“It’s so important to recognize that a jewelry gift is from the heart, and involving the client in the process helps them to have a perfect piece of jewelry for their needs.”—Doug Van Dyke
E.R. Sawyer Fine Jewelers is the one of the oldest and largest jewelry businesses in the North Bay, specializing in custom jewelry design, complete restoration and repair. The first store opened in 1879 making it the oldest business in Sonoma County, demonstrating their long and established roots in Sonoma County. In 1949, the business was purchased by Orrin Magoon (the great-great uncle of current co-owner, Doug Van Dyke), along with his grandparents, Allan and Virginia Flood from Elbert Ransom (E.R.) Sawyers widow, Pearl. Van Dyke’s parents Robert and Kathy (Flood) purchased the business. Since there was no day care available, Doug regularly went to work with his parents, learning the business from an early age, so it was natural that he continued the family tradition.
Doug and his wife, Ame, are continuing the family legacy as co-owners. Working together for the husband-wife team is both rewarding and challenging, and both agree that having distinct responsibilities contributes to their success. Ame handles all the community outreach and marketing and Doug takes care of the accounting needs. “We love and respect one another and have separate areas of expertise which makes working together a success,” says Ame.
Serving generations of customers for more than a century, E.R. Sawyer proudly serves: Santa Rosa, Windsor, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Sonoma, Napa, St. Helena, Marin, Lake and Mendocino Counties. What makes them stand out among their competitors? “It’s so important to recognize that a jewelry gift is from the heart and involving the client in the process helps them to have a perfect piece of jewelry for their needs,” says Doug. A large part of that falls on their staff who are well trained in customer service and product knowledge. “As a company we care about our customers, and staff and are are committed to providing good customer service and training.”
E. R. Sawyer offers a variety of services including, custom design and engraving, watch restoration and repair, estate evaluation and planning what to do with the jewelry of the estate and appraisals. Trademarked as the “I Love You Store,” Sawyer’s has the largest collections of Hearts on Fire Diamonds, “The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond” in Sonoma County. They are also proud to carry Italian designer Marco Bicego, a line of 18 carat yellow gold bracelets, pendants and earrings. You can also find made in the USA, Honora cultured pearls plus a variety of jewelry in platinum, gold and sterling silver. “We do custom work, and if you can’t find what you had in mind, we can make it,” said Ame.
The Van Dykes are proud of the many awards they’ve been given. They attribute the awards to having a reputation for caring for their clients, along with their community work. In the past year alone, they’ve raised more than $250,000 for nonprofit organizations in the community. Ame is a member of the American Heart Association and believes education is important. Among all of the acknowledgements received, the company takes great pride in having earned the distinction of being named an Accredited Gem Lab by the American Gem Society. Additionally, their appraiser, Patricia Rickard, earned the prestigious Certified Gemologist Appraiser accreditation. A distinction held by only 400 American Gem Society Jewelers in North America and is the highest level of achievement in the jewelry industry, making E.R. Sawyer’s the only certified gemological appraiser in the North Bay.
“We love our customers, and we love our work,” says Doug. “It’s all about caring and service for both your clients and community.”
