With hearts aplenty, a wide variety of custom sets and different mountain-themed pieces to pick from, a new jewelry store in Breckenridge might be just the ticket for last-minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
“We have everything from large pendants to delicate, dainty pieces,” storeowner Jennifer Engel Thompson said. “We try to keep it so that we have something for everybody — from people just coming in to get a little, simple mountain necklace to somebody that really likes to have a nice set that’s unique.”
She’s one-half of the husband-and-wife team that opened Jennifer Engel Designs at 100 S. Main St. Breckenridge on Black Friday — inside the same storefront where J&M Designer Jewelry used to be.
The storeowners, Jennifer and her husband, Adam Thompson, are happy to be here and they take pride in offering handcrafted, affordable pieces made of high-end metals, as they sell pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings, anklets, bridal jewelry and other items.
Everything at the store is handmade and designed by either Jennifer or Adam, so they aren’t importuning any of the pieces. Some of the more popular pieces are made to look like the mountains, aspen leaves or snowflakes, though Jennifer also does a her own unique, custom designs, as well.
Prices typically run from as little as $22 up to $122, making the store a viable option for just about any personal shopper or would-be gift-giver.
“All of the metals that we use are sourced in the USA from five, extremely well-known, good vendors,” Adam added, explaining that with an assortment of different metals, women can pick the color of jewelry they want without prices shooting through the roof.
The store also plays host to bachelorette parties and other events by offering different packages that allow everyone in the party to leave with a unique, ready-to-wear design of their own.
The parties typically range from about five to 15 people and can last anywhere from an hour to an hour-and-a-half, said Jennifer, who also uses her background in the culinary arts to spice up the special events.
“Working with brides is fun for us, and we get to create a magical experience for them with jewelry,” Adam said of the bachelorette parties.
The opening of Jennifer Engel Designs in Breckenridge marks the second store location for the Thompsons, who opened their first in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, about 11 years ago.
The store back East has done well and is now being run by a manager, the Thompsons said. However, as Jennifer explained, Adam grew up in Colorado and she had promised him that they would one day return to his home state. Seeing the opportunity, the couple made good on the plan almost a year ago.
“It’s a very special place for both of us,” Jennifer said of Breckenridge, as it’s where she and Adam began their romance.
The Thompsons, who now have three children ages 5-9, say they are also looking at fundraising efforts for local groups, similar to what they’ve done with their other store back in Pennsylvania.
Talking about how that store has supported a local hospital and other groups in the past, Jennifer said she and Adam would like very much to work with organizations here, too.
She believes the new store can host events featuring things like a jewelry raffle, other fun happenings and support local groups by giving a portion of the proceeds back to the organization. Adam said that many people will buy multiple items and spend $300-$400 in their store, which can produce a nice check for a local nonprofit pretty quickly.
“It’s been amazing to think that I can make jewelry and actually help people,” Jennifer said about holding previous fundraising efforts and her desire to keep doing it in Breckenridge.
For more about the store, go to JenniferEngel.com.