How did your business begin?
Sylvan’s began in 1897 when brothers Gustaf Jonson, a watchmaker, and Johannes Sylvan, a jeweler, opened the doors to Gustaf Sylvan’s High-Grade Jewelers. This year marks our 125th year serving the Columbia area, and we are excited to celebrate with our clients and the community. The most important things to us are the relationships we’ve been able to build with our clients. They continue to support us, and that’s why we’re still here.
What do you like best about your line of work?
What makes this field so much fun is that jewelry is a FUN product! It is inspiring to be a part of important occasions for our clients — engagements, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and “push presents.” All joyful events in our lives. We have clients who have been shopping at Sylvan’s for generations and we’re actively working on the next generation as well. Every day is unique and different with the opportunity to speak to so many different wonderful and happy people!
What is the latest trend in your business?
Brands of all sizes are creating jewelry that will take a good outfit to a great one with little effort. One trend that we are seeing more and more is paperclip link jewelry. Necklaces and bracelets can be worn alone, layered with other jewelry, or you can add a pendant or charm for an updated, unique look. Another trend we are seeing is enamel and ceramic jewelry. Enamel is a great way to add color to your look and pack a punch. We love the look of enamel charms on a necklace or even fun enamel bracelets and earrings. Colorful enamel pieces are a fun way to dip your toe into the colorful trend and add something interesting to the mix.
