Max's

Ok, let’s be honest with each other.  We’ve all got those pieces of jewelry that we haven’t worn in years, and aren’t ever going to wear in the future but, for whatever reason – and I know that it’s usually a sentimental one – aren’t going to part with them either.  Well, what if you could take those items and convert them into an original one-of-a-kind design?  Well, one of our favorite things here at Max’s is the annual custom design event we have with Montreal-based jewelry designer Janis Kerman, and it’s taking place this weekend.   Janis will be meeting with customers who want to create something new — either from their unused jewelry and gemstones that are currently collecting dust in the drawer, or because they have an idea in mind of what they want but just haven’t been able to find the right thing.  Even if you’re not interested in a custom piece, I hope that you’ll stop by the store to see Janis’ other work– you may have heard me say this before, but I especially love her mismatched, asymmetrical earrings (like the ones pictured — oxidized silver, drusy and carnelian) and overall contemporary style of design. The event runs from Friday, May 18 through Monday, May 21, and if you’d like to meet with Janis to talk about a custom piece, please call the store at 952-922-8364 for an appointment.

I know that many of you are aware that I’ve been to a number of jewelry markets already this year and, hopefully, you like the new things that have arrived at the store.  Well, my shopping season isn’t over yet, as I find myself getting ready to head out to more shows in the next few weeks to purchase things for the 2nd half of the year (I won’t add anything here about the holiday season — let’s just enjoy the sunshine!)  I’d like to know what you’d like me to look for — more gold jewelry, more charm jewelry so that you can create your own piece, more big stone rings…???  There’s so much great design out there in the market, and I really want to make sure that I’m doing everything I can to make Max’s be your go-to place!  Oh, one more thing…..I’m going shopping for new chocolates soon too!  Last year, I received a lot of input about licorice in chocolate, and I was able to find that from one of our chocolatiers.  What are you hungry for these days?

We’re getting excited here at Max’s!  That’s because we will be hosting our first designer event of the year this weekend – it’s a jewelry trunk show with Julie Romanenko, the designer of the Just Jules collection.  Julie, who is making a return appearance to Max’s, is best known for her art-deco inspired pieces.  She likes to work with organic shapes, textures and themes, carefully choosing gemstones that favor bright colors and rugged shapes, often leaving them in their natural state to be centerpieces in necklaces, rings and earrings. While she says that some of her favorite gems are chunky odd-shaped pearls, and free-form boulder opals, I think that my favorite are the colored diamonds like the ones in these earrings. The show is Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6 which, conveniently, just happens to be the weekend before Mother’s Day.   You really don’t want to disappoint your mother….do you?

It’s hard for me to believe, but last Saturday marked the 1 year anniversary in our new location!  The year has flown by, and I’m thrilled that customer feedback is that you like this location more than the other location – so do I!  So, to celebrate a little, I’ve invited the ShopGirls from myTalk107.1 back for another live broadcast from the store. We had so much time last fall when they stopped by, that it took me about one nanosecond to decide that this would be a really fun way to celebrate the occasion.  In addition to the anniversary, what better time to invite Allison and Alexis ….and you……to the store than right before Valentine’s Day,  as we host a chocolate tasting with the delicious confections from Minnesota-based St. Croix Chocolate Company.  Of course, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about the chocolate – jewelry works well too, right?   I hope that you’ll join us for the fun — and the treats! — the live broadcast will take place between 11-1 and the chocolate tasting is from 10-2.  And, because VDay IS right around the corner, we’ll be open this Sunday from noon – 5.

Ok, really…..we’re a month into the new year already?  Where does the time go?  So many people think that January is the time that retailer’s get to kick back and take it easy after the hectic holiday season.  Well, that’s not the case here at Max’s, as we’ve spent the month getting ready for Valentine’s Day.  After all, jewelry and chocolate are often the obvious gift choices for Valentine’s Day, and I’m guessing you won’t be surprised when I say that this is one time when we’re all in favor of doing the obvious!