Nelson Estate Jewelers

Dec 20

In their own words

“There’s something amazing about gold, silver, and platinum metals when you feel it in your hand. The density, the weight, the warmth—it just feels special. The most intriguing thing to me about jewelry is the rarity. I mean, think of all the gold ever mined on this planet. There’s nothing else like it. And I really like vintage jewelry, period stuff like Deco and Edwardian. I have a section of my store dedicated to vintage estate pieces. We don’t make stuff like we once did. Some of these pieces are pretty darn cool.”

-David Nelson

Jason’s Interview with Dave

Jason

Today, we get to have a husband and wife duo in Mesa, Arizona, Nelson Estate Jewelers. Dave Nelson is on the line with us.

How did you get into the industry?

Dave

I've actually been in the business my entire life. I started when I was about fifteen years old at a big chain. I worked at Zales. I expanded to work for a lot of big chains and several well-known local jewelers here in Arizona. Things kind of changed, and with the desire to spend more time with my wife, we decided to spend all of our time together. Now, we run our own little store.

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Jason
Your store just doesn't help you and your wife—you give back to the United Food Bank. How did you get involved with them?

Dave
When I was young, my parents split up, and if it wasn't for organizations like the United Food Bank, government assistance, and charitable people, there were times I probably wouldn't eat, or at least not eat healthy. They’re a great organization in Arizona. What we've done since day one, watch batteries need to be changed all the time. I change watch batteries for $5. I cover the cost of the battery, and we donate the proceeds to the United Food Bank.

Jason
What is it that you love about jewelry?

Dave
From a very young age, I collected coins with my grandfather. Through the years, I got more and more into it. There’s something amazing about gold, silver, and precious platinum metals when you feel them in your hand. The density, the weight, the warmth. I really like vintage pieces of jewelry, period stuff. Deco and Edwardian. I have a section of my store dedicated to vintage estate pieces.

Jason
Tell me about some of the awesome pieces that you carry on your estate side.

Dave
At any given time, I will have thirty to fifty true vintage engagement rings in the case. Probably the largest on-display inventory of estate engagement rings in the state of Arizona. But we also custom design to someone's specifics using those old styles as inspiration.

Jason
What are three words that describe your brand?

Dave
I’d say straightforward and overall integrity.

Jason
What's your specialty?

Dave
We've only been in business for two and a half years, and we sell on average twenty to twenty-five engagement rings every month. Every single day, we have people come through here working with us, designing special pieces.

Jason
Here's your chance to say whatever you like to new customers.

Dave
The jewelry industry is driven by value and emotion. There's nothing like jewelry to express how someone feels. Not only do we sell jewelry, but we also buy jewelry. We help settle estates. That's how we get a lot of our vintage pieces. It's really a lot of fun. We live in a disposable world—fine jewelry is not disposable. Fine jewelry is lasting. Fine jewelry is something that you will enjoy your whole life; your children will enjoy, your grandchildren. That's really kind of special, and we focus on that.