By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
For decades, Osborne’s Jewelers has been a “jewel” of a company in North Alabama. It is known throughout the region for its generosity, exceptional customer care, shopping experience, and quality products in many price ranges. Started by Everett and Jerri Osborne, the company describes itself as “Investing In Love Since 1979,” and they are indeed well-loved by our community.
In 2006, Tiffany Shireman became a part of the Osborne “family,” and was carefully schooled in the art and science of jewels, as well as design, quality, service, and the necessity of maintaining impeccable ethical standards. The Osbornes taught her well, and in 2015 she became a partner in the firm. In 2019 she bought the Athens store, kept the original name to honor her mentors, and they kept the Huntsville store. This one is always referred to as Osborne’s Jewelers Athens.
The store, which is located in the Publix Shopping Center on Hwy 72 and Lindsay Lane, is breath-taking in every regard. First of all, it is gorgeous. The displays, the craftsmanship of the cases, the lighting, and the jewelry itself are all stunning. There is praise and worship music softly playing in the store, which deeply stirred my soul. But here is what captured my heart: It was the way I was treated the moment I walked in the door. Now, mind you, it was a Saturday morning, I was dressed in Athens Now delivery garb, and there was ink on my hands. Let’s just say I did not exactly look like a VIP customer, and I quickly washed off my inky hands in the lovely ladies’ room. When I came out, I was offered all manner of soft beverages, and it was readily apparent that everyone on staff both loved each other as well as what they do for a living and a calling.
Tiffany and I talked about how God made jewels, loves jewels, uses them to describe his children, and that Heaven will be full of them, starting with the gates of pearl. She understands that in a way, jewels can minister to people, and it is not at all rare for someone to come in to get a special gift for themselves or someone else in a time of triumph. Then, of course there is everyone’s favorite: engaged couples, who are treated like royalty as well.
Tiffany slipped an eye-popping 10 carat VVS1 diamond solitaire ring on my finger that is worth over a million dollars. With a mischievous grin she said, “Every woman needs to feel like a million dollars once in a while.” I couldn’t help but chuckle.
I asked Tiffany about the sourcing of their jewels, and she taught me about what is known as the Kimberly Process, which is a stringent set of trade protocols and certifications that prevent jewelers from inadvertently trading in “blood diamonds,” sometimes known as “conflict diamonds” which are used to fund terrorism. She also told me that she has made sure that any of their internationally acquired custom pieces from Southeast Asia are produced in a fair trade and production context. No one is enslaved, and everyone is paid fairly. Most of the diamonds come from Antwerp and Israel, and Osborne’s relationship with their suppliers is open, authentic, and vibrant.
The main focus of this particular article is the upcoming Lagos jewelry event, which is going to be held at the Athens store on April 26 and 27. Lagos hails out of Philadelphia and was started by Steven Lagos in 1977 when he was only 19 years old. It is known for what is called the Caviar Collection, which has an elaborate, signature beading appearance in sterling silver and 18K gold. It is worn by tennis great Serena Williams as well as everyday people, and has a widely varying price range. Lagos is one of Tiffany’s favorites, and about this jewelry line she said to me, “These are heirloom pieces — classics. They will never go out of style. You can dress them up or down, and you will never be overdressed with them. They are perfect for Mother’s Day or graduation.” I was thinking that the interlocking bracelet would be especially meaningful for some of the ones who come into Osborne’s who have gone through difficult times, because it shows how a support system of a “threefold (and greater) cord is not easily broken.”
I asked Tiffany why, when I have choices, should I come to Osborne’s. She said, “It is about service above self, making people feel welcome, and giving them a special experience.”
Come to Osborne’s for the Lagos event, if you are in love and are getting married, if you want to purchase a Louis Vuitton handbag or an estate piece. I know you will leave, as Tiffany says, as though you have been seen, heard, and valued. It’s just the Osborne way.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
April 19, 2024
