As I reflect on the challenges of the past year as a jewelry retailer, I take heart in the contributions we at Jewelry Crossings have been fortunately able to make in spite of the deep recession. This year we have donated jewelry for silent auctions and donated proceeds from special events to the following organizations:

-Ali Forney Center in Manhattan to help homeless gay youths in New York City
-The Support Network of San Jose to aid women and children in the face of domestic violence
-CEO Women based in Oakland, California which provides refugee and immigrant women in the Bay Area mentoring, coaching and access to capital to start a small business.
-St. Andrew's Church in Saratoga, California for their SAMA (St. Andrew's Medical Assistance) mission worldwide.
-Keuka College, Keuka Park, NY, my beloved alma mater.

I am deeply grateful for the loyalty of our Jewelry Crossings customers. We realize that this year more than ever price was the most important factor in a customer's purchasing decision. We tried incredibly hard to make it possible for someone to afford a special item of jewelry. Even though jewelry is considered a luxury purchase these days, I know that it makes the receiver smile broadly and is a gift that does not wear out like a piece of clothing or disappear like an edible treat, rather something crafted in fine metal endures forever. I have pieces in my jewelry box from my late grandmother, aunt, mother and mother-in-law. Jewelry also speaks of fashion trends, history and memorable events in one's life. For these and so many other reasons, I am proud to be "in the business."

Happy 2010 to all who read this blog. May your year ahead be healthy, fulfilling and full of life's richness.