Keep Your Treasures Timeless

Rachel Mucklow joins her father Robert in his premier jewelry business All photos by Nicole DuPre

At Mucklows' Fine Jewelry

By Nicole DuPre

Coweta and Fayette Counties are no longer the small towns they once were. Just a few short years ago, residents were forced to drive many miles to find a wide a wide variety of shopping. Today we can find everything we need right here in our own backyard. From exquisite jewelry for our loved ones to unique bird feeders for our feathered friends, Coweta and Fayette counties have it all.

 

One of the fine shopping treasures we have in our area is Mucklow's Fine Jewelry. Mucklow's is like an exclamation in a world of questions.

A well known part of our community, it stands on honor and commitment to quality, which is probably why it's been around so long. Robert Mucklow is an expert craftsman who knows how to keep his business fresh without losing perspective.

Everyone has heard the saying, "a diamond is forever." However, looks and styles come and go, much like the world of fashion. In the 70s, a popular look for gold jewelry was very unpolished, a sort of nugget look.

RRachel helps a customer choose the perfect piece of jewelry

There was a very popular ladies watch style in the 40s and 50s made by several American companies. It was white gold with diamond accents and usually a black cord. A few of them are still around and what Mucklow has done for some clients is convert the watch into a bracelet, replacing the watch movement with a sapphire and the black cord with gold chain.

Other ways to modernize jewelry involve different settings, different shapes and color combinations. It can be hard to say exactly what makes a piece look old or new, but "something that's well made, of quality, will always be more or less in fashion," Mucklow says.

When Mucklow works on a piece of jewelry, he gives the jewelry new life--revives and rebuilds it for the next generation. He explains, "We're called on a lot to restore a piece that's been in a family a long time and needs some love and attention to prepare it to be used for the next generation. That's how we approach the business of jewelry."

A rewarding aspect of his job is being able to give something precious back to his clients and their families. "We take our role very seriously in that we're not just here to sell things," he says. "We're here to help people find the perfect symbol for an important time in their lives."

Looking through photos of jewelry he's worked on, Mucklow says, "Seeing old pieces is like seeing my old friends." He explains that jewelry has two major aspects: the intrinsic value--or value based on the market and price of metals and stones--and the sentimental value. Mucklow focuses on the sentimental value, especially for the makeover pieces. He has always strived to uphold the value a customer places on his or her jewelry and to teach that value to his daughters.

He recalls when his youngest daughter brought a piece to him one day that she thought was worthless. "Wait a second!" he said, "Let's talk for a second." He wanted her to understand that she had to take into account the background of that family. It didn't matter what she saw in the piece--no matter what the intrinsic value was, it had to be treated as precious.

Allan Vigil Ford of Fayetteville

Shopping for a car does not have to be stressful. Stay close to home and stop in at Allan Vigil Ford in Fayetteville for a true hometown family atmosphere. The staff can help you with whatever you need--sales, service, collision, parts or rental.

President and owner Allan Vigil built the business to become Georgia's largest Ford dealer by providing a comfortable, hassle free auto buying experience. His loyal customers appreciate the outstanding service and refer their friends and family to Allan Vigil Ford.

The privately-owned dealership is truly a family business, with Mike Vigil having assumed the position of Vice-President. Mike grew up in the dealership and worked in many areas. He joined the dealership management full time after graduating from Lynn University. Like his father, Mike is committed to upholding the company's reputation for great service and customer satisfaction.

The Queen's Jewels

Founded by Jan Hipp in 2005, The Queen's Jewels offers commitment, experience and expertise and is building lifetime relationships with their customers. Located in Tyrone, the store provides top-notch, high quality jewelry and collectibles at affordable prices.

Visit and marvel at their superb selection. Artist-crafted and nature-inspired, Galatea jewelry is a Queen's Jewels exclusive. Also available are selections from KC Designs diamond and gold collection, Benchmark wedding bands and engagement rings, ESQ Swiss watches and timepieces, the Stuller & Paspaley pearl collection and Barry Stein Collection of unique carvings and sculptures.

They provide outstanding service, including consultation, custom design, jewelry repair, watch repair and battery services--even corporate service for your business.

Wild Birds Unlimited

There's little more relaxing and interesting than watching birds from your window--and it doesn't take much to attract them. Stop in at Wild Birds Unlimited in Peachtree City and check out their selection of bird feeders, birdhouses, quality seed blends and books. They even have garden accessories and statuary to help beautify your yard.

Owners Bobby and Audrey Harrelson say they love talking with their customers about the birds they've encountered and encourage them to bring in photos and share with the other hobbyists that gather at Wild Birds Unlimited.

Foxxhollow Antiques & Uniques

Downtown Senoia is the perfect place to stroll with friends, grab a cup of coffee or ice cream cone and shop. Make it a point to drop in and browse Foxxhollow Antiques & Uniques. You'll find beautiful, one-of-a-kind items for your home, like hand painted cottage furniture. They also have stunning sterling silver jewelry for gifts--or for yourself.

Especially for Brides

Rachel Mucklow has joined her father's business as the new face of bridal jewelry at Mucklow's Fine Jewelry. She brings an intuition to the job--after all, she's been around jewelry her whole life--as well as an experienced designer's eye.

After graduating from the University of Georgia with a major in Fashion Merchandising, she studied fashion in London and did an internship in New York City with a textile manufacturer designing swimwear and intimate apparel.

Rachel knows fashion and jewelry; she also knows her customers--in many cases, personally--and what they need. She understands that bridal jewelry is an important part of a couple's life. The engagement ring, the wedding bands, the pieces a bride wears down the aisle--all of these are outward symbols of love and commitment.

Just over two years ago, Rachel was involved in the planning stages of her own wedding and she brings what she learned to an industry that can be as unyielding and difficult as a diamond.

The emotional and financial commitments and decisions of her clients are important to her. Rachel explains, "At Mucklow's, we try to educate and be supportive through this experience."

She wants people to know that they can trust her and that she stands behind her work. Rachel's goal is to help the customers make the best decision for themselves and to be confident in their purchases.

Mucklow's offers a wide selection of bridal merchandise in the store and, she adds, "If you don't see just what you want, my dad can always design it."

The Avenue ­ A Distinctive Shopping Experience

In contrast to a mall shopping trip, The Avenue Peachtree City is an open-air, pedestrian friendly center. It appeals to the discriminating, and often time-constrained, shopper looking for high quality merchandise in a convenient setting.

A culmination of function and art, the Avenue projects share many common characteristics including distinctive architecture, beautifully appointed design features, heavy landscaping, bronze sculptures, background music, upscale merchants, outdoor pedestrian plazas and convenient storefront parking. This specialty center combines premier national retailers, select local merchants and specialty restaurants so you can shop, stroll, listen and dine for a full shopping experience.

The Avenue has special programs for shoppers, like The Avenue A-list member rewards program which offers shoppers special discounts, promotions and unique privileges, on-site Weekend Ambassadors to direct and assist customers, and Avenue Visa Gift Cards which are available for purchase in the on-site management office located between Ici Paris Salon and the ThaiSpice restaurant.

The Avenue offers seasonal entertainment--a weekly Summer Concert series in the park runs from June through
August, Halloween Trick-or-Treating scheduled on Saturday, October 28, 3-5pm, and various holiday performances throughout the property, like strolling carolers and musical performances. Visit www.theavenuealist.com for current information.

There are now six Avenues operating in four states--Georgia, Florida, California and Tennessee. In addition to The Avenue Peachtree City, there are two other Avenues operating in Georgia--The Avenue East Cobb and The Avenue West Cobb. The Avenue Webb Gin, in suburban Atlanta's Gwinnett County, will be completed in August 2006.

Cousin's Properties, Inc. is pleased to have among its premier group of retailers Gap, Banana Republic, Talbots, Williams-Sonoma, Ann Taylor, The Bombay Company, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Chico's, Coldwater Creek and many more.