IIBUSINESSII
FORSYTHE JEWELERS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND BY JAMES MALLORY | PHOTOS BY CAITLIN RYAN OF MEMORY LANE PORTRAITS
Andrea Bragg, owner of Forsythe Jewelers, has been around high-end bling for more than 20 years. In a year that forced a lot of people to reassess their lives and relationships, Bragg noticed a trend. “We’ve sold more engagement rings in the past 12 months than we probably have in the past five years,” she said. “The pandemic forced everybody to hit pause and to think about those they hold dear.” Designer rings, pendants, necklaces and earrings can be passed down through the generations. For the giver, it can be a way to show that the relationship will be long-lasting, Bragg said. The recipient will have a reminder of a special occasion, who gave it to them and when, she said. “This time last year, no one knew what the pandemic would bring,” Bragg said. “What makes this (40th) anniversary sweeter is that we’ve been through it and
38 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
survived — which we owe to the strong support of our community and clients. It has been amazing. Forty years is a memorable number, and it is more significant because we have made it through this pandemic. It is just a testament to how relationships are important.” Building relationships and customer loyalty start with her staff, most of whom have been with the store eight years or longer, Bragg said. The sales associates, known as the Forsythe Gems, stay in contact with regular customers, sending texts and emails about new merchandise and trunk shows. They also remind them about special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays and assist them with favorite items noted on a client’s wish list. “We have an amazing team who care about what they do and their relationships with clients,” Bragg said. “This is a relationship business. There has to be a high level of trust when you are purchasing a piece of jewelry.”
