL MAJ OR CR EDI T C A R D S A C CC EP T E D
NO N
O R REASONABLE
EA A S O NA B LE OFFER
O FF ER REFUSED!
R EFUS ED !
24 NOVEMBER 19, 2015
NON-JUDAICA ITEMS
WINTER HOLIDAY GUIDE
F R E E PA R K I N G I N T H E HE A R T O F OL D E CI T Y
G I F T S F O R AL L O C C A S I O N S
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM