Valentine’s Day is coming. What better reason for a new bauble—or to spruce up an already beloved one? At Talisman Collection Fine Jewelers, owners Brett and Adriana Sargent, who took over in 2024, bring their knowledge as well as their passion for service and connection to a shop that has a longtime reputation for excellence. “We are essentially a one stop shop for all your jewelry needs,” says Brett Sargent, who answered a few questions about Talisman for us.
What makes your shop unique compared to other jewelers in the area?
We are a full-service fine jeweler with a complete bench jeweler shop inside the store. We do all repairs and adjustments, and we offer anything related to jewelry—couture designers, custom jewelry design, engagement and wedding rings, anniversary gifts, appraisals, and consignment items.
What types of jewelry or services do you specialize in?
Our specialty is anything bridal/engagement/anniversary related, along with custom jewelry design. We have designers on staff that can turn your imagination into reality and also repurpose older pieces into something newer and more fashionable. Another specialty/service is full repair on-site. You can even watch our master goldsmith of 40 years work on timeless fine jewelry pieces live!
What styles or pieces are popular for Valentine’s Day?
Popular jewelry centers on symbols of love such as hearts, diamonds (especially studs, which are always classic, and tennis bracelets), and pearls; also personalized items such as initial necklaces, birthstones, stackable rings, and gold and platinum being favored metals for timeless pieces.
If someone is unsure of their partner’s style, what will help them pick the right piece?
Clues may be what they “like” on social media, styles of jewelry they currently wear, or what is trending in market.
What are some timeless jewelry choices that always make great gifts?
Necklaces and earrings tend to be great choices, as they typically do not result in resizing and usually are not “heavy wear” pieces. Gold, silver, platinum along with diamonds and precious gems always seem to go up in price, and diamonds and precious metals are classic, constantly in fashion. Many people are drawn toward lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, but they do not hold their value as well as natural diamonds and gemstones, which are mined and come from the earth in the form they are created.
Are there any mistakes people commonly make when buying jewelry for a partner?
Getting jewelry not constructed to the lifestyle of the individual wearing it is one of the biggest. How active are they? The second part is understanding what the jewelry is intended for. Is it designed to be worn every day, or for special occasions? Many times, jewelry is meant to have meaning—many precious gems have meanings surrounding birthdays, anniversaries, etc. What importance will it have to the individual receiving it?
How has the value of gold changed over the past few years?
One year ago gold was about $2,500 (per ounce); today it is almost $4,250, a 70% increase! Silver is up almost 100%. In the jewelry business, retailers purchase jewelry or have jewelry made that is cost-based on the price of gold, silver, and platinum at the time it is made. Jewelry that was purchased a few years ago is at a cost level much less than purchasing it today. Some jewelers have repriced their jewelry to reflect current market values. At Talisman Collection, we price our jewelry at the cost we have paid for it, so jewelry we purchased last year is a considerable deal compared to something of similar style that is sourced today. Our store is full of such treasures and deals. Not only is purchasing jewelry a few years old a beautiful heirloom to acquire, but also an investment because you are getting it at a cost from when it was made much less expensively.
Meet Brett and Adriana
Brett and Adriana Sargent purchased the Talisman Collection Fine Jewelers in 2024, bringing their background in fine and period jewelry to the EDH community. “I was involved in jewelry at a young age with my parents being antique dealers,” says Brett. “I was exposed to Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Retro Era styles.” Adriana enjoys all aspects of fine jewelry and brings her eye for design to the business. Together, they’re continuing Talisman’s tradition as a full-service jewelry shop with a reputation for maintaining personal connections and the highest-quality inventory.
We have designers that can turn your imagination into reality. Another specialty/service is full repair on-site. You can even watch our master goldsmith of 40 years work on timeless fine jewelry pieces live!