Zimmer Brothers, Jewelers Since 1893

The Birthstone Quandary

2012-01-18T13:37:00.000-05:00

In the blog post "10 Gift Ideas in 10 Minutes" we suggested giving a piece of colored stone jewelry that was not necessarily the recipient's birthstone. Well, this sparked a bit of a discussion on the situations we see at Zimmer Brothers surrounding colored stones. I am referring to this discussion as "The Birthstone Quandary."
We have men come into our store every month who ask to see that month's birthstone. Perhaps it is their wife's birthstone, or maybe a daughter or girlfriend. This is a great guy. He wants to get a gift that is special, meaningful, and beautiful.
We also see women come into the store; they look at our colored stone jewelry and tell us about their favorite colored stone. They swoon over the rich beautiful color of Sapphire, or the versatility of the earth tones. They tell us that they wear a lot of <insert color here> and that this particular gemstone is their favorite compliment to their wardrobe. Then they tell us what their birthstone is. Very rarely is it the same stone they have just spent ten minutes romancing.

For the most part, we think that everyone should have at least one piece of jewelry that features their birthstone. However, we also think that most of a woman's jewelry should be beautiful pieces that she loves, in colors that compliment them and the way they dress.
So the lesson here is: buying birthstone jewelry is tricky! Usually, the safest bet is to go with a color that compliments the recipient's wardrobe; or a color that goes with most everything. However, our suggestion is to simply find something that is beautiful, and something that you think will be beautiful on her. Don't worry so much about a particular stone's significance. The fact that it represents the month she was born, often carries little importance in what she chooses to put on in the morning.
When you present her with a piece of jewelry, it shows her what you think of her and how you feel about her. Therefore, when you choose something special, and beautiful, and just for her, it becomes special for reasons much more profound than if it were selected only for the month it represents.

Do you like your birthstone? What do you think about "The Birthstone Quandary?"

Jewelry Trends to Look for in 2012

2012-01-03T16:06:00.003-05:00

Well, 2012 is already shaping up to be a great year! We are enjoying the nice weather (for as long as it will last) and looking at what fashion will bring us in the upcoming months.

Of course, trends tend to hang around from the year before, and it looks like this year is going to be no exception. Some of the familiar trends that we are all to happy to see more of are:
Jewel tones are continuing to be a popular theme with lots of blues, purples, reds, and greens in every shade. They are rich and intense, and they always look luxurious.
Bold necklaces will continue to be major. Whether it's a choker or layered pendant necklaces, you're going to look chic rocking a look that features a great necklace (or two or three)!
Statement rings are one of my personal favorites, so I'm thrilled to see that they are continuing to be a hot trend in 2012.

What is old is new again.
Some of the new trends for 2012 are not necessarily new at all! For starters, yellow gold is continuing to make a resurgence. Mixing white and yellow gold pieces has been more and more common and now yellow gold is being seen standing all alone!
Additionally, with all the vintage inspired TV that we are being inundated with (Mad Men, Pan Am, and Boardwalk Empire anyone?) it's no surprise that vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry are becoming popular. My favorite is jewelry with a vintage feel and a contemporary edge!

Something else that we will be seeing in the coming months is hair jewelry. Incorporating different jewelry into an up-do is great but may be hard to do on your own. To make this trend a little more user-friendly, you can wear it by accenting a ponytail or chic bun with a fun brooch!

One of the 2012 trends we are all excited about at Zimmer Brothers is Pearls! Lots and lots of Pearls!! Layer them, wear them long, wear them wrapped, or stacked; however you want to wear them, Pearls are back in!

These are just a few of the trends of the upcoming year that we love! We can't wait to see all of our local ladies wearing their own versions of these styles.

What are your favorite jewelery trends of the last few years?

Goodbye 2011, It's Been Great. Bring on 2012!

2011-12-29T15:46:00.000-05:00

As we look forward to 2012, we start to make plans and set resolutions. It's usually also a good time to reflect on all the things that we experienced in 2011. Amid all the snow, flooding, and power outages we managed to have another fabulous year here in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
In the midst of in-store to out-of-store events we found this year was flying by in a whirlwind for us. We hosted events ranging from those featuring some of our favorite designers to those benefiting local charities; and we were fortunate enough to participate in out of store events which spanned a wide range as well. When all was said and done, we sure had our, share of hoppin' after-hours this year. Some of our favorites included:

"Denim and Diamonds"


Our Spring Designer Trunk Show


Silhouette of a Woman Fashion Show

In 2011, we welcomed some amazing new jewelry lines into our store. We expanded our Antique and Estate Jewelry Department as well as our Zimmer Brothers Diamond Center. In our diamond center we debuted our own ZB Signature Collection which has all of the classics with the quality and style you expect from Zimmer Brothers. We were also thrilled to add Ritani, the top bridal line in the U.S. Our customers have given us overwhelmingly positive feedback on both of these collections.


ZB Signature Collection

"Bella Vita" by Ritani

As if that weren't enough, we were proud to be a part of DeBeers' new initiative: Forevermark. With Forevermark, DeBeers has taken responsible diamond sourcing to the next level. They have started investing in the mining communities that are at step one of bringing these beautiful diamonds to the consumer. It is wonderful to see the effects of "giving credit where credit is due."

Lockets by Monica Rich Kosann

Zimmer Brothers was also welcomed into the family of designer Monica Rich Kosann. Her beautiful lockets and charm bracelets have been a big hit with ZB customers. It's an enchanting collision of vintage style and contemporary fashion, and each piece has a timeless quality that will make it a favorite for generations to come. Monica Rich Kosann has been an amazing company to work with. They have a wonderful product and and always coming up with new interesting twists in their design. They were actually a part of a whopping three of our events this year!

This year we celebrated Zimmer Brothers' 118th anniversary! Also, our beloved President and resident "Voice Of Zimmer Brothers," Michael Gordon, celebrated his 40th anniversary in the business. He is an incredible resource and asset to all of us here, and is continually working hard, growing Zimmer Brothers and helping the business to evolve with the changing market and economy. However, his spirit and sense of humor are, perhaps, my favorite thing about him. He provides a much appreciated (and sometimes much needed) comic relief to everyone in the store, both employee and patron! Here's to another 40 years here at Zimmer Brothers Mikey!! We love you!

Ten Gift Ideas in Ten Minutes

2011-11-16T13:58:00.000-05:00

As the days get shorter, and the mornings get more and more brisk, it's becoming obvious that Mother Nature is trying to tell us something...The time has come to break out the plastic and start shopping for the Holidays!

Zimmer Brothers knows that this time of year is busy for everyone; and who wouldn't like to have a little help deciding on what to get for the people on our Shopping List. To this end, we have come up with a list of Zimmer Brothers' 10 Gift Ideas in 10 Minutes.

#1. Diamond Studs.
Every woman should have a pair of diamond stud earrings. It's something that is basic, elegant, and stunning. You can start where your budget allows and upgrade for future occasions. Ask about our lifetime trade-up policy.

#2. Diamond Pendant.
This is the companion to her classic diamond studs. It is something she can wear everyday with every outfit and it can be worn by itself as well as layered with other necklaces. There are many choices with this option, from a simple solitaire to a modern style, or a cluster pendant. We definitely have something for everyone!

#3. Pearls.
A strand of pearls is beautiful on any woman. Pearls are another staple, that can be very classic, or layered and wrapped for a different look. Pearls also come in a wide variety of price ranges, starting at about $100.

#4. Silver or Gold Necklace.
A necklace in either Sterling Silver or Gold can either be very simple or a real anchor piece depending on the style of the woman. A necklace without stones is often one of the best and most versatile pieces of jewelry someone can have.

#5. Silver or Gold Bracelet.
Everyone needs an awesome bracelet for their jewelry box. Not every outfit is going to go with a necklace. So for that bejeweled top or that asymmetrical neckline she needs a great bracelet or cuff to complete the look.

#6. Estate Piece.
Old pieces tell a story. It's wonderful to think about the life a piece of jewelry has had, and all the people who have loved it along the way. All styles and vintages are represented in our Estate Collection so it really is a great source for a gift for anyone.

#7. A Designer Piece.
Designer pieces tend to make a bold statement, whether it be loud or delicate. Zimmer Brothers loves to feature designers who are extremely talented, but less widely known. This way you can get that great designer look, but you know that you won't see it on every woman you pass on the street.

#8. Colored Stones: Birthstones and Beyond!
Many people only think of birthstone jewelry when they consider colored stones, but we tend to think that is a little limiting. Colored stones range the spectrum (and the budget) and to consider just one seems pretty discriminatory. Birthstones are a great place to start, but take a look at pieces in colors that compliment skin tones and wardrobes as well, and you will be a hero!

#9. Pandora.

I'm sure most of you have heard of the craze that is Pandora (if you haven't already joined the party). If not (where have you been?) it is a modern spin on the charm bracelet, that features Sterling Silver and 14K yellow gold bracelets and bead charms. Pandora is the perfect gift for all ages and types of people (not to mention that it can fit any budget). The best part for the gift-giver is that you don't have to think about that next gift that you need because you can add to her Pandora bracelet!

#10. Watch.
Watches may have fallen to the way-side a bit due to technological advances and our invisible (albeit very strong) tether to our phones, but watches are always a great gift. They can be just as much of a piece of jewelry as any of the other items on this list. A watch makes a statement, whether it be sporty with Swiss Army or beautiful and delicate with a vintage watch from our Estate Collection.

Every time you stop in for a special occasion the ten gifts will probably be a little different, but they always focus on the staples of a woman's jewelry wardrobe, which should be both classic and eclectic. With items from our list, the ladies in your life will be able to put together looks that can range from elegant to understated to bold to unique to chic and anything else she wants it to be!

A Smashing Success for Local Fashion and Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation!

2011-11-02T17:10:00.000-04:00

The weather wasn't ideal on the evening of October 27th, but the turnout to celebrate hope, fashion, and beauty in the Hudson Valley was tremendous! Zimmer Brothers was one of ten local stores and salons to be involved in organizing Silhouette of a Woman. This was a fashion show to benefit Miles of Hope, a local breast cancer foundation. It was months in the making and it was worth every bit of effort put into it.

The Bardavon Theater was beautifully decorated and buzzing with the ladies and gentlemen of Poughkeepsie, who were all "dressed to impress." They were all invited to strike a pose on the Pink Carpet before finding their way to a cocktail. Our dapper master of ceremonies, ZB's own Michael Gordon, was setting the mood with charismatic commentary and a slide show representing the history of the businesses involved. Hobie Armstrong, of Music on the Move, was getting everyone ready to rock down the runway with our models. Melissa of Surprise Photography and Vivian of Vivian Photography were snapping shots all over the place to document this inaugural event, as the models were making their way to dressing rooms, putting on their duds, and receiving final hair and cosmetic touch-ups.

After door prizes were presented, IBM presented a check for $3000 to Miles of Hope to commemorate a mile-stone anniversary. Finally the models got to strut their stuff and they took to the runway like naturals! The models walking the runway were partially comprised of breast cancer survivors, and I have to say, these ladies were a fierce testament to hope! It was truly amazing the way they rocked the runway and told this disease where to go!
Zimmer Brothers was so proud to be a part of this event and was honored to work with Elizabeth Boutique, Quackles, Waddle N Swaddle, Up To Date, Mary H. Abdoo and You, Bella Luci Salon, Collage Hair and Colour, Cartier's Hair Designs, and New Creations Hair Designs to put this amazing event together. At the end of the fashion show all the models were recognized with representatives from each store and salon, and then the breast cancer survivors were presented with a pink rose. It was a beautiful and emotional moment for all and I think that even the toughest chicks there were fighting back a tear or two.
I haven't heard final numbers yet but I believe we sold around 430 tickets and raised (roughly) over $11,000! What an incredible gift to a wonderful organization, helping women right here in the Hudson Valley! I am so glad I was a part of this event and I can't wait to see what happens next year!

Women Building Better Communities - in their dressiest denim and flashiest jewelry, that is!

2011-10-18T10:59:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday October 9^th I had a blast at the Junior League’s annual gala. This year the theme was “Denim and Diamonds.”

It was a picture perfect day at the Vassar College Alumni house where over 100 people gathered outfitted in their chicest denim and sparkly-est diamonds to support the Junior League and their mission of Women Building Better Communities.

We were so excited to be a part of the fashion show with one of our favorite Arlington neighbors, Elizabeth Boutique. We had models wearing Elizabeth Boutique fashions paired with a little…or a lot of bling, courtesy of ZB! The festivities also included a live auction of a Hilton Head Vacation Getaway, as well as a raffle. We donated a beautiful Hearts On Fire diamond pendant to be raffled off! Congrats to the lucky winner, Gillian McDonald.

They honored two lovely ladies as Women of the Year: Anne Conroy as well as one of our favorite customers, Ann-Marie Donohue. Thank you to both of these women for all their hard work to make our community better, and congratulations on your award!

The cocktails and dinner were wonderful, but my favorite part was the desert! Cupcakes are my weakness and these were superb! They were provided by Twisted Soul, another one of our Arlington neighbors that is definitely worth visiting the next time you are in the area, or even the next time you’re just craving something tasty! Tell them Zimmer Brothers sent you :)

This was such a fun event to be a part of, thank you to the Junior League of Poughkeepsie for having us be involved, and also for all the work they do in the community.

Silhouette of a Woman

2011-10-11T13:57:00.000-04:00

I want to take a few minutes to tell you about the Silhouette of a Woman Fashion Show. If you follow us on Facebook, you have probably seen several posts about it, but let me tell you a little more about it. It is a group of local, fashion sensitive businesses that have gotten together to show you that great fashion is available to you right in your own back yard! We all know that we are lucky to live in a place as beautiful as the Hudson Valley. However, many people still think they have to make the trek down to New York City to find the hottest trends. We are here to tell you that you are mistaken. The small businesses right here in the Poughkeepsie area have more amazing, fashionable, clothing, accessories, and services than you ever imagined. We have nine amazing local businesses that have come together to bring you a fantastic event for a wonderful cause.

We have four fantastic salons lined up to show you what they can do. Collage Hair and Colour, New Creations, Cartier's Hair Designs, and Bella Luci Salon are consulting with our lucky models to get their hair and make up just right to give you great ideas about how to make the most of your personal look.

The six stores involved are Zimmer Brothers, Elizabeth Boutique, Up-To-Date, Mary H. Abdoo & You, Waddle N Swaddle, and Quackles. We have put together a stunning demonstration of the fabulous fashion you can find, here in Poughkeepsie. You will see that great fashions are available for children, mothers (during and after pregnancy), and women of all ages, sizes and shapes! You may get some great ideas on how to update your style or maybe what to ask for this Christmas!

All the festivities will be taking place on Thursday, October 27th at the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie. There will be a cocktail hour at 6:00 and the fashion show will begin at 7:00. The theme of the fashion show throws back to the rich beauty and history of the area. It highlights the growth and development of the Hudson Valley, of the women of the Hudson Valley, and of the local businesses of the Hudson Valley.

Of course, the most important part of this evening is that 100% of the ticket sales go to Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. This is an amazing local organization that helps support women of the Hudson Valley who are affected by breast cancer. Learn more at www.milesofhope.org.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door available at all of the local businesses mentioned above as well as at the Bardavon and online at Miles of Hope's website.

Zimmer Brothers: Double Winner in Hudson Valley Magazine's Annual Best Of Issue!

2011-10-06T14:29:00.000-04:00

I am thrilled to announce that we have been voted, by Hudson Valley Magazine's readers, Best Jewelry Store in the Hudson Valley! AND we were selected as Editor's Pick for the Best Place to Buy A Diamond! WOW! We are all super excited and feel very honored to have such recognition and support from our community. What a wonderful place to work and live! Get your tickets for the Best Of Hudson Valley Party! It will be a great evening, as usual. See you there!

Thank you to Hudson Valley Magazine, and thanks to YOU for voting us Best Jewelry Store four years in a row!
Get your copy of Hudson Valley Magazine, on stands now, for all the best the Hudson Valley has to offer, and get a sneek peek right here!

Fall fashion is in the air!

2011-09-21T16:15:00.000-04:00

This week definitely feels like fall and the fabulous fall fashions are being demonstrated every time you turn around. The Emmys, as usual, were glittering with beautiful jewelry for fall.

Did anyone catch the 63rd Emmy Awards on Sunday? I missed them but have gotten quite a catch-up in fashion-police-type shows. I love all the big earrings that TV's best (and maybe not-so-great) were sporting! I am totally in love with the gorgeous Emerald and Diamond chandelier earrings that Modern Family's Sofia Vergara was wearing. OMG. These earrings have over 100 carats of Emeralds and over 60 carats of diamonds. Talk about a statement piece! Everything I read was talking about her make-up? I get that she's a beautiful woman; but when she has these puppies on, really, how is anyone looking at anything else?

If there was a trend for the evening, however, it was definitely: RED. From the gowns (and pants, Alan Cumming? hmmm...I give him credit for taking a risk, I guess.) to the jewelry it was red red red! I love me some Rubies so I was thrilled to see them bejeweling the Red Carpet!
Kelly Osbourne and Glee's Lea Michele were two of the lovely ladies who wore the red dress/Ruby earring trend.

As if that weren't enough, Zimmer Brothers has been hit by an Ice Storm! We have gotten in some fantastic diamond and gemstone jewelry that will knock your socks off! There are some beautiful colors for fall, and floral inspired designs, which are so beautiful, not to mention what most of the designers were showing at fashion week! Stop in and check out some of these amazing pieces of jewelry. You can try them on and you will feel ready for the Red Carpet!

Zimmer Brothers First Blog Post

2011-09-17T15:20:00.000-04:00

It seems that this Blog and this first post have been a year in the making...Oh, wait it almost has! With all the changes we have been making this little blog has been discussed and started over and over. So it feels great to finally be saying hello to the Blog world! Hello!! I decided that since we have been doing so much changing around here that this first post will be one that will sort of catch you up on what we've been doing around here for the past few months.

First, we have expanded our bridal department and are very excited about our new Zimmer Brothers Diamond Center, as well as our new Signature Bridal Collection. Have you seen our new ads? If you follow us on Facebook, you probably remember the contest we had for a local couple to be featured in our ads. The winners, Angelina and Chris (who were wonderful), are the stars of our new Diamond Center ads and commercial. If you've seen it, what do you think?

Next we moved and expanded our Antique and Estate Jewelry collection. Our estate jewelry has always been one of our most popular departments and we are thrilled to give it more space in the store. It now has it's own beautiful boutique in the front of the store.

We have also gone on a couple "field trips." We had a wonderful time at the Dutchess County Fair. With earthquakes and hurricanes, it was definitely interesting but we had a great time meeting all the great people who came out and look forward to our 9th year next summer!

Last week I went down to New York City for the Third Annual Fashion's Night Out. This is a great event to kick off Fashion Week and every kind of person comes out to see what is going to be hot this season and which store has the most over-the-top display of fabulous-ness! Check out our Facebook page for photos of my whirlwind adventure.

Well, that pretty much has you caught up on what's been happening at Zimmer Brothers. I would love to hear from you so please post any comments you have and any suggestions that you would like me to post about in the future.
Thanks for reading!
xoxo Lindsay