service, service, service

Retail jewelry is by nature service-intensive. Yes, you are more often than not selling an object (be it a diamond, gemstones, or finished piece), but the technical nature of jewelry requires a serious service commitment.

Take selling a ring for example.

I cannot count how many times, when a customer is ordering a ring from us, that the size they provide us for their out-of-town sweetie is completely wrong, courtesy of a jeweler who either didn't take the time to properly determine the correct size, or simply didn't know how to do so! Of course, we only figure this out on the back-end of the transaction...

So, if so much expertise must go into the simple act of sizing a finger, why not spend a few more minutes each day getting that gemological training so you can perform appraisals of which you're proud, or identify "mystery stones" for customers, so that you might end up getting some custom work?

Here is a list of Alara's service offerings:

custom jewelry design

Ahhh, yes…the special feeling that comes from being made for us. This is an intimate interaction in many cases, involving a tremendous amount of communication between the “lucky one” and the Alara designers and staff. The proper communication on the front end guarantees no disappointments or surprises when the finished piece is presented upon completion.

At Alara, we will spend all the time you need to bring you to your comfort level. And we’re professional enough to know when the custom jewelry design process just isn’t quite right for your personality type, and we will try to accommodate you a different way.

All that aside, there are a number of custom design concepts we offer:

complete custom

This is about you, you, nothing but you. We are here to guide you through the intricacies of aesthetics, but we are trying to “build something from the ground up” for you. We’ll start with the gems and diamonds of your dreams and work our way towards a finished design. In addition to getting all the gem and diamond education you want, and helping you hand-select those stones, we will present you with a professional “Design Proposal,” which outlines all the details of your job before we embark upon actually creating it.

custom remounts

So, you already have diamonds and gems, but you really hate how they’re mounted? Grandma’s taste not the same as yours? We’re here to help you bring out the beauty in those baubles! We have picture upon picture of “before” and “after” photos…and don’t be surprised that many of the “befores” are from local jewelers who “missed the mark” on the first go-round! By presenting you with a professional “Design Proposal” before we start any actual crafting, nothing is ever forced on you that isn’t exactly as it was promised.

historic reproduction

With seven years of training under her belt, our founder was exposed to more than her faire share of jewelry history education. As a consequence, she is well-versed in the features of the various period styles. Additionally, as a former diamond dealer, she has ready access to all the diamonds (and reproduction cutters) needed to properly execute a period piece of your dreams.

Art Deco is a design period that featured high-precision, technical pieces…Babs has one two Art Deco jewelry design awards. At the time she won a French competition, she was the first American to date to have done so.

The Edwardian period is the one that featured all that lovely filigree-work that is enjoying such a resurgence today. Alara produces Edwardian reproduction pieces on a regular basis, bringing the beauty of yesterday into the future.

corporate award jewelry

When Home Depot wanted corporate jewelry designed, who did the Southwest regional manager turn to? Alara’s founder, Babs Noelle.

Whether you want something that is reminiscent of a class ring in design, or are seeking an unusual treatment of your company logo that your team will actually wear, you really should give us a shout. Our manufacturing capabilities are expansive, so don’t be concerned we can’t handle it, and handle it quickly if necessary.

jewelry appraisal

Whether for insurance purposes, estate purposes, fair market value, or sheer curiosity, a professional appraisal is the only way to have accurate information on the current value and quality of your jewelry and gems.

Definitely the most common reason for having jewelry appraised is for the purposes of insuring it. No, your jewelry is not automatically covered under your homeowner’s insurance—you must procure a “rider” in order to specifically insure items of high value, such as jewelry, art, and collectibles.

So, looking to protect the “family jewels?” Set a jewelry appraisal appointment today! We prefer if you stay during the appraisal process, and you should allot approximately 30 minutes per piece on average.

Wondering what that gem is your Aunt Myrtle left to you, and are willing to pay for a real, professional evaluation? Call us to set an appointment for gem identification.

diamond and gem consultation

Internet info getting you confused? Your friends have conflicting advice? Do you want to talk to a real person?

We don’t blame folks for being skeptical. There sure are a lot of varying opinions on diamonds and gems; and if you’re gathering that information from folks who are actually trying to sell you the stuff, you should expect there to be a conflict of interest.

So, we offer something that comes with no strings attached, because you will pay us for it.

For the same hourly fee as our jewelry appraisal services, you can set an appointment with a graduate gemologist for a consultation on diamonds and/or colored gemstones. At the end of the appointment, we won’t even ask if you want us to sell you a stone!

This is great for the person who is seeking as much information as possible, without having to read volumes on the topic. Imagine boiling down two years of gemological training to those tidbits of info that will actually be the most useful to you. Obviously, you still won’t possess the knowledge of a Graduate Gemologist, but you can certainly garner the information that best suits you.

corporate gift selection

Okay, so you’re one of those generous boss types. But, perhaps you’ve noticed that your staff doesn’t seem to really dig the gifts you bestow upon them…

Do you have literally 5 minutes to tell us about each of the employees that are special to you? We have a quick questionnaire, which can be administered by phone or email, that will help us make you the hero. We’re here to help—just give us a jingle.

antique and estate jewelry searches

Shucky-darn, we’ve been doing this a long time. We know folks. Lots of folks. Folks in the antique and estate jewelry business.

Is there a particular piece you are wanting? Maybe your sister got it when grandma passed, and you wish you were the lucky one? Yeah, we might be in a small town, but for Alara the jewelry world is our oyster. We can find it for you.

precious metal recycling

As one of our many efforts to be as green as possible, we now produce 100% of our in-house jewelry from recycled precious metal only. We do a lot of our refining in-house, so if you want your precious metal refined and returned to you in pure form, or worked into new pieces, we’re your first stop!

ear piercing

Perhaps the thought of having someone in their teens pierce your ears makes you a wee bit tense. No worries, we are ready, willing, and able to pierce your ears.

We use the only fully encapsulated sterile ear piercing products in the world. This means the earrings are completely enclosed and sterile during the entire ear piercing process.

And, with so many completely hypoallergenic, pure titanium and nickel-free stainless steel earrings in stock to replace your original “piercing” earrings, you can be assured that the healing process on those new piercings will continue to be safe and without irritation.

nonprofit fundraising jewelry

Perhaps you’ve noticed a number of nonprofit organizations in the area who have turned to us for the purposes of creating jewelry that will serve as an ongoing fundraising effort for them: Thrive, The Museum of the Rockies, and the Downtown Bozeman Association.

We’re easy to work with, and have an endless string of ideas to help your organization raise more money!

diamond and colored gemstone recutting

Oopsy—you chipped your stone. Have no fear. We have the connections, we have the know-how, and we’ll treat your gem like it were our own.