"Whether it’s restoring a piece from the Valley Fire, grandma’s heirloom or getting an engagement ring exactly as someone wants it, the customer comes first." —Doug Van Dyke
When Doug and Ame Van Dyke, co-owners of E.R. Sawyer Jewelers, are asked to what they attribute their success (they’ve won Best Fine Jewelry Store consecutively since 2005) they don’t hesitate to answer. “Our success really is our staff,” says Doug. “Our team looks to this award as a guiding light throughout the year, and they’re part of the decision making process.”
The store has deep roots in community involvement since its founding in 1879 by Elbert Ransom Sawyer. Sawyer was instrumental in founding organizations, including the Santa Rosa Bicycle Club and the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. It’s a legacy the Van Dykes carry on today. “We’re involved with the YWCA, the local high schools and grade schools and the local chamber. But our focus, really, is on helping families, women, children and schools,” says Ame.
How did the Van Dykes find themselves the recipients of such a long legacy? The passage is surprisingly linear. “My great-great uncle Orrin Magoon, along with my grandparents, Allan and Virginia Flood, purchased the store from [Sawyer’s] widow, Pearl, in 1949,” says Doug. “My father Robert started at the store in 1963, my mother Kathy in 1978. My mom then retired in 1995, my dad in 2002, and it continues in the family to the present day.
“Like every teenager, I never thought I’d be running the family business,” says Doug. “But we really love what we do. We’re part of everyone’s significant moments in their lives.”
The store had humble beginnings as a watch repair shop. Now, the jewelry can be seen at numerous community events and has even been featured at events such as the Oscars. The Van Dykes make it clear however, that while work like that is fun for them to do, it’s certainly not the norm.
“We do have the inventory, credentials and resources to accommodate those kinds of events,” Doug allows, “but we also accommodate the day-to-day person who needs their ring or watch fixed.”
The store possesses the largest collection of Hearts on Fire diamonds in the area, as well as an enormous collection of loose gemstones to meet any budget. Through it all, the overriding message is that, at E.R. Sawyer, they’ll do all they can to help.
“We work tirelessly to accommodate our clients,” says Doug. “Whether it’s restoring a piece from the Valley Fire, grandma’s heirloom or getting an engagement ring exactly as someone wants it, the customer comes first. And our team is very in tune with our customers.”
Ame tells about a couple that bought their wedding rings at the store. The couple came back in to get them restored—just in time for their 50th wedding anniversary. “We have a lot of stories like that,” Ame remarks contentedly.
The Van Dykes are a husband and wife team that clearly works well together. “We each focus on our areas of expertise,” explains Doug. “And I love working three feet from my wife.”
Any message for the readers who’ve been so faithful in voting for them? “Thank you,” says Doug. “We always love meeting new people, seeing new faces and helping new generations. We really enjoy being a part of the whole romance of jewelry.”
