Christmas presents oftentimes are a simple way to remind someone you care.
This time of the year also can help express an important milestone for couples and family members.
One shop in Seymour can cover both ends of the gift-giving spectrum to offer a classic, never-fail gift: Tiemeier’s Jewelry.
“You cannot go wrong with jewelry as a gift,” said Melissa Reutter, who owns the store with her husband, Greg. “And since we can do it with all sorts of budgets, it makes it easier.”
The store offers everything from necklaces and rings to bracelets and watches to everything in between. They also offer repairs and cleaning services.
The store at 101 N. Chestnut St. has been in the Reutter family since 1964, and Melissa and Greg purchased the business from Greg’s father in 1987.
The store also is known for decorating its large, two-story wall on the outside to look like a large Christmas package.
“We saw a picture in a magazine where a store in New York did the same thing, only it was a much taller building,” Melissa said. “We always thought it was cool and like doing it.”
A look through the cases at the store also will show customers a variety of types and styles of jewelry, including classics like white gold, yellow gold, stainless steel, sterling silver and more. You’ll find diamonds, gemstones and whatever style of jewelry you’re looking for.
One unique option is the enamel jewelry by designer Nicole Barr.
Melissa said each vibrant piece is hand-painted by designers who go through a long-term apprenticeship before they’re able to paint the jewelry.
After painting, it is then “baked” for the finish.
“They’re really great, and it’s incredible the detail that you can see,” she said. “It’s hard to imagine being able to paint these.”
The flexible Bella Cavo bracelets by Kelly Waters are another unique and affordable option. The lightweight bracelets feature diamonds and multiple designs and can be adjusted on the wrist.
Those can be perfect for women with smaller wrists and like a contemporary piece.
But Tiemeier’s Jewelry does not only offer gifts for women. There are plenty of items for men, as well.
The store offers a line of Citizen brand watches, other watch brands, pocket watches and a line of Groove silicone rings and Groove belts. Reutter said the belts are good for conceal carry.
“We also have the stainless steel or sterling silver cross necklaces that are popular for people to get for men,” Reutter said.
The store also has its inventory ready for the holiday season. Tiemeier’s is fully stocked with everything customers will want.
“We’re loaded up with inventory, and we’re ready,” Reutter said. “It’s so much easier than having to order in, and with higher postage, it helps having inventory here.”
One item that may come up with the holidays is engagement. Reutter said Christmas isn’t necessarily the most common time people get engaged, but New Year’s can be, and it is never a bad time to inform those who are considering popping the question.
Reutter said finger size is the biggest question when buying an engagement ring, and there are a few tricks to help find out the size.
“You can always ask mom or a sister,” she said. “Or if she already has a ring, you could put it on your finger and get it close.”
Other considerations are the preferred colors and styles.
Tiemeier’s offers the popular colors, like yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Reutter said fewer people are buying rose gold, but yellow is returning in popularity.
You also need to know the shape of the stone, like round, oval, princess or marquee.
Tiemeier’s has been a part of people’s jewelry traditions for a long time with the business starting above the former Bee Hive on Second Street. It moved into its current location sometime ago. The current location has always been a jewelry store, Reutter said.
Helping people with gifts and some of life’s biggest moments along with maintaining its rich history is something the Reutters are proud to do.
“It’s always good, and I like being part of people’s Christmas and those moments,” Melissa said. “It’s meaningful to us, too. We like helping people be happy.”