They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. That saying rings true at E.R. Sawyer Jewelers in Santa Rosa, where for more than 130 years, customers looking for a wide selection of fine jewelry and exceptional service have returned again and again. Our readers’ opinions of the store have remained unchanged, as well, as this marks the eighth year in a row that E.R. Sawyer takes home top marks.
“Believe it or not, winning this honor is a corporate goal of ours,” says Doug Van Dyke, co-owner with his wife, Ame, of E.R. Sawyer. “Our entire team strives for it every year and is very proud of it.”
A fourth-generation owner, Doug grew up in the business and says he’s seen one thing remain constant. “Over the years, customer expectations of quality have stayed the same,” he says. “What’s changed is the diversity of products and price points people are looking for.”
The store prides itself on being the place to shop for the perfect gift, whether you’re spending $25 or more than $250,000. The Van Dykes continue to seek out and add new styles and quality brands, with an emphasis on bridal and fashion jewelry. For example, E.R. Sawyer now carries pieces featuring world-renowned Hearts on Fire diamonds and whimsical pieces from hot Italian designer Marco Bicego.
The experienced staff at E.R. Sawyer represents the best of old-world craftsmanship and state-of-the-art techniques to bring the best of both worlds to customers. “We have the largest, most sophisticated shop of any store around, and the work we do is second to none,” says Doug. “We do the projects no one else can or wants to do, from restoring your grandmother’s platinum ring to designing the custom piece you’ve been looking for.”
There are three goldsmiths and a certified gemologist appraiser on site, which means design, repairs and appraisals can be done right in the store. “We have artistic rendering available for custom work, as well as computer-aided design, depending on what the customer prefers,” he says. “This is anything but ‘just a job’ for our employees, this is their passion.”
The store is undergoing a thorough remodeling to bring together the best of new technologies and old-fashioned luxury. From the hardwood flooring that will let them retain their 135-year-old showcases to the conversion of employee workspaces into guest consultation spaces, everything has been done to enhance the overall customer experience.
E.R. Sawyer is well-known for its generous support of community causes, particularly focusing on schools and children. Ame is officially the company’s director of community involvement, spending roughly half her day coordinating its philanthropic activities. “We’re proud to participate in two dozen fund-raising events each year. We helped raise $98,000 last year for local nonprofits,” she says.
This recognition means a lot to the Van Dykes because it comes from the community where they both grew up. “Thank you to the readers of NorthBay biz, and thank you to the community for your continued support,” says Ame.
