Celebrating Our 70th Anniversary as a Jewelry Store in Sterling Heights, MI

We’re very thrilled to be celebrating our 70th anniversary this year at Howard’s Fine Jewelry. It is hard to believe we’re entering our eighth decade in business as the go-to jewelry store in Sterling Heights, MI, and we couldn’t be prouder of the legacy of high-quality jewelry pieces we’ve sold over the many years we’ve been working in the area.

We are so grateful to the many wonderful customers who continue to support us by coming in and purchasing our pieces and recommending our jewelry to their friends and family—we would not be celebrating this amazing milestone without your patronage and loyalty, and we do not take that for granted!

A brief history

We’ve been a mainstay in the Sterling Heights community since 1948. Our initial location was over on 7 Mile and Van Dyke, and we eventually moved to the corner of 8 Mile and Van Dyke to a slightly larger location.

It was at our second location that we truly began to take off as something more than just a tiny business. We became a powerhouse local business that sold far more than just jewelry. We sold many general goods at discount prices—the only store in the area offering the kind of discounts we provided at the time.

In 1989 we moved to our current location, 15 Mile and Van Dyke, and once again returned to focusing strictly on jewelry. We have maintained that focus ever since.

I personally took over the business in 2008, the year we celebrated our 60th anniversary. At the time, the economy was dreadful—the markets had just crashed, and we were heading into the worst economic downturn in decades. Many businesses, small and large, shuttered and failed, both here in Sterling Heights and on a national level.

Business was difficult during those times for us here at Howard’s Fine Jewelry, but we weathered the storm, and we sit here feeling more fortunate than ever at our 70th anniversary to be able to serve the people of the Sterling Heights are and beyond. Now, we’re once again a healthy company doing great business and providing unbeatable prices on outstanding jewelry items. We still provide the same high level of customer service that customers expected out of us generations ago, thanks to the dedication of our friendly and highly knowledgeable staff.

There are some things about our business that have changed. Our location has moved twice, the appearance of our current location has changed numerous times, and we have put more effort into our website and online branding to keep up with the constantly evolving world of business and technology.

But our commitment to outstanding products and customer service will never change. For as long as we’re in business, we strive to be the go-to source in the area for all your jewelry needs.

Come on down today to our jewelry store in Sterling Heights, MI and help us celebrate this big milestone for our business. We look forward to welcoming you to Howard’s Fine Jewelry!

Why So Many Brides Today Are Opting for Sapphire Engagement Rings in Sterling Heights, MI

While diamonds have long been the stone of choice for engagement rings, we have recently seen a reemergence of colored gemstones as an extremely popular alternative. There are many reasons why gemstones have made such a comeback, including their own unique beauty in addition to many of the ethical dilemmas surrounding the diamond mining business.

Sapphires are the birthstone for the month of September, so we thought it would be fitting to discuss a rising trend of sapphire engagement rings. Perhaps the most famous example of a sapphire ring in the world belongs to Kate Middleton, who helped bring sapphire back to the forefront. But here are just a few of the other reasons why sapphire in Sterling Heights, MI mkes a great stone for an engagement ring:

  • They’re unique: No two sapphires are alike, even sapphires of the same color. This means every single sapphire ring is one of a kind and has its own character. You’re getting a completely customized piece every time you purchase a sapphire ring—the jewelers can cut the gemstones in just about any shape and at very reasonable prices, while also using cutting techniques that maximize the luster and brilliance of these gemstones.
  • They’re ethical: Sapphires are usually mined in small community-operated or family-owned mines, meaning the benefits of their sales are more easily tracked than diamonds. The worldwide Kimberly Process established some rules that would halt the trafficking of conflict diamonds (frequently referred to as “blood diamonds”), but it is incredibly difficult to guarantee none of these diamonds will enter legitimate markets. Plus, the larger scale at which these stones are mined and the turbulent (at best) political conditions in the areas that host most of the world’s largest mines make it difficult to track their source. Therefore, if you’re looking for an ethical choice in your jewelry, sapphires are the way to go.
  • They’re durable: Sapphires come in at a nine out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning it is extremely scratch resistant and durable. Other gemstones, such as emeralds, do not have the same indestructible characteristics. Considering an engagement ring is something a bride will likely wear every day for the rest of her life, having a stone that is not only beautiful but durable as well is something you should prioritize in your purchase.
  • They’re becoming more valuable: Sapphire sales are skyrocketing in value as they gain popularity around the world. This is especially true of untreated sapphires, because consumers are learning more about the benefits and value of natural, untreated sapphire stones. As sapphires become more common in engagement rings and jewelry, the gem will only continue to become more valuable, meaning now is a perfect time to make the purchase.

These are just a few of the reasons why sapphire in Sterling Heights, MI is becoming more popular for engagement rings. If you’re interested in learning more about using precious gems aside from diamonds in engagement rings, contact Howard’s Fine Jewelry today.