Standing the Test of Time

We've Moved!

2011-06-13T11:00:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone!

We feel as though we haven't best utilized our blogging abilities to our full potential. We have taken on a new challenge and are inviting you to come along. We are now found at INFO.DAYSJEWELERS.COM where we are going to continue to grow and build our blogging environment.

Our new blog - Jewelry 201 - is all about education, tips, trends, and the jewelry industry. We will be taking customer requests too! So any questions you have please let us know.

Thanks again for being part of our blog community. Be sure to sign up to receive Jewelry 201 blog insights!

new blog: info.daysjewelers.com
contact: info@daysjewelers.com

Named America's Best Jeweler 2010 - Day's Jewelers

2011-02-14T12:01:00.002-05:00

New York—America's Best Jewelers, the fine jewelry trade's only retailer-exclusive social network, has announced the list of 39 jewelers nationwide that have earned the "America's Best Jewelers 2010" designation through their high level of operational excellence.

Produced and administered by National Jeweler, the America's Best Jewelers program qualifies winning jewelers through a comprehensive benchmarking survey conducted in partnership with the Jewelers of America's (JA) annual "Cost of Doing Business" survey. Launched in 2008, the ABJ program provides an avenue for jewelers to share successful strategies with their peers, offering a fresh approach to the educational offerings available to the jewelry retail community. Members meet to share best practices face-to-face at facilitated panel session conferences at the JA New York and Couture jewelry shows and online at ABJNetwork.com.

"Jewelers recognized with the America's Best Jewelers designation this year were judged on their performance in 2009, which, as we all know, was an especially challenging year for our business," said Whitney Sielaff, National Jeweler editorial director and ABJ program administrator. "These companies proved themselves through that trying period, demonstrating they could maintain excellence in disciplines across the full range of jewelry retaining operations, from human resources to marketing and financial performance. It's inspirational to know that well-run companies can maintain high standards even when the going gets tough. Congratulations to all these fine jewelers."

Jewelers receive the America's Best Jewelers designation in one of two categories—Couture and Independents—based on factors including size, style of operation and range of product carried. For 2010, 17 companies earned the designation in the Couture category, and 22 earned it in the Independents category. The lists include both repeat winners from past years as well as emerging retail stars.

The winners in the Couture category for 2010 are:
- Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches, El Paso, Texas
- Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers, Gross Pointe Woods, Mich.
- Ben David Jewelers, Danville, Va.
- Nancy And David Fine Jewels, Millburn, N.J.
- Day's Jewelers, Waterville, Me.
- Vincent's Jewelers, Creve Coeur, Mo.
- Mountz Jewelers, Carlisle, Pa.
- E.E. Robbins - Engagement & Wedding Rings, Seattle
- R.F. Moeller Jeweler, St. Paul, Minn.
- Blue Marlin Jewelry, Islamorada, Fla.
- Lasker Jewelers, Eau Claire, Wisc.
- Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc., Laguna Beach, Calif.
- Nelson Coleman Jewelers, Towson, Md.
- Ware Jewelers, Auburn, Ala.
- Harold Stevens Jewelers, San Diego
- Harold Jaffe Jewelers, Toledo, Ohio
- Houston Jewelry, Houston

Brian Quigley - Master Jeweler Extraordinaire

2011-01-20T12:01:00.001-05:00

It was an exciting moment indeed to receive notification from Jewelers of America Inc. that Brian Quigley achieved Master Jeweler Certification. Brian, who works in both our Auburn and South Portland stores, has been a goldsmith and jewelry designer for over 30 years. Three years ago he set out on a personal mission to achieve the highest level of bench jeweler certification in the jewelry industry. In fact, since the certification program was established about 15 years ago, only 130 goldsmiths in the United States have been certified at this level. Brian is the first in New England.

Not only is Brian a master at his trade, but he is a true gentleman…. one of the kindest and caring men I know. His tenacity and attention to detail are impeccable. Brian’s passion is to work one on one with our customers to design a unique piece of jewelry with meaning that can be passed on from generation to generation.

Over the past 3 years, I’ve watched Brian take test after test required for certification. I saw his disappointment after working many tireless hours on a piece of jewelry only to have it rejected by Jewelers of America because one stone was off-set by a tenth of a millimeter. Myself and the entire Day’s team salutes Brian Quigley with deep respect and admiration for this incredible accomplishment.

To learn more about Brian Quigley, click here. If you’re considering having a special piece of jewelry created for yourself, email me and I’d be happy to set up a free consultation with Brian. I must forewarn that he’ll want to hear your whole life story.

Garnet: January's Birthstone

2011-01-05T14:49:00.001-05:00

Garnet received its name from the ancient Greeks because its crimson color reminded them of the "granatum" (pomegranate seed). It comes in a variety of colors but is best known for its radiant red shade. Less popular than the brilliant red gemstone are Grape Garnet (slightly purple), Mandarin Garnet (orange) and Green Garnet (bright green and sometimes referred to as Tsavorite). Garnets are actually a group of six "species" of stones and are hybrids of mineral crossings.

Garnet has a fascinating glass-like luster that is said to be a guide for travelers in the night. Legend has it that Garnet will protect soldiers in battle and prove a giver's loyalty and affection to its wearer.

This January birthstone ranks a 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness) and is acceptable for everyday wear. The most valuable Garnet is capable of changing color under different lighting conditions. Garnet is one of the very few gemstones that do not need any type of enhancement or treatment because it is so naturally beautiful after being cut.

8 Reasons to Purchase a Diamond at Day's

2010-12-26T14:04:00.000-05:00

For almost 100 years, Day's Jewelers has been buying diamonds directly from the world's most experienced diamond cutters. This commitment to quality, combined with a century of experience is what separates Day's Jewelers from online diamond peddlers.

1. Diamond Experts

Day's Jewelers has the largest percentage of Certified diamond consultants from the Diamond Council of America , than any other jeweler in America . All of our stores have trained employees or Graduate Gemologists from the Gemological Institute of America . Every one of our stores has Master Goldsmiths and Jewelry Designers on staff to provide you the highest level of diamond setting and jewelry craftsmanship.

2. No Games

Day's does not play games with pricing. We offer our best price every day. No marking up the jewelry so we can put it on "sale". Check our prices. You'll find our daily price is almost always less than our competitors' sale price.

3. Internet Pricing

We price our loose diamonds at or below what you will find on the internet. No other jeweler dares make that promise. Go ahead. Put us to the test.

4. Warranty

You do not need to purchase an extended warranty from Day's. We warranty all of our jewelry for life at no extra charge. Day's also employs full time goldsmiths at each location. No need to send your jewelry out for repair, we do it on site.

5. Diamonds from Clean Sources

In compliance with the United Nation Resolution, Day's assures you that every diamond we purchase comes with a written guarantee that diamonds are sourced from non-conflict areas.

6. We have connections

Day's buys diamonds directly from diamond mines and diamond cutters from all over the world for the very best prices. If we don't have exactly what you're looking for, our diamond consultants will find the perfect diamond from our world-wide sources. We've sold more diamonds than any other jewelry company in Northern New England.

7. You can trade it in

You can bring your center diamond in at any time and trade it in towards a diamond of 25% greater value. Other jewelers make you spend 50-100% of your diamond's value.

8. You're the boss.

When you buy a diamond from Day's Jewelers, you're the boss. You can tell us what you have in mind specifically, and be intimately involved with the selection process, or you can simply tell us what your budget and occasion are, and allow us to select a diamond for you.

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Day’s Jewelers Brings Family Values to Manchester

2010-12-15T14:02:00.000-05:00

MANCHESTER, NH- Joe Corey, son of Day’s Jewelers owners Jeffery and Kathy Corey, has been selected as a member of the management team at Day’s Jeweler’s in Manchester.. The aspiring manager had interest in the family business at a young age, spending many holidays alongside his parents in the stores. Now it is his turn to manage his own team following in the footsteps of his parents.

“It is a rare occurrence that a family can run a successful business for so long”, Corey’s father, Jeff Corey, who is President and CEO of Day’s Jewelers explains. “Day’s has been a family business for nearly 100 years. I’m pleased that my son has chosen a career with our company ensuring a continuity of the family tradition at Day’s.” Jeff Corey continued, “We are very proud of him and excited to see what he can do for the Manchester community and the company. I am especially thrilled that Joe will work under the tutelage of Sascha Barth, our Store Manager in Manchester. With more than 17 years of experience in the jewelry industry, Sascha is an exceptionally knowledgeable jewelry professional.”

Joe Corey became certified as a diamontologist by the Diamond Council of America in 2008. In April of 2010 he became certified as a colored stone specialist by the DCA. Most recently, he completed trainings for both Citizen and Seiko watches and has plans to take GIA courses in the near future. Joe Corey’s excitement and motivation are sure to inspire all around him and continue to make Day’s Manchester location a place all people would like to visit.

Continuing with the family tradition is Joe Corey’s uncle, and brother to Jeff Corey, Jim Corey who is currently the manager of the Bangor, Maine Day’s Jewelers. He too, is excited to see another member of his family involved in the management team. Day’s emphasizes the importance of tradition and wholesome values in a generation that may tend to overlook these fundamental beliefs. The Corey family extends beyond management to include all of the communities they serve by treating all customers as a part of their family.

Day’s Jewelers has six physical store locations in Maine and New Hampshire as well as a full e-commerce website, www.daysjewelers.com. The Manchester store is located on 66 March Avenue (T.J. Maxx Plaza off South Willow Street). With almost 10,000 square feet of selling space and over 100 showcases, it is one of the largest jewelry stores in New England. All Day’s stores feature complete jewelry repair and jewelry design services and offer fine jewelry for every budget and occasion. Day’s Jewelers, a Maine based company, was founded in Portland in 1914 and employs 140 people in Maine and New Hampshire. Day’s is owned by Kathy, Jim and Jeff Corey with headquarters in Waterville, Maine.

To learn more about Day’s Jewelers visit: www.daysjewelers.com

December's Birthstone

2010-12-07T15:08:00.000-05:00

This gorgeous golden toned gemstone was first made fashionable as jewelry by Russians throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. A silicate mineral composed of aluminum and fluorine, it is often found amongst granite rocks. Most Topaz is discovered in very light shades and is typically it is found in South America, but also maintains a presence in Sri Lanka , Africa and China .

Topaz is legendary for improving vision and breaking spells or charms. The ancient Greeks believed it could make a person stronger if he or she was wearing it. People from Egypt believed it was a gift from the god of the sun because of its illuminating, golden glow.

A yellow birthstone for November, Topaz is simultaneously the birthstone for December in its blue form. Though the stone can be a wide variety of colors it is most prized as blue, yellow or pink. Some rare varieties of Topaz are pastel pink and sherry red.

Ranked an 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness), Topaz is suitable for every day wear but is susceptible to damage from a hard strike or blow. Heat or low-grade irradiation is a permanent treatment often used to bring out the utmost brilliancy of the stone's color.

Botswana Diamonds

2010-11-11T16:02:00.001-05:00

For more than 100 years, diamonds have been stripped from these poor African countries and immediately sent out to other parts of the world to be cut and polished. For the first time in history, a diamond is sourced, cut and polished in a single African nation so the people of that country are able to fully benefit. This is the concept named “beneficiation”. Kathy and I were in Africa last Fall. We saw the terrible poverty first hand. It is a wonderful feeling to know that we truly can make a difference in our world.

Best of all, our help was not a handout. A Botswanan citizen created a beautiful diamond and offered it for sale at a fair price. You purchased this diamond to commemorate a special relationship. It is a great story. "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime".
This is a very exciting time in history for Day’s Jewelers as well as for the entire diamond industry. "Made in Botswana" diamonds are now available in all of our Day’s Jewelers locations.

Citrine

2010-11-03T14:48:00.001-04:00

The name "Citrine" comes from the French word, "citron", which means lemon. Appropriately designated this name, Citrine's bright and golden hues represent those that are similar to that of the common citrus fruit. Its intense brightness and shine can compliment almost any color and style, but especially polished gold (AGTA).

A variety of quartz mineral, Citrine is sometimes jokingly called "Amethyst's daughter". This earthy gemstone is said to be capable of banishing evil thoughts from the mind and balance one's inner emotions and intuition, thus bringing its wearer harmony and peace of mind.

One of November's birthstones, Citrine is primarily found in Brazil and Zambia (AGTA). Citrine ranks 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale (used to determine Gem hardness) and is acceptable for everyday wear. Citrine that appears to have traces of brown coloring is heated to permanently set in its bright yellow and orange hues.

Learn About October's Birthstone

2010-10-17T16:50:00.000-04:00

A flashy stone that captures the colors of the rainbow, Opal is one of the few mineraloids used in fine jewelry making. Considered by Australians as their national gemstone, Opal can occur in the fissures of almost any kind of rock and have even been found embedded with fossils.

Most Opal from around the world comes in a variety of colors, each having its own classification. Dark or Black Opal, White or Light Opal, Milk or Crystal Opal, Boulder Opal, Opal Matrix, "Picture Stones" and Mexican or Fire Opal are all different types based on their different appearances. Each category of Opal has its own signature color spectrum. An Opal which displays the most color reflection is most prized by the jewelry industry and those that wear it.

Additionally one of the birthstones for October, Opal is thought to bring about good fortune and melt away sadness and negative feelings from its wearer.

Opal is a softer gemstone, ranking 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness) and should be worn with care.

Crazy for Beads!

2010-09-16T14:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, so we've nearly doubled the number of beads sold to our customers from a year ago. It's obvious that personalized jewelry is really important to you and that we at Day's Jewelers are very committed to offering the widest variety of bead styles to our customers than any other jeweler in America. We have five bead lines including our nucleus line of Chamilia, Hand Painted beads, Personality Italian beads as well as our newest collection of Chelsea Taylor Swarovski beads. Also, check out our Children's bead collection by Reflections. Let's discuss alternate jewelry options for you, the collectors of the talismans that represent your life. Slide your Murano beads on your hoop earrings. Slide your favorite beads on your sterling silver chains. It's time to reinvent yourself with color and style.

Day's Diamonds For Peace

2010-05-13T14:47:00.000-04:00

For thousands of years, diamonds have been known as symbols of love, commitment, wealth and power. Diamonds can also be a symbol of peace. Let us explain…..

We believe there is a reason why diamonds are typically found in some of the poorest and most barren regions of the world. In fact, diamonds are the primary source of funding for jobs, education, health care and opportunity in many of the poorest African nations.

The result is a modern day “Robin Hood”. Taking money from the wealthiest countries in the world, and sharing it with the poorest nations.

Unfortunately, a small number of diamonds have been acquired illegally and used to fund wars against legitimate governments and atrocities against innocent people. This needs to stop.

In 2003 Day's Jewelers was a leader in the jewelry industry by meeting with our US Congressional delegation encouraging them to help enact an embargo on trade of these illicit diamonds. The embargo is entitled The Kimberly Process. It has been enacted by the United States as well as more than 60 other countries.

Day's Jewelers embraces the Kimberly Process, and will only purchase diamonds that are Kimberly Process certified. This is just a start.

We have partnered with our primary diamond supplier to provide a diamond passport entitled “Source Veritas®”. This passport verifies legitimacy of the diamond's journey from where it was born all the way to Day's showcase.

More needs to be done. To that end, Day's pledges $10 for each sale of a loose diamond or piece of diamond jewelry to organizations who promote social and educational development, health care, conflict resolution, or disaster relief.

When you invest in a diamond from Day's, you're also investing in a way to help our world become a better place to live.

Make Her Green with Envy: Emeralds

2010-05-08T12:53:00.000-04:00

Emerald is the green variety of the mineral Beryl and is considered to be one of the four "precious gemstones", among ruby, sapphire and diamond. It is most commonly worn as the May birthstone .

The most highly praised stone of the Incas; Emerald was once used as an aid for pregnant women, protecting them from the potential dangers of child birth. Its pure and intense green color is said represent the Earth's natural hues of the springtime. Emerald has been prized for its supposed abilities to make its wearer feel eloquent, creative and relaxed.

Colombian Emeralds are held in especially high esteem due to their exceptionally bold green color, showing no trace of a bluish tint. Zambian Emeralds tend to be darker than Colombian Emeralds and often contain evidence of a bluish tint. Zambian Emeralds are also highly regarded in international gem trade. Zimbabwe has a famous Mine called "Sandawana" containing Emeralds with a soft yellow-green shade.

Emerald is often referred to as the "garden" stone because nearly all pieces have small internal cracks. Ranked a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness), Emeralds are sufficiently durable for frequent wear, however despite their tough ranking, they are susceptible to chipping if handled roughly. Most Emeralds are infused with oil to mask cracks and enhance the stone's brilliance.

Killian Rieder to Visit Day's!

2010-04-09T15:23:00.000-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce that Killian Rieder, Chamilia co-founder, owner and bead designer will personally appear at Day's Auburn store on Thursday, April 15th from 3-8. Killian is a true pioneer in one of the most successful jewelry products ever in the history of our industry. Her vision was to create a contemporary twist on the classic charm bracelet, where a woman could be the designer of her own bracelet. "The wonderful beauty of the beads is that they can be combined on a bracelet to create thousands of different looks as unique as the woman who wears it."

During her appearance, Killian will spend time with our customers presenting the Chamilia history, demonstrating how beads are designed, and soliciting ideas for new bead styles. She will introduce Chamilia's latest bead additions and will be happy to autograph a free copy of the company's new catalogue. A selection of thousands of beads will be on display including the exclusive collection of Chamilia 14 karat gold beads.

Killian Rieder is a graduate of the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology, and worked for fashion icons like Ralph Lauren Polo. She still finds inspiration in things that have added meaning to her life and her customers' lives. Killian states, "The best part of working at Chamilia is to see other people's creations and know that the beauty of the design comes not just from the beads, but from the meaning associated with them. Every bracelet tells a story about the person who's wearing it."

We hope you'll join us on April 15th in Day's Jewelers Auburn store to meet this special lady and enjoy the fun and excitement. We will have hourly drawings for free beads. The grand prize will be a 14k gold Chamilia bracelet and "MOM" charm valued at $1600. Day's will donate a portion of all gold bead sales to the March of Dimes foundation.

Gold!

2010-04-05T16:09:00.000-04:00

This may seem like a silly question; but as it turns out, gold is much more than just a material used to make jewelry. Since the beginning of recorded history, gold has been used as money, as a store of value, in jewelry, in sculpture, and for ornamentation.
The metal occurs naturally, in the form of nuggets or grains found in rocks, veins and in alluvial deposits. The consistency of gold is very dense; though it is the most soft and malleable pure metal in known existence. Its appearance is quite shiny and is very attractive, bright yellow color.

Strangely, gold is one of only three naturally occurring metals that have distinct color; copper (reddish) and cesium (silvery-gold) are the other two. All other elemental metals are gray or white.
Because 24kt gold, or pure gold, is so soft – it is typically alloyed with base metals for use in jewelry to ensure its durability and strength. Gold with lower karat value – 18kt, 14kt, 10kt – contain percentages of copper, silver, palladium and/or other base metals. The color of gold can be changed depending upon what metals have been alloyed with it. Yellow gold, is typically alloyed with a small percentage of copper to maintain its color but increase its durability. A high percentage of copper will cause the gold to appear reddish in color – thus producing rose gold, or pink gold. In the same way, white gold is produced by alloying yellow gold with palladium and/or other white metals.

Gold is very resistant to tarnish, rust and corrosion but should still not be exposed to chlorine or abrasive cleaning products. If exposed regularly to these chemicals gold will lose its natural, shiny, yellow color. Rhodium, a very hard white metal, is often used to coat white gold so it maintains its white luster. If white gold begins to show a yellow tint, it is probably because the rhodium finish has worn off. In this case, the piece of jewelry may be easily re-coated with rhodium to bring it back to its original appearance.

Sterling Silver

2010-04-05T16:08:00.001-04:00

Sterling silver is comprised of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper. Fine silver (99.9% pure) is generally too soft for producing jewelry that will not bend or break, so the pure silver is alloyed with either copper or titanium to give it strength, while at the same time preserving the natural beauty of pure silver.

Sterling silver jewelry is used in many of the most popular and desirable jewelry designs because is more tarnish resistant than pure silver jewelry; it will stay brighter and shine longer. Sterling silver is also much less expensive than white gold or platinum, making it an affordable alternative. The price of silver is so low in comparison to other metals because 80% of silver is actually acquired while mining for other metals.

Jade

2010-03-24T12:25:00.000-04:00

Officially the gemstone of British Columbia and Alaska , Jade is coveted for its beautifully bold and exotic green color. Though it is most commonly a turquoise-green shade, it is sold in other colors such as white, yellow, purple and white. Many varieties of jade can be found in the Elle jewelry designs here at Day's Jewelers.

Also known as an “imperial” gemstone, Jade has been treasured in China since as early as 2950 BC (AGTA), and was thought to preserve the body after death. Usually cut into cabochons (smooth dome-like shapes), Jade is very popular in Asian countries, where it is used to make beads, bangles and necklaces. Jade has even been found in many great emperors' tombs that are thousands of years old. Another place that has always treasured jade is Central America , where the Mayans, Olmecs and Toltecs used jade carvings and masks.

Ranked a 6.5-7.0 out of 10 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness), Jade is a very tough gemstone. It was even used for early knives because of its tough composition. Jade may undergo many treatments such as bleaching, dying, heating and wax impregnation. Heating and bleaching are the only permanent of these treatments and dying is semi-permanent. Wax impregnation is not necessarily permanent because wax can deteriorate over time; however it may be retreated if it's needed. It is best cleaned with mild dish soap and a tooth brush.

Impregnating Jade with wax is not necessarily permanent because the wax can deteriorate over time. You are stating that waxing is not “safe”. The fact is, it can always be easily re-impregnated with wax. So, “safe” is not the right word.

Make it Shine!

2010-03-15T13:10:00.000-04:00

There are 34 factors that affect the value of a diamond. Most of them are related to how meticulously the diamond was cut and polished. While color, clarity and carat weight are determined by nature, the cut of a diamond is entirely under the control of man. Most diamonds are cut and polished by the hands of a highly skilled craftsperson rather than by machine. All diamonds under the lights of a jewelry store showcase will be bright. But only a rare few will pick up even the faintest hint of light and sparkle on a dark night. Cut is what makes the difference.
The primary goals of a diamond cutter are; 1) to cut a diamond that will be as brilliant as possible. 2) to preserve as much of the weight of the rough diamond crystal. Most diamonds have 58 flat surfaces called facets. For a diamond to achieve maximum brilliance, each facet must be perfectly placed.

When fashioning a diamond from the rough crystal, the cutter must pay particular attention to symmetry. The more symmetrical the diamond, the more brilliant it will be. It is not uncommon for a round brilliant diamond to be a bit out of round. Though this detracts from the brilliance, it does help to preserve weight.

In recent years, technology has been developed to scientifically measure the fire, scintillation and brilliance of a diamond. A well cut diamond will receive higher scores in each of these measurement scales. GEMEX is the most popular technology utilized to measure the brightness of a diamond.

A diamond that is cut to achieve maximum brilliance is often termed “ideal cut”. My favorite ideal cut diamond is the BIRO 88. Instead of the standard 58 facets, the BIRO 88 has 88 perfectly placed facets. This makes it the most brilliant diamond available in our industry.

Something to Cherish Forever

2010-03-08T14:58:00.000-05:00

The most life altering moments of my life were the births of my three children. Bringing new life into this world is unparalleled to any other moment I've ever experienced. My children are adults now. Their clothes have come and gone and although I've saved some of their "favorite" toys in the event that their children will love them as much as they did, their most treasured items are special pieces of jewelry that were bestowed to them from infancy through their teenage years. My first daughter's gift, Princesse Add Pearls is probably why pearls are one of her favorites. My second daughter loves diamonds and still today, cherishes her first pair of diamond earrings. See our beautiful collection of baby and children's jewelry and watches including our newest collection of children's bead bracelets. Give them a gift they will remember and cherish for a lifetime.

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to email me. I personally answer every customer email.

Aquamarine: March's Birthstone

2010-03-05T14:06:00.000-05:00

Aquamarine gets its name from the Latin word meaning “water of the sea”, which accurately depicts its cool light blue, yellow and pink colors. Primarily a gemstone mined in Brazil , Aquamarine can be found in a wide variety of places and colors, but is a deep shade of blue in its rarest form.

Years ago, Aquamarine was believed to be what mermaid's tails were made of. Another legend says that King Neptune of the sea gave aquamarine to mermaids as gifts, and it has since been a symbol of love and endearment, making it a popular anniversary gift. Supposedly, this gemstone was also coveted by sailors as a charm for safety on the water and to remind them of their loved ones far away.

Aquamarine is a type of beryl stone and is mined throughout the world. Aquamarine that come from the Santa Maria Mine in Brazil are rare, intense blue aquamarines that “make every gemstone lover's heart beat faster” (ICGA). Another famous type of Aquamarine is the ‘Espirito Santo' from Brazil which have a blue that is not quite as intense as Santa Maria Aquamarine.
A durable gemstone, Aquamarine ranks at 7.5-8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness) and can easily be worn on a daily basis.

Commonly worn as the light blue birthstone of March, Aquamarine is sometimes permanently heat treated to remove traces of green from its blue color.

A Pin to Speak 1000 Words

2010-02-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

Each January, leading jewelers from across America meet in New York City for the Annual GEM Awards banquet. The focus of this event is to present the "STYLE" award to a person outside of the industry who has made a mark on the world of jewelry.

This year's recipient was Madeleine Albright, the first woman to become Secretary of State. "Madame Secretary", as she is sometimes affectionately referred to, became the most powerful woman in the world under the Clinton Administration. Kathy and I were both astounded and elated when asked to be seated at her table that evening.

Madeleine Albright loves pins and she noted for wearing them to express her feelings and make her points about political issues of the day. Albright recently wrote a book entitled Read My Pins that details how she changed up her brooches to send subtle messages to various world leaders.
Among the anecdotes she told us at the dinner was one about her meeting with Saddam Hussein. A published poem in Iraq had referred to Albright, who had criticized the then-president, as an "unparalleled serpent." Albright snapped on a serpent pin for her meeting with the Iraqi leader. Flower and butterfly pins when she's happy. Lion and dragon pins to express conviction.
I believe the true value of a piece of jewelry is not in how much it costs, but in what it represents to the person who wears it. Madeleine Albright supports my notion in a very special and powerful way. It was an honor to spend the evening with this wonderful lady. A memory I will cherish forever.

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to email me. I personally answer every customer email.

The Strength of a Knot

2010-01-28T11:51:00.000-05:00

My husband, Jeff and I, will be celebrating our 29th anniversary in 1 month. Love, friendship, patience and wisdom have been my teachers and I'll never want to change a minute of this life of "us". One of my favorite quotes is "Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls." Kahlil Gibran.

Day's Jewelers Everlon Diamond Knot Collection symbolizes the impenetrable strength which joins two individuals. This concept is based on the Hercules knot which is the strongest of all knots and an ancient symbol of strength. The Everlon Diamond Knot is simple and elegant, with a diamond nestled into a Hercules knot design. The collection consists of over 100 designs including earrings, pendants, rings and bracelets. Everlon Diamond Knot Jewelry - beautiful designs that touch the heart.

Cultured Gemstone Jewelry

2010-01-21T13:39:00.000-05:00

In 1931 Carroll Chatham discovered he could grow an Emerald crystal in a controlled environment that was chemically and physically the same as an Emerald created from the Earth. This was the beginning of the Chatham brand that we know today. Today, Chatham is recognized as the leader in cultured gemstones. They offer an unbeatable Lifetime Warranty and Certificate of Authenticity assuring reliability and long-term value, which means that they will repair or replace your gemstone, should it chip or break under ordinary circumstances.

Real or Imitation? Chatham gemstones are cultured, just as Cultured Pearls are, in an environment created to duplicate naturally grown gemstones. Crystals are grown over the course of a year, depending on the gemstone. Not all created gemstones are the same quality as Chatham Cultured Gemstones invest the technology and time to grow the very best Cultured Gemstones. These gemstones are developed to identical physical, chemical and optical properties to those found in nature.

Price? Differences in price between Chatham cultured gemstones and natural gemstones are notable. The company's unbeatable Lifetime Warranty and Certificate of Authenticity
Chatham Cultured Gemstones - Smart, Beautiful, Real. To learn more about Chatham Gemstones visit www.chatham.com.

Beads, Beads, Beads!

2010-01-19T13:39:00.000-05:00

Jewelry that Reflects on Memories. Have you heard about Chamilia - the most popular jewelry in America? Chamilia allows you to customize your own bracelet by selecting from hundreds of bead designs in high quality sterling silver, 14Kt, Swarovski crystal or Murano glass. These beads are strung on a quality, durable snake style bracelet. Sleek and contemporary, clearly it’s today’s modern day charm bracelet. Start with one and add as many beads as you’d like. Whether it’s your birthstone, your special pet or just because, you’ll look forward to adding the next bead to complete the bracelet that tells the story of your life. Every day our Chamilia customers come into our stores to shop for the next bead and they love to recount the meaning behind every bead they own. “This bead represents my daughters love for ballet” or “This bead shows my Irish heritage”. The stories are numerous and meaningful and every bracelet is unique for every person.

Jewelry is about special memories and Chamilia tells the story. Check out our selection of Chamilia product. Beads start at only $24.00. Create your story with a Chamilia bead bracelet and reflect on the memories of your life.

Palladium: The New White Metal

2009-12-04T15:02:00.000-05:00

Palladium is a member of the Platinum group of metals. It was first discovered in 1803, but not until recently has it gained popularity in the manufacturing of jewelry. Many designers prefer Palladium to white gold for several reasons; It is less expensive than white gold, 15% more durable, hypoallergenic, and more pure. To me, the greatest advantage of palladium over white gold is its natural whiteness.

Pure gold is yellow. It is mixed with other metals such as zinc and nickel to make it white. A 14k gold ring contains 58% gold and 42% other metals. However, white gold will always have a tint of its natural yellow color. White gold is most often coated with rhodium, a white hard metal, to hide the yellow tint. As the result of normal wear, the rhodium plating on white gold will wear away and the yellow tint will reappear.

Palladium is naturally white and 95% pure. So, it will always be white and doesn’t need to be plated with rhodium. This metal is most commonly used in the manufacture of engagement and wedding rings. However, more and more jewelry is being made from palladium. Stop by your nearest Day’s store and we’d be happy to show you our collection of Palladium jewelry including the newest addition, the “Joined Heart” pendant.

Click here to learn more about Palladium. Please feel free to email me with questions about Palladium or any other information regarding fine jewelry. I welcome your thoughts,stories, ideas, and suggestions, jcorey@daysjewelers.com . I personally respond to every email.

Exotic Gemstones

2009-11-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

When ground water carrying tiny particles of silica is forced into the porous area of a rock, rapid cooling occurs and minute crystals begin to adhere to the rock. The clear crystals often form on top of previously deposited minerals. This is called a drusy. Some minerals found in this form are malachite, hematite, azurite, and chrysocolla. Drusies are truly amazing gemstones. Each is totally unique in color and shape and they’re relatively inexpensive.

At Day’s, we’ve dedicated October to Drusy and other unusual, one of a kind gemstones. Over the past few months, Sue and Lynn, our gemstone buyers, have created a collection of stunning jewelry set with gemstones you’ve probably never heard of. No two pieces are the same. One of my favorites is a dendritic quartz enhancer set with citrine and black drusy. Check out the drusy set into a wood ring and dinosaur bone cuff links.

Some of our new, exotic gemstone jewelry can be found here. To see the entire collection and learn more, please join us for gemstone events in our stores this month. It will be worth the visit to learn more about these mysterious gems and to try on some of the intriguing styles.

Endless Diamonds

2009-11-19T15:08:00.000-05:00

Economic pressures, either true or perceived, are reducing consumer spending. At least that’s what the experts are saying. Several diamond jewelry designs, such as Endless Diamonds combine many diamonds to look like one larger stone, with exceptional brilliance and at a fraction of the price. Through a patented Touch Setting® technique, diamonds are invisibly hand set by embracing each other for a seamless appearance, making the diamonds look like one single diamond. All Endless Diamond pieces look anywhere from 3 - 5 times larger than a single diamond of the comparable weight. Diamonds chosen to be part of the Endless Diamond collection are discriminately selected for exceptional color and clarity, in order to achieve the utmost matching and brilliance of the piece.

One of my favorite Endless Diamond necklaces has 1/2cttw of diamonds but looks like a 2 carat diamond solitaire. For $399, the 1/4cttw Endless Diamond lever-back earrings are ones you’ll slip into your ear lobes every day. They look like a pair of 1cttw diamond earrings. Indulge in this beautiful line of diamond jewelry - it’s a great value with a big look.

The Butterfly of Life® .

2009-10-15T11:10:00.003-04:00

In celebration of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month for 25 years...

In life’s journey, most of us have experienced the pain of a loved one who has been or is currently affected by cancer. In my close inner circle of dear and dedicated employees, Jean, who has worked for me for 8 years, was one of them. Three years ago, my mother Elizabeth was diagnosed with colon cancer. While going through 9 dreadful months of chemotherapy, she was also taking care of my Dad who is stricken with Alzheimer's. Last year my husband Jeff and I attended a going away party for one of our employees. This large circle of friends included current and past employees, one of whom was Kathy. She wearing a head scarf as she had lost all her hair from chemotherapy. Her beautiful smile and incredible optimism brought tears to my eyes. All these women have shared their gifts of life, love and laughter with us, in spite of their battles with cancer – they are my true heroes.

The Butterfly of Life® jewelry collection is a symbol of hope for lives touched by cancer. These beautiful butterfly silhouettes represent courage, strength but most of all hope. For every purchase a Butterfly of Life® piece of jewelry, 10% of the price will be donated to the Mayo Clinic to support cancer research and education in efforts for a cure. The designer Rita Willaert and cancer victim, has set a goal is to raise $1,000,000 for this cause. Click here to view Day’s Jewelers collection of Butterfly of Life.

-Kathy Corey, VP Merchandising / Owner

Change of Seasons with Silver Seasons

2009-10-08T16:16:00.001-04:00

Change of Seasons with Silver Seasons: The smell of the air during crisp fall mornings in Maine, conjures memories of my youth. I was born and raised in a potato farming community located on the northern tip of Maine, adjacent to the Canadian border. Every fall, my family and I would participate in our community’s potato harvest. Three solid weeks of back breaking, wrist swelling and gruesome fatigue, with no day off other than if it rained. The money we earned purchased the clothes we needed for winter. Yet, I survived the 10 long years of potato picking and potato harvesting and have learned to appreciate the change in seasons and the breathtaking colors of autumn.

Perhaps the most beautiful collection of jewelry is designed by Michael Michaud for Silver Seasons. His jewelry captures the exquisite detail of botanical nature in the metals he crafts with. Using hand-painted bronze, sterling silver or gold with natural stones, pearls and glass beads, Michaels designs are well known for their remarkable craftsmanship and beauty. Click here, Silver Seasons, to see Day’s Jewelers entire collection.

Create a Legacy with Princesse Add a Pearls

2009-09-30T14:38:00.002-04:00

A newborn baby girl is like a miracle from heaven bestowed to any family. Relatives gather around this celebratory occasion, anxious to take a peek at this beautiful new arrival. So, what is a meaningful gift for this precious one– a gift that will stand the test of time? Baby clothes and the latest in baby gadget toys may be the cutest thing on the market today, but have you kept these gifts through your lifetime? If by chance you have, can you remember who gave you the gift?

I received a phone call this week from a customer in South Carolina. She told me a story about how fifteen years ago, her mother presented her granddaughter, the customer’s daughter, with Princesse Add a Pearls. On every occasion thereafter, this customer’s daughter received additional pearls from her grandmother, so that someday she would have a full strand of one of the finest quality cultured pearl strands in the world today. This year, her daughter was celebrating her 15^th birthday. She called me wanting to know how many more pearls it would take to complete the strand, because her elderly mother wanted to see her granddaughter wear the ultimate and completed pearl strand.

The Princesse Add a Pearl collection is considered among the highest quality saltwater akoya cultured pearls. In fact less than 5% of akoya pearls meet the quality standards to become a Princesse Pearl. A completed Princesse Pearl strand ranks in the top 2% of all Cultured Pearl strands in the world today! You can start with one pearl or a few pearls and add one pearl or several pearls for every occasion. We will restring your necklace FREE every time you purchase more pearls to add to your necklace. Give a gift that will stand the test of time.

~Kathy Corey, VP Merchandise / Owner Day's Jewelers

The Opal Myth

2009-09-21T11:04:00.000-04:00

The myth that wearing Opal jewelry will bring bad luck to the wearer, if not your birthstone, is not necessarily true. This fallacy dates back to 1829 when Sir Walter Scott published Anne of Gerstein where the main character dies and her death is attributed to the wearing of Opal. Before this book's release Opal was considered to be a gemstone of good luck, beauty and fascination.

Click here for some of the most beautiful Australian Opal inlay pieces at prices that will delight you. If you're looking for a one of-a-kind piece, check out our Opal Australian Doublet jewelry designs. Opal Doublets are Opals that are not thick enough to be cut as solid Opals so they are made using a layer of colorful precious Opal with attached ironstone to the back creating a vibrant array of colors, making them both affordable and vibrantly colorful.

Incidentally, I recently heard a story from a dear customer of mine, who told me that her opal pendant was her talisman for good luck. It's time to dispell the myths from past as Opals are perfect for those of you born in October, but can actually bring good luck to any wearer.

What’s Your Mood Today?

2009-09-14T11:20:00.000-04:00

Okay, I’m a 50 something who never knows where my moods will take me on any given day. It’s probably not much different if I were 20, 30 or 60 something. Today’s women are constantly challenged with juggling families, relationships, schedules and expectations created by the world we live in.

Woke up this morning, downed 2 cups of coffee and checked Outlook Calendar. “What’s my agenda today?” As usual: jammed packed with back to back meetings with staff, vendors and customers but all within the 4 walls of my office. It’s important business yet casual so my mood is on expressive side. So I jump in the shower, do my hair, make-up and decide on casual slacks and bright blue “V” neck sweater. I put on my diamond stud earrings and accessorize with a necklace from Andrea Candela.

Today I make the fashion rules so it’s okay to mix diamonds with non-diamond pieces. Check out our jewelry from affordable designers like Elle, Sarda, Silver Seasons, Honora or Andrea Candela. What’s your jewelry mood today?

If have questions about jewelry fashion or would like to share your comments and stories with me, please email me at kcorey@daysjewelers.com .

Simplicity with a Statement

2009-09-08T17:58:00.001-04:00

I’ve been in this business for nearly 30 years and I’m experiencing an unusual trend in the jewelry business. Women want significant yet uncomplicated pieces - jewelry that reflects meaning and personifies their style. Less is more, but make it count. A key trend for fall and winter is the return of highly architectural designs in clothing. These designs exaggerate lines and repeat geometric shapes, creating exciting designs that get noticed. The ideal jewelry to adorn these designs is also stand-out and architectural or geometric in shape. Jewelry that is too small or insignificant cannot hold its own against these styles.

Many of our lady customers today are giving themselves permission to purchase jewelry that reflects their unique style, yet they’re conscious about over indulging their budgets. See our collection of affordable Bold and Beautiful Designs.

~Kathy Corey, VP Merchandising

Old Becomes New

2009-08-31T13:10:00.001-04:00

You've heard the TV ads that say, "Send us your unwanted jewelry for cash". You've also heard about the over promises that were under-delivered with these offers.

Many customers bring their unworn jewelry to Day's Jewelers. Simply put, we've been in business since 1914 and they trust that Day's will give them a fair marketable price for their old gold, as we do. However, this is a great opportunity to turn your unworn, yet sentimental pieces of gold and gemstones into a new and modern piece of jewelry, unique and custom made for you. Each and every Day's Jewelers store has goldsmiths on the premises that will custom design a piece for you – even from a pencil sketch on a piece of paper! Transform your old jewelry into new and exciting designs. Preserve the heirloom and turn old into new by recycling your old gold into new and one of a kind jewelry treasures.

Ice Cream Colored Pearls Anyone?

2009-08-25T16:12:00.002-04:00

Pearls are the oldest gemstone known to mankind and definitely one of my favorites. In the early Roman times pearls were considered the most important center of wealth, worn as a sign of stature by royalty. Fortunately in today's world, freshwater pearls are affordable and interesting to wear. Timeless, classic and chic, these underwater gems are so versatile they can be worn with business attire, for dress up in the evening and as casually as you care.

My 26 and 28 year old daughters love pearls, their friends love pearls and so do mine! Pearls bear no boundaries to age, and are so much fun to wear as a fashion accessory to compliment any women's wardrobe. They're affordable and available in ice cream flavors named Gelato, Chocolate and Pistachio. Our fashion collection of Ice Cream Colored Pearls from Honora will entice your summer appetite. And if you like Vanilla, our classic white pearl jewelry is the perfect gift for the bride-to-be or her bridal party.

-Written by: Kathy Corey
email: kcorey@daysjewelers.com

Congratulatory Email from National Jeweler!

2009-07-09T13:21:00.003-04:00

A hearty and well-deserved congratulations! Based on your store's score in National Jeweler's benchmarking survey, you've been named one of America's Best Jewelers in the Couture category for 2009. You¹re in an elite group of only 27 companies nationwide that have earned the designation.

National Jeweler will recognize you and your fellow winners in an awards program and benchmarking symposium taking place on July 26 in New York, coinciding with the first day of the JA Show. As a winner, you will receive:

* Press package for you to distribute to your local press
* Coverage in the National Jeweler America's Best Jewelers 2009 supplement
* Recognition at the Awards Luncheon and Symposium on July 26 in New York
* Opportunity to share your successes with the rest of the community
* America's Best Jeweler store window decal

Winners and conference participants will also receive the full results from the qualification survey. We will be contacting you in the next few days about participating in the awards presentation and benchmarking symposium. There is no cost associated with participating in this event as an award winner, and we do hope you'll be able to join us.

Congratulations again!

Very truly yours,
Whitney Sielaff, Editorial Director; Chris Casey, Group Vice President

Fathers of Day's Jewelers

2009-06-19T09:34:00.056-04:00

Happy Father's Day

from the entire staff at Day's Jewelers

"This is a photo of Dad and I on an Arctic fishing expedition. He’s 80 years old in this picture. To him, the joy in life is always found in the journey… enjoying and savoring every moment. Dad has been an inspiration for everything great I’ve accomplished in life. He’s taught me to 'go with the flow' and not to be concerned about the things that are out of my control. However, his most memorable piece of advice, 'If your job is a potato peeler, make sure you’re the best potato peeler'." "

--Jeff Corey, Day's Jewelers President

Andrea, our Credit Manager, with her brother and father

Andrea's Father used to dress up as "Yogi Bear"
and entertain all of the children on camping trips

Here's Andrea again with her brother and father on a ride!

Andrea giving a speech at her father's retirement ceremony

Andrea with her family. Might have been in the '80s... ;)

Andrea with her brother and father building sandcastles at the beach!

Andrea with her dad, brother and Cocker Spaniel P.J.

Andrea with her dad and brother on Halloween

One of Andrea's family holidays

Kathy Corey, VP of Personnel and Merchandising, running to benefit Alzheimers,
a wonderful cause she took part in for her father

The supportive staff. Go Kathy!

Kathy and her father post-race

More of Andrea with her dad and brother.

Greg as Darth Vader at Connor's sixth birthday party last year !

Andrea and her Dad on one of their many trips to Cancun, Mexico

Andrea with her son, Connor

Andrea's husband, Greg, Day's Auburn Store Manager, with

Connor and Trevor

Greg and his sons on the merry-go-round!

Greg and two of his sons, Cameron and Connor

A 10-year-old Renee M. at her cousin Kim's wedding with her Dad. Renee's father was a well-known mechanic that owned the Gulf station on Aroostook Ave in Millinocket, Maine. He was very well respected in the community and is missed and loved by all!

Melissa, Day's Web Manager, with her Dad in Cancun

Melissa with her father at a Patriot's game

Melissa's "Second Dad", Chuck with a fish he caught last summer :)

***Special thanks to Andrea, Renee, Melissa, Jeff and Kathy for contributing all the beautiful pictures!

Stephanie Whittier

Marketing Intern

Day's Jewelers

http://www.daysjewelers.com

Day's Goes to Vegas

2009-06-04T13:34:00.008-04:00

Fresh off the airplane this week, our company buyers returned from the Entertainment Capital of the World, eyes shining like diamonds and glistening with excitement from their trip.

Last Wednesday, Jeff and Kathy Corey, Owners of Day’s Jewelers, along with members of its Merchandising Department, ventured out west to attend JCK Las Vegas 2009, the largest jewelry buying event in America.

Hosted at the Sands Expo Convention Center right on the main strip of downtown Las Vegas, the jewelry industry was represented both nationally and internationally by 47 countries, from the exotic Far East and Europe to Africa and countries throughout South America.

Approximately 2,400 exhibits and 20,000 jewelers participated in the event; businesses big and small, young and mature. Each designer was grouped by category. For example, The Platinum Pavillion hosted jewelers that specialized in platinum, while the Hall of Time showcased a wide variety of luxury watches. One of Jeff’s favorites was the “Stylemaker” section, which was reserved for new designers on the rise.

Jewelers and Businessmen and women weren’t the only attendees at this happening extravaganza. Recognizable celebrities such as Kathy Ireland and Kris Jenner from the E! Channel’s “Keeping up with the Kardashians” made appearances at the event.

Miss Africa crossed continents to attend the show and the newly crowned Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was seen standing with Jacob & Co. jewelers, a celebrity favorite. President Obama, who just-so-happened to be in Sin City simultaneously, was spotted in the form of a wax figurine at Jorg Gray’s exhibit, for the purpose of promoting Gray’s Obama watch.

Vendors from all across the globe set up stations to communicate and share their brands with the rest of the jewelry world. Jeff and Kathy crossed paths with several of Day’s Jewelers most successful vendors such as Eugene Biro, Lazare Kaplan, Richard Krementz, Honora, Ritani, Lieberfarb and Artcarved.

The environment experienced by one amidst so many beautiful pieces of jewelry at the same time is inexplicable, according to Kathy Corey, whose favorite part of the show was the American Gem Trade Association’s ballroom of colored gemstones. Aside from the aesthetically pleasing sights, daily seminars provided businesses with the chance to open up their minds to the perspectives of other jewelers and share their own thoughts and feedback.

Jeff and Kathy were both featured in seminars at the show. Kathy took time to discuss the change in demographics within the jewelry industry and offer advice to retailers on how to target the millennial and baby boomer generations. Part of Kathy’s discussion is highlighted in this article by JCK.

Naturally, the luxurious jewelry event prompted Day’s Jewelers with several ideas for expanding its line of product. Day’s officially entered into an agreement with the largest diamond supplier in the world for new product to be launched this September, but the details will remain undisclosed for now. Be sure to check our website at www.daysjewelers.com for updates on this exciting new prospect to unveil in the near future!

Some other hot items that you can expect to see soon at Day’s Jewelers are Children’s sterling silver bracelets and beads, 4 Elements colored diamond jewelry and Rebecca, a high fashion Italian line.

The JCK event was most certainly the highlight of their trip, but in the evening hours after the show, the Coreys found some time to check out the glamorous sights found in the City of Lights! They dined in some fabulous restaurants, saw the classic Broadway showing of “Jersey Boys” and of course, Jeff found his way to the Roulette—though it was not difficult considering it was a part of their temporary home—the beautiful Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. One day, Jimmy Olms, Inventor of Reactor, “the Best Built Sport Watch”, chatted with the Coreys and personally invited them to attend a gathering at his home!

Overall, the representatives of Day’s Jewelers felt that the JCK show was a spectacular event that gave them the best of both worlds. Each day would bring the opportunity for jewelers from different regions of the world to come together to share ideas, educate others and learn new things from people within the same industry; and by night, there was time to meet the personalities behind the brands and talk with them 1-on-1. JCK Las Vegas gave all jewelers an opportunity for growth and development and Day’s Jewelers was both honored and delighted to be a part of the fun.

Article by Stephanie Whittier, Marketing Intern, Day's Jewelers

"It's Hip to be Square" - Watch Trend

2009-02-25T15:25:00.003-05:00

by Kathy Corey, VP of Merchandising

Geometric and square is where it’s at for watches, this season. Add a splash of color in the dial, accent it with crystals or diamonds, oversize it and your timepiece will transpose to a “gotta have” fashion statement.

Since most of us own cell phones, having to rely on a watch to give us the time, is not critical or even necessary anymore. This dawned on me when one day I noticed my children and many of their Millennial friends weren’t wearing timepieces, however all of them owned watches. Interestingly, their watches were worn as an accessory – an expression of themselves.

Check out the cool and affordable Fossil watches. If you’re ready to indulge, click on our newest line of watches from Reactor. We are the exclusive retailer in Maine and New Hampshire. My personal favorite is the Limited Edition and when I wear it, the conversations begin.

It’s Valentine’s Day and Love is in the Air

2009-02-13T14:55:00.001-05:00

by Kathy Corey

For all you hopeless and practical romantics out there, Cupid’s arrows strike us during this Greco-Roman tradition called Valentine’s Day. It’s the season of Love and the tradition of gift giving demonstrates just that. Women anticipate gifts from their suitors on this annual holiday. So what will it be – a box of chocolates, flowers or a gift of jewelry?

I’m not going to undermine gifts that tack pounds on to already weight conscious women nor do I intend to remind you that perishable gifts don’t last forever. However, a gift of jewelry does makes a mark in a profound romantic way – and it lasts forever. Yes, the media reminds us that “Times are Tough” but it’s during these Tough Times that we appreciate what’s real in our lives. View our Valentine’s Collection. If you have something special in mind, we’ll design a one-of-a kind piece for you, right in our stores. You don’t have to spend your life savings but you will get the return on your investment in love.

Magic Diamonds!

2009-02-06T16:01:00.000-05:00

BLUE AND GREEN DIAMONDS
by Jeff Corey, President

Generally speaking, the most desirable color in a diamond is no color whatsoever. In extremely rare cases, diamonds will come out of the ground in other natural colors of blue, green, pink and the rarest of all, red. Colorless diamonds are graded by the Gemological Institute of America as “D” on a scale from D-Z. You’ll begin noticing faint tints of yellow, brown or gray in diamonds graded at L color. As the diamonds color grade reduces, the colors become more visible and less desirable.

Diamonds graded at L or below are more difficult to sell because most people are adverse to their diamond exhibiting color tints. Years ago, someone realized that if a diamond was exposed to very slight radiation, its color would change to usually an intense blue or green.

At Day’s, since we purchase parcels of diamonds directly from the mines, we’ll sometimes find diamonds in the L color or below. We recently decided to irradiate several of these diamonds. A diamond with a yellow tint will magically change to a deep ocean blue color or vivid green. When irradiating a diamond in a cyclotron, it is impossible to tell what color it will change to.

Day’s in house designers have created a wonderful new collection of fine jewelry using these magnificent blue and green diamonds as the focal points. Stop by our store any time to see and have some fun trying on these intriguing colored diamond pieces.

Less is More... or is it?

2009-01-30T13:37:00.001-05:00

JEWELRY IN STYLE
by Kathy Corey, VP Merchandising

Conspicuous Consumption?

In today’s challenging economy, Luxury Logo may not be cool for now, anyway. Americans feel that doing more with less is at least the honorable thing to do, especially if our neighbors are watching. Okay, so we continue to experience birthdays, anniversaries, new births and life accomplishments. Couples in love will continue to make life long commitments through marriage. All else aside, what in this world is more important than family and loved ones?

To commemorate these precious occasions, jewelry is the most everlasting and meaningful gift you could give to someone you love. Having been involved in the jewelry industry for over 25 years, I have acquired a beautiful collection of jewelry over the years. With every piece I own, I can recount the story behind it. “Jeff gave me this diamond necklace on my 40th birthday. We were in New York at the time” or “This diamond bracelet was last Christmas’ gift and it was designed by a special friend of ours” or “This strand of pearls were given to me when Jeff hit the jackpot in Las Vegas”. Somehow, I can’t remember the touching stories with the appliances, perfumes or clothing I’ve been given over the years.

So wear your jewelry, remember the sentiment and let it continue to touch your heart. It’s more important now than ever.

See Items from DaysJewelers.com LIVE at Day's Jewelers Retail Stores!

2009-01-23T15:51:00.004-05:00

SEE IT IN A DAY'S STORE
by Jeff Corey, President

As of yesterday, we had 14,627 different items for sale among the six Day’s Jewelry Stores. Our goal this year is to have every single one of them live on www.daysjewelers.com. As of this morning, 7,422 are on our website.

Many people ask, why don’t you have all of your merchandise on the website. Simple answer is that it takes about one hour to add a single item. Stev e, our in-house photographer, takes the photo. The image must be corrected so it represents the exact color and detail is impeccable. Betty and Donna write the descriptions and keywords. Steve then makes sure each item has all of it's information inputted before uploading them to the website. Once the item is on our site, Betty and Donna place each item in the correct categories. Melissa, our Web Manager, reviews all items on the site weekly to make sure they are all reflected properly. Renée, our Webmaster, works on our search engine keywords, to make sure you can find what you are looking for when you search for it.

Customers often assume that if an item is shown on our website it is available in all of our stores. The fact is that many of them are unique, one of a kind pieces where we purchased only one or it was created by one of our 14 jewelry designers. So, it may not be in every Day’s store.

To avoid disappointing you, we’ve added a special feature to our site called “See It In a Day’s Store”. If you find jewelry you’d like to see and try on, simply click on the “see it in a store” button, let us know what store and when you want to see it. We’ll make sure it’s there, set aside under your name with absolutely no obligation to buy ….and no pushy salesclerks.

Request to see as many items as you wish. Then come on in to Day’s and have some fun trying on some of the most beautiful jewelry in the world. We’ll have hot chocolate or a cup of coffee waiting for you.

The 4 C's

2009-01-02T15:29:00.002-05:00

Color - Diamonds naturally come in every color of the rainbow but the most common are those with a slight yellowness. The more common diamonds colors are ranked on a scale from D (absolutely colorless) to Z (naturally yellow).

The rarest and most expensive diamonds are either D-colorless or of a natural fancy intense color such as blue, yellow, pink, or the most rare-red. However, not all colored diamonds are natural; some are treated with harmless radiation to artificially enhance color. These diamonds are significantly less valuable than natural colored diamonds because they are not as rare. A diamond’s color should be determined when it is “loose” or not in a piece of jewelry yet. This is because the color of the jewelry can play visual tricks on the human eye making a diamond appear more yellow in yellow gold or whiter in platinum.

Cut - The most complex factor affecting a diamond’s price. Diamond cutting is still done by human hands. When a diamond cutter cuts a stone, he or she must make difficult decisions about how large it will be, what shape it will become, and how many imperfections will be left in the final product. After these decisions are made, it is the craftsmanship and fine motor skills of the diamond cutter that determines how much the stone will sparkle and how much attention it will draw. The slightest mistake can ruin a diamond’s symmetry and in doing so dramatically decline the beauty and price of the stone. Even a flawless and colorless stone can become dull when badly cut.

When properly cut a diamond will send almost all of the light that comes into it back out of its top. If improperly cut, some to most of the light will exit out of the bottom or side of the stone. A properly cut diamond will have symmetrical facets (the windows and mirrors of the stone), good proportions (not too deep or too shallow), and careful finishing details (like flawless polishing and permanent treatments). If properly cut, the diamond will return a white shaft of light from its top (called brilliance), sparkle every time that it moves (called scintillation), and send rainbows out of its many facets (called fire or dispersion).

These three elements of a diamond’s light mix in unique and fascinating ways and it is solely a matter of preference from person to person as to what the best mixture is.

Clarity - refers to the number of “inclusions” that are found inside a diamond. Inclusions are scratches, trace minerals, or other tiny characteristics that can detract from the way that light bounces from mirror to mirror (known as facets) within a diamond.

It is extremely rare to find a diamond without inclusions; when one is found it is ranked “flawless” and is very costly. Inclusions are distinguishing characteristics which represent the uniqueness of each diamond and are often called the diamonds fingerprint because no two stones are exactly alike.

The number of inclusions in a diamond is ranked on a scale based on the visibility and location of these little characteristics when the diamond is under 10x magnification. Two common diamond grading houses are the Gemological Institute of America [GIA] and the American Gem Society [AGS]. Each has its own unique way to rank and ‘grade’ a diamond’s clarity.

“Feathers” look like a bird’s feather in the stone and can be a structural problem if any of the tiny cracks are close to the diamond’s surface.

“Pinpoints” look like clear or white bubbles within the diamond and can change the way light is distributed depending on their size.

“Carbon Spots” are black, brown, or other colored dark dots or specks in the diamond. Many low priced I clarity stones are priced low because of distracting carbon spots in obvious places that cannot be hidden.

“Clouds” are actually just a group of pin point inclusions. Clouds look like empty masses within the diamond and can cause the diamond to be more susceptible to breaking if close enough to the surface.

“Needles” look like empty thin tubes and can be very obvious or small. If they are close to the surface or stretch long enough they may cause the diamond to be more susceptible to cracking.

Carat Weight - When Jewelers refer to a diamond’s carat they are actually referring to the weight of the stone, not the size. In jewelry, the size of stones is measured in millimeters; since diamonds can be cut shallow, deep or ideally it is impossible to accurately convert a diamond’s carat weight into an exact mm size. However, a very rough conversion can be made. Despite the ability to very roughly convert carat weight to size, the only accurate way to know the true carat weight of your diamond is to weigh it. Thus, 1 carat has become universally known as being a metric weight of 0.02 grams. The weight of a diamond has the most significant impact on its price. Since the larger a stone is, the rarer it is, one 2 carat diamond will be more expensive than the total cost of two 1 carat diamonds of the same quality. The carat of a diamond is often very important to people when shopping but it is a mistake to sacrifice too much quality for shear size.

JEWELRY IN STYLE

2008-12-19T16:47:00.000-05:00

by Kathy Corey, VP Merchandising

Created in precious 14 karat gold with a .03ct diamond, this pendant for $249.00 is a priceless inspiration in the name of courage to fight cancer. Chain sold separately.

The Butterfly of Life® . In life’s journey, most of us have experienced the pain of a loved one who has been or is currently affected by cancer. In my close inner circle of dear and dedicated employees, Jean, who has worked for me for 8 years, was one of them. Two years ago, my mother Elizabeth was diagnosed with colon cancer. While going through 9 dreadful months of chemotherapy, she was also taking care of my Dad who is stricken with Alzheimers. A few months ago, my husband Jeff and I attended a going away party for one of our employees. This large circle of friends included current and past employees, one of whom was Kathy. She wearing a head scarf as she had lost all her hair from chemotherapy. Her beautiful smile and incredible optimism brought tears to my eyes. All these women have shared their gifts of life, love and laughter with us, in spite of their battles with cancer – they are my true heroes.

"Made in Botswana" - Fair Trade Diamonds

2008-12-15T10:25:00.003-05:00

Best of all, our help was not a handout. A Botswanan citizen created a beautiful diamond and offered it for sale at a fair price. You purchased this diamond to commemorate a special relationship. It is a great story. “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.

This is a very exciting time in history for Day’s Jewelers as well as for the entire diamond industry. “Made in Botswana” diamonds are now available in all of our Day’s Jewelers locations. What is so special about them;

For the first time in history, an African diamond can be 100% guaranteed, in writing, to be “non-conflict”.
For the first time in history, an African diamond can be traced, without question to where it was sourced (Botswana Jwaneng mine).
For the first time in history, 100% beneficiation has been accomplished in an African Nation where a diamond has been sourced, cut, polished and sold in one nation. This is a landmark step in curtailing poverty in the poorest continent on earth by offering good paying jobs to its people.
“Made in Botswana” diamonds are GCAL certified, the most complete gemological certificate in the world.
These diamonds are exceptionally well priced, starting at under $400, because we’re buying them directly from the cutter eliminating the distributor and wholesaler.
The diamonds are exceptionally well cut and absolutely gorgeous.

Listen to Day's Jewelers radio ad for Botswana Diamonds by clicking here.

For more information about Day's Jewelers' Botswana Diamonds initiative, please visit http://www.daysrocks.com/botswanadiamondlist.htm

Jeweler's policy on diamonds is truly a gem

2008-11-17T14:37:00.002-05:00

Published today in the Kennebec Journal: View

Sometimes, the world's troubles are right at our doorstep.

Their solutions can be, too.

Jeff Corey is the president of Day's Jewelers, which has five stores in Maine and one in New Hampshire. The stores, including one in Waterville, sell the range of items you'd expect in a traditional jewelry store: clocks, bracelets, necklaces, watches and diamond engagement rings.

But about five years ago, Corey became aware that the tradition of selling diamonds included a disturbing aspect. Increasingly, a portion of the diamonds being mined in Africa were being smuggled out by rebel groups and sold in raw form to pay for bloody political conflicts and civil wars. The rings and jewelry that Corey was selling could have been funding atrocities against civilians in Sierra Leone and Angola.

Here he was, offering items traditionally associated with love and generosity -- and instead, they carried the stench of death.

Corey decided to get involved, acting on the principle that if you cut off the market for what are called either "blood diamonds" or "conflict diamonds," then the practice will eventually stop. He and his wife, Kathy, traveled to Washington, D.C., to lobby for the U.S. Clean Diamond Trade Act, which was passed in 2003 to discourage trade in diamonds that fund civil conflicts in Africa.

In 2004, Day's Jewelers initiated its own policy, which declares that the company "will NOT knowingly offer conflict diamonds for sale."

Since then, the company's Web site declares, "We have demanded both personal and written warrantees from ALL of our diamond suppliers that diamonds delivered to Day's Jewelers have been purchased through legitimate, "Conflict Free" sources. A written warrantee is required for every individual diamond shipment."

Corey could have stopped there -- but he didn't. Instead, he decided to tackle colonialism, as well.

Common practice was for diamonds to be mined in undeveloped African countries by workers who live in dire poverty. These artisanal diggers collected only a fraction of a diamond's ultimate worth once it was processed abroad and sold abroad.

"What's ironic," Corey told our reporter Matt DiFilippo, "is that the most valuable natural resources in the world come from the poorest continent in the world. ... It's horrible. So why can't diamonds be used to help some of the poorest nations on earth?"

So Corey signed on to a movement called "Beneficiation," championed by, among others, South African president Nelson Mandela. Beneficiation transfers the cutting and polishing of diamonds back to where they're mined. That allows more of the profits from mining diamonds to stay in the country of origin. And it stays in the form of wages for local workers, who then plow it back into their economy with their purchases. And to accomplish all of this, workers would need training and facilities would have to be built for diamond processing. Which is just what has happened in Botswana, where an Israeli diamond billionaire has built a factory and trained the workforce.

Voila! Third World investment and economic development.

Now, a small regional jeweler with an outpost on Waterville's Main Street has become the first U.S. jeweler to feature those Botswana diamonds. And Corey is mighty proud of what's happened.

"They come from Botswana mines. They are mined by Botswana people. They are cut and polished by Botswanian people, and they're being marketed by Botswanian people," he says. And we're proud of Corey, his relatives and other investors who run Day's Jewelers.

They saw a problem of immense proportions and recognized the significant part they could play in helping to solve it. Colonialism's been going on for a long time in Africa and so have bloody civil wars. But in the faraway town of Waterville, Maine, some very good people are doing their best to make life better for the diamond miners of that troubled continent.

Green Diamonds

2008-11-12T11:29:00.004-05:00

An Article By Jeff Corey, President of Day's Jewelers - Published this week in our e-newsletter "Jewelery 101" (Click here to sign up)

Friday, November 7th, was a day to remember for the entire Day’s family as 56 of the “greenest diamonds on earth” arrived at our headquarters in Waterville. Jean, our diamond quality control inspector, my brother Jim, a reporter from the Morning Sentinel and I met in our gem laboratory to view these true marvels of nature for the first time. It was thrilling just to know these diamonds were in Gabarone, Botswana just a few days earlier.

The brilliance of theses stones far exceeded my expectations. Each one cut to perfection with 58 exactly placed facets…. and they are pure white! So, why do you call them “green” you may ask? To my knowledge, this is the first time in history that a diamond offered for sale in America, was 100% mined, cut, polished and sold in a single African nation.

These “Made in Botswana” diamonds are the pioneers of a process called “beneficiation” which means that diamonds are cut and polished in the country where they were mined. Beneficiation creates good paying jobs for some of the poorest people on earth. Why was Day’s Jewelers selected to be the first jeweler in the U.S. to represent “Made in Botswana” diamonds? In the words of Donald Palmeiri, President of Gem Certification and Assurance Laboratory, “Day’s Jewelers is the poster child for corporate social responsibility in the jewelry industry”. Learn more about “Made in Botswana” diamonds here.

I welcome you to join us for the first public introduction of “The Greenest Diamond on Earth” during the Grand Opening Gala in our new South Portland store this Saturday evening. “Made in Botswana” diamonds will be available for sale in all 6 Day’s stores beginning this week. Since we purchase these diamonds directly from the mine, they are very well priced starting at $475. These rare beauties are truly a sight to behold.

"Behind the Scenes" at Day's Corporate Headquarters

2008-10-30T16:48:00.004-04:00

When people think of Day's Jewelers, typically, they think of a jewelry store - and we are one... well many actually. BUT there's so much that happens "behind the scenes" that no one really thinks about. This week I would like to consider this post a tribute to all of our employees "behind the scenes" at Day's Jewelers Corporate Headquarters. Below are some highlights:

Day's Jewelers Corporate Headquarters is home to our many departments that support our dedicated staff in each of our six store locations. These departments include: Merchandising, Marketing, Personnel, Information Technologies, Store Operations and Finance. Each of these departments includes multiple subdivisions and much of our staff multitasks between departments. We have a wonderful collection of very intelligent and incredibly talented people that keep Day's Jewelers running smoothly so that our sales force has absolutely everything they need to give our customers the best possible service.

In our Merchandising Department, quality control and diamond inspection take place in our in-house gemological laboratory before any piece of jewelry ever reaches our stores. Rest assured that every piece of jewelry sold by Day's Jewelers has been thoroughly tested and inspected by a team of highly trained and certified gemologists.

Day's Jewelers Corporate Headquarters is also proud to acknowledge that we have our own credit program. Our skilled staff of credit specialists works around the clock to ensure the best possible customer service for our Day's Jewelers Charge Account customers. They do rapid credit approvals and assist customers in working out a payment program that works for them.

There is also a well-equipped photography studio in our marketing department, along with our professional in-house photographer, who personally photographs every piece of jewelry seen in our stores and on our website. We guarantee our photo accuracy, what you see, really is what you get.

"I LOVE your ring!"..."Thank you, it's a Biro 88!"

2008-10-24T16:19:00.011-04:00

Every woman can't help but love getting compliments. We may say that we don't... but that's a lie, we do.

My fiance and I got engaged last month. He bought me the most INCREDIBLE Biro 88, 1 carat total weight, 3-stone diamond ring. You can drool over it by clicking on the picture :)

Of course, it helps that I work at Day's Jewelers and have an inside knowledge of what the more brilliant, most sparkly, shiny, eye-catching diamonds are - and I am GREAT at dropping hints.

Since we're friends, I'll let you in on a secret. Biro 88 Diamonds are uniquely different, visually more brilliant, and cut with the finest precision and craftsmanship. Blah blah blah, I sound like a marketing description (that's because I copied and pasted! oops - don't tell). But, no joke, these diamonds even sparkle in the dark. That's what sold me on it. But I am getting a little ahead of myself.

Before I started working at Day's, the President asked me to do a few "secret shops" at our stores before everyone knew who I was. He said, "why don't you and your boyfriend go shopping for engagement rings." Obviously, I was elated at this idea... I think my boyfriend vomited a little when I told him the game plan. When I told him we were getting paid, his nausea cleared up.

We hopped in the car and headed to Day's Jewelers in Brunswick. We met Issy - she's amazing, she's German and she rides a Harley. We went through the shopping routine.

Before I saw the Biro, I had actually picked out a different ring. It was the exact same price but it was an emerald cut center stone with two radiant cut diamonds on the sides. It was still 1 carat total weight, white gold, etc. It was gorgeous, I had never seen anything like it - very unique. That was the ring for me. I looked at it under the microscope, clarity was incredible there were hardly any inclusions (little carbon spots or flaws in the stone-don't worry, every diamond has some type of inclusion) we're talking "high class, high quality."

I told Issy and my boyfriend that I absolutely had to have that ring. He looked at me sideways - he was a little green and sort of pale- I guess the nausea had returned at that point. I handed the ring back to Issy and fluttered my eyelashes at my boyfriend, hoping that he'd surprise me and just buy it then and there (no such luck). As she put it back in the case, she looked up with a wonderfully devious smile and said that we just HAD to see the Biro 88 ring that was the same price. I was all diamond-crazy by this point so I was all about it, my boyfriend protested... he's very sweet but he was ready to go home - plus, we weren't really shopping and I was getting a little too carried away for his taste. But he liked Issy so he consented.

She brought out the Biro and I can even describe how it sparkled. I thought it had to be a fancy lighting trick but, wow, that thing was blinding. "It has 88 facets," she said. That meant nothing to me (I was still a new kid). She explained that the facets are the cuts on the diamond that reflect light. The Biro 88 is an 88 facet "ideal cut" (mathematically perfect) diamond and that is what makes it sparkle. Well, I held it up next to the one I had picked originally - the best ring in the world- and the emerald cut absolutely paled in comparison to the Biro. I was blown away. Then, as if I wasn't convinced, Issy took the Biro into a dark corner of the store about 15 feet away from me and wiggled it. It even blinded me from all the way over there in the dark! Needless to say, my love affair with the emerald cut - which is still beautiful, but not nearly as spectacular - was over.

We left. Ringless. I pouted for at least a week, I had to keep reminding myself that we weren't really engagment ring shopping after all. So, I started my new job at Day's (Issy actually punched me in the arm when she found out who I was and that I had secret shopped her - it was all in good fun though, we're friends now).

A couple weeks went by and now the Biro 88 - the exact one that I fell in love with, sits oh-so-perfectly on my ring finger and I am SO proud of it and the wonderful man that got it for me.

I have had an incredible amount of compliments on this ring. At the grocery store, at Home Depot and Lowes (wow... if you want to burn your corneas, check out a Biro 88 in florescent hardware store lighting), my sister is beyond jealous, and everywhere I go people grab my hand and say "Oh my God, your ring is gorgeous!" All the while, my fiance stands beside me, so proud and so pleased with himself... I'm VERY pleased with him too.

Day's Jewelers - Botswana Diamonds

2008-10-16T09:32:00.002-04:00

Jeff Corey, President of Day's Jewelers, speaks about corporate social responsibility and the concept of beneficiation. Day's Jewelers is the first American jewelry retailer to sell "Made in Botswana Diamonds."

www.daysjewelers.com

On A Personal Note...

2008-09-04T09:18:00.000-04:00

I am the Marketing Coordinator for Day's Jewelers. I work out of the corporate office in Waterville, Maine. The wonderful thing about my job is that I get to see all aspects of what Day's really is, everyday. I spend a great deal of time in each of our 6 stores throughout Maine and New Hampshire. I have met the staff, seen the beautiful pieces of jewelry that we carry and even spoken with lifelong customers as well as new ones. When I asked the lifelong customers, "Why Day's?" they responded simply, "There is no better place than Day's, period. I would never buy my jewelry anywhere else." In the short time that I have been working at Day's, I have learned more about the jewelry, employees, customers, friends and even myself than I had ever expected.

Day's Jewelers is more than just a jewelery store. It is a family, a tradition. As you read in my last post, Day's first opened in 1914 and to this day retains the integrity, values, customer service and pride that was instilled so many years ago. Every employee that I have met, I asked, "What is your favorite thing about your store?" and almost every single one replied, "I love the people that I work with, I love my customers - we're like a family."

It is a wonderful feeling to get up in the morning and look forward to going to work. To be excited about the people you will see, the friends that you will make, and the fine jewelry and gifts that you will share with your customers. That is what it is like to work for Day's Jewelers and that is what it is like to be part of our family.

Our customers can walk into our stores and see familiar faces, they can come in just to chat, to see our newest arrivals, to have their watch battery changed, or their jewelry cleaned. They can sit down and have a cup of coffee or a cold beer while they wait for their repairs or while one of our jewelry consultants presents our diamond selection. It doesn't matter how much money you have, what clothes you wear, or where you're from. Every customer is treated like a king or a queen and we guarantee that you will find a piece of jewelry that you will love and that you can afford. If you have a vision of what you would like but can't find it, we can make it for you. We have professional goldsmiths on staff at all times that can custom design and create a piece to your specifications. Our job is to take away the obstacles so that everyone can have the opportunity to own a piece of fine jewelry.

Welcome

2008-09-03T12:03:00.000-04:00

Thank you for viewing "Standing the Test of Time," a blog devoted to news, reviews and information about Day's Jewelers.

Let us begin at the beginning.

Day's Jewelers was founded in 1914 by Captain Harry Davidson, whose ill health forced him to abandon a life at sea. The first Day's was a small pawn shop/auction center located in the Old Port of Portland Maine.

Shortly thereafter, Captain Davidson was joined in the business by his three sons. During the ensuing 30 years, the Davidson brothers opened 21 Day's stores throughout northern New England. Day's quickly became one of the most formidable jewelry store chains on the East Coast.

In 1988, at ages 85 and 80 respectively, Sidney and David Davidson, the remaining owners of Day's, decided to retire. They searched for new owners that would carry on their tradition of value, outstanding quality merchandise, and top level customer service.

They found their new owners in Jeff, Jim, and Kathy Corey, and Mark Ford. Jeff and Jim's father, Robert Corey, had worked for David and Sidney for several years before co-founding his own company in Northern Maine with his wife Enid. Both Jeff and Jim were taught at an early age to appreciate every customer, and treat them like a "King".

Today, Day's operates six stores throughout New England. The new owners combined skills and knowledge from the "old" Day's with modern technology. This change was accomplished without sacrificing the exceptional personal customer service, fine quality, and low prices that have been the reason for Day's success for over 90 years.

We have carried on the proud tradition of the Davidsons'. Day's has also been voted "Best Jeweler" by Market Surveys of America, multiple times throughout all of our locations. As David said so well, "Yes, you always do better at Day's".