Illumannations

The past year has certainly been a challenge on so many levels. Many days have been rife with devastating pandemic updates, and so many of us have been impacted by loss both personally and professionally.

As difficult as the last year has been, we’ve been fortunate to see many glimpses of how love has blossomed even during the most difficult of days. A number of times during the past year, I’ve been the recipient of a text, an email or a call from someone looking to make the ultimate purchase: an engagement ring. I’ve listened to heartwarming stories of how their romance intensified during COVID.

If we’ve learned nothing else since COVID began, it’s how meaningful all of our relationships are. We’ve redefined connection, whether it’s virtual, a phone call to someone who is feeling isolated, or socially-distanced time with your family.

I’m happy to share that in spite of everything swirling around us, love isn’t cancelled! Whether it’s romantic love, parental love or a BFF friendship kind of love, we are helping people capture a special sentiment in an art form that imbues meaning for generations to come.

More than ever this year at Mann’s Jewelers, we’ve been given the responsibility of helping people select gifts intended to show how much they care. We’ve gotten very creative with how to select a perfect piece of jewelry: one that will celebrate love, reinforce a spiritual connection or share words of encouragement. Throughout COVID, we’ve been captivated by stories of how even more significant jewelry has become because of what it represents. When unable to be physically close to people you love, a locket with a special memory or a stack of birthstone bands designed to represent children and grandchildren have been a tangible reminder of that special bond.

A longtime client has struggled with fear and anxiety since the pandemic began. She has found that by wearing amulets that are meaningful to her, it soothes her. We started the process by updating some older pieces from significant moments throughout her life that were buried in her jewelry box, and then we added some symbols of faith. She’s shared that as she touches her necklace throughout the day, she feels empowered.

Thank you all for your ongoing support throughout the past year. Even during the darkest days of uncertainty, our ability to help many of you share what was in your heart buoyed us. Thank you for your trust in us. Now, more than ever, we hold tight to those meaningful connections. As our lives begin to open up in the coming months, we look forward to seeing more of you. Weddings, graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and anniversaries are just around the corner. So much to celebrate!

Monica Rich Kosann Sun, Moon & Stars Gate Locket with white sapphires in sterling silver, $750.

Temple St. Clair rings in 18k yellow gold. From top to bottom, Eternity ring with blue sapphires. $1,700. Fine Sassini band, $1,250. Diamond Cosmos band, $3,750. Theodora Mosaic ring with mixed sapphires, ruby, blue moonstone and diamonds, $8,500. Celestial Astrid folding ring with diamonds and engravings, $4,900.

Precision Set 3-stone setting with diamonds in 18k white gold, $2,400. Shown with a 2-carat round brilliant diamond center, sold separately.