Family jewelry business celebrates 26 years.
“We bend over backwards for our customers. We want them to be happy. Jewelry is happy,” said Pfeiffer. “We can take an old piece and make it look like new or we can fix it. People are thrilled with our store and our work. We’re one of the long-standing businesses in the downtown.”
Artful Eye has a team of seven, including two master jewelers, all of whom have been working there for at least 15 years. The business is a member of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which is the utmost authority in stone grading and continuing education for jewelers. “We are all extremely educated with jewelry.”
The store is known for its one-of-a-kind custom jewelry, ranging in price from $19 to $30,000. Some pieces are reversible, which Pfeiffer says adds to the “wow factor.” The jewelers also offer customers something to drink and chocolates. “It’s the small touches that are kind of a lost art and keep people coming in to shop with us,” she said.
With a large local following, the Artful Eye attracts many visitors as well, especially in the summer when it hosts jewelry shows on the plaza. “We get a lot of tourists, but we also have amazing local people,” she said. “A lot have become friends. We know their families, we know their birthdays and anniversaries. We hug and cry together.”
Artful Eye owners and staff members attend jewelry shows throughout the year and hand-pick diamonds and gemstones from all over the world.
Recently, Dave Rabellino and CAD (computer aided designers) jewelry designer Holly Stringer were awarded first place for National Jewelry Design from the Independent Jewelers Organization. Pfeiffer said this is a significant achievement because jewelers from throughout the country enter the annual competition. Artful Eye, she says, is often recognized for its unique creative designs and attention to detail. “This is a big honor and it’s amazing that we keep winning!”
Artful Eye also has been recognized as America’s Coolest Store by Instore Magazine, a publication that provides jewelers with industry news and tips. Meanwhile, the in-house jewelers, Dave Rabellino and Kevin O’Neill, were voted Best Custom Jewelers by Prescott LIVING Magazine.
The jewelers are also known for their ability to repair extremely damaged jewelry, including pieces that have been dropped in a garbage disposal or run over by a car. “We’ve been able to turn it into something you want to wear again.”
Pfeiffer has been working for Artful Eye for 17 years and is certified through GIA. She is a diamond grader and a lifelong learner who regularly takes online classes and attends trade shows.
The business enjoys supporting local organizations, including Kiwanis Club of Prescott, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Yavapai Humane Society. It also has mentored local Girl Scouts. “They solder and leave with jewelry so they can earn their jewelry patches. It’s neat to have them make it and then take it with them.”
High school sweethearts Dave and Sherry began making jewelry when they were teenagers. Pfeiffer believes her 7-year-old daughter, Hannah, will continue the family business. She is already making her own bracelets. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Photo by Stan Bindell: Manager Cara Pfeiffer says Artful Eye is known for one-of-a-kind custom jewelry that “wows.”
