Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. And believe it or not, it’s been more than 70 years since Marilyn Monroe made that line iconic; her phrasing and savoir faire embedding the line from a pop song by Jewel Styne and Leo Robin into the heart of American popular culture, to the extent many still consider the phrase today when considering a diamond purchase.
Certainly, times have changed, and Monroe’s vernacular hasn’t aged that well in the age of equality and justice. But we can reclaim the phrase, repurposing it to our modern city lifestyles while preserving its intrinsic, inimitable meaning. How’s this: Diamonds are a businesswoman’s best friend. That can also apply to the people who do their diamond shopping at Harris Jewelers.
It’s certainly the case regarding Janelle Mead, the owner of Harris Jewelers, a locally owned and prestigious gem house in Albuquerque. Mead’s husband, John Thomas Mead, owns his own diamond joint, John Thomas Jewelers. Together, they have fashioned a formidable enterprise. Harris Jewelers is considered one of the world’s foremost diamond agents in an ever-expanding world market.
Janelle told her story to us here at Albuquerque City Lifestyle, touching upon the details that have made her story and her business notable.
Albuquerque City Lifestyle Magazine: Janelle, you’re known far and wide for your involvement in the world diamond community. What’s your story?
Janelle Mead: I was born and raised in New Mexico; I went to La Cueva High School and then UNM. I love it here. My husband and I had been running John Thomas Jewelers, but about four years ago, the owners of Harris Jewelers wanted to get together with us for dinner. We met, and they told us that they were getting ready to retire. They also wondered if we were interested in buying Harris Jewelers.
That must have been an exciting opportunity! What happened next?
Well, we sat down with them — we knew them, of course, from working in the diamond industry, where they had been competitors — and had a nice conversation. We decided to take them up on their offer and became the owners of Harris Jewelers
That acquisition added to your storied involvement with gems and jewelry in Albuquerque; how did that part of your story begin?
I started in the jewelry industry in Albuquerque when I was 16. There was a little shop in town back then called Expressions in Gold. I started part-time there, though I didn’t know anything about jewelry, nothing about diamonds and gemstones, not to mention repairs and custom work. But I learned quickly. It was fun, exciting, and I fell in love with the industry. While I was still in high school, I became the manager of Expression in Gold, and then bought the store a few years later, when I was 24 years old. It was a really cool shop, up in the heights by San Mateo and Osuna. We did a lot of business in the area of jewelry repair, so taking on the store at 24 was a lot. I had six jewelers working under me, as well as an experienced sales team. You don’t know what you’re getting into when you’re young, but we were successful. Those experiences shaped me into the person I am today.
Can you tell our readers about that process?
After Expressions in Gold, I took a break and went back to UNM for my teaching degree. I really enjoyed teaching, but I missed the jewelry business; it’s very special to me. After my husband opened his own jewelry store, after a couple of years, I joined him. We grew the business together. That’s why I was just a little hesitant when Mark and Karen from Harris Jewelers approached us. But it’s been awesome for everyone involved; it’s been a really successful endeavor. I love the location in Rio Rancho, I love our customers, and I love our store. We’re the largest independently owned jewelry store in New Mexico, and we have this huge showroom because we want to be everyone’s jeweler. We have jewelry for everyone … everything from watches and bracelets to rings!
One of the notable aspects of your involvement with Harris Jewelers involves your engagement with the European market in the matter of crafting unique pieces for your clientele. What are some of the details in that regard?
Twice per year, we go to Antwerp, Belgium, to hand-select diamonds for our clients. It’s a privilege to go; it’s by invitation only. Antwerp is the oldest diamond trading center in the world. There are diamond brokers there working on massive wholesale transactions. So, inviting a retail business to participate on that level is a real honor that we’ve earned through our membership in the Independent Jewelers Association. More importantly, though, it gives our clients access to diamonds that are unforgettable. We go through boxes and boxes of excellent gems and then buy the best diamonds at the best prices for our customers. The selection in Belgium is incredible, and we include our clients in the process. We really feel like that enhances the experience people have when they shop with us.
How do the good citizens of Albuquerque, and beyond, get with you all to bring beautiful jewelry into their lives? How can they make diamonds their best friends?
A phone call or a text is always welcome! A lot of people visit our website; that’s a good place to start. Our website features all of our many areas of interest, including estate jewelry — vintage jewelry that we’ve acquired over the years. And we do have an expansive and beautiful showroom, so we encourage people to stop by and experience all that we have to offer in person.
Harris Jewelers is at 909 36th Pl, Suite A, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Their phone number is 505.892.3841, and their website is harrisjewelersnm.com.