E.R. Sawyer Jewelers has been voted Best Fine Jewelry Store in the 2011 NorthBay biz readers poll.
Like so many other category winners, the team at E.R. Sawyer considers itself part of something bigger (and with a Sonoma County business history that’s more than a century long, it’s an attitude that’s well ingrained). “Over the years, we’ve helped raise more than $250,000 for local schools and nonprofits through direct sponsorships, raffles and auctions,” says Van Dyke, crediting Ame’s role as director of community relations with choosing how and where to become involved.
“Most of our marketing dollars go to benefit local youth,” she says. “We have partnerships with a number of local schools, as well as organizations that benefit women, families and children in transition, such as The Living Room.”
In February, Nancy Lasseter (wife of Oscar-winning producer John Lasseter, “Toy Story 3”) wore a Hearts on Fire Reflections collection pendant and earrings from E.R. Sawyer to the Academy Awards. The necklace was later auctioned to benefit Sonoma Academy. But even if you can’t afford red carpet-worthy bling, E.R. Sawyer can find a piece you’ll absolutely love.
“We cover all price points,” says Van Dyke. “We truly have something for everybody, and our team works diligently to fill every need.”
It’s not just selection, but also service, that sets the store apart. “We instill in our sales team an attitude that we don’t say ‘no,’” says Van Dyke. “We always work to find a way to meet the wants, needs and desires of every customer who comes through the door. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $10 piece or a $100,000 couture piece.”
This high-level service includes appraisals and repairs as well. “We have a certified gemologist appraiser on staff, and all our repair work is done in-house,” says Van Dyke. “That gives us a level of quality control that other shops can’t match.”
Add to that a deep-seeded sentimentality, and you have the recipe for success: “Just yesterday, a woman in her nineties came in hoping we could repair her purse. She had been told elsewhere that it wasn’t worth it, but she really wanted it fixed. We found a way. I think things like that set us apart.
“It also makes us a generational shop. More than a few times, we’ve sold engagement rings to the grandfather, father and son in a family over the years.”
Stories like that make for warm fuzzies, but it’s all in a day’s work for the team at E.R. Sawyer. “It’s hard to think about what makes us special, because we just do our jobs. It’s stuff we take for granted,” says Van Dyke of this year’s win. “Ultimately, I don’t think you win this award by having the best business. It’s the whole package. You win by being a good neighbor—and that’s what makes us special.”
