Navarra’s JEWELRY & GIFTS

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Navarra’s Jewelry and Gifts opened for business in 1962 when Sammy Navarra opened a full-service jewelry store. His son, Tommy Navarra, says he was fortunate to grow up in the business and work part time there through high school and college. "Upon graduating from Louisiana State University, attended the Gemological Institute of America and received a Graduate Gemologist degree in 1983. I worked with my father for 10 years and gained valuable knowledge before he passed away in 1993.”

Navarra’s Jewelry and Gifts remains a family business. Tommy is the president and owner of Navarra’s. He is involved in selecting jewelry inventory, sales, and administrative decision making. His wife, Pam, graduated from McNeese State University with a degree in Business Education and started working at Navarra’s 23 years ago. She serves in many facets of the business, including administrative, gift items purchasing, and sales.

Their daughter, Melissa Edwards, has worked with them for six years. After she graduated from Louisiana State University, she also received the Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. She specializes in Gemvision jewelry design and computerized engraving along with sales.

Navarra’s has long been known as a premier place to shop for Valentine’s gifts, especially diamond engagement rings. Tommy says engagement rings and wedding bands are a very important part of their business.

“When we sell an engagement ring to a couple, we begin a relationship that can last for generations. Trends change throughout the years, but diamonds are still the most desired stone. White gold has been the most popular choice, but yellow gold is becoming increasingly desired. Customers prefer engagement rings with diamonds in the mounting, but solitaires are still desired.”

For many years, diamonds were only available from the earth’s crust and formed over millions of years by heat and pressure.

Tommy says that with technology today, man can now create diamonds in laboratories.

“It is an amazing process that makes a diamond purchase possible for a customer who may not have the budget for a mined diamond.”Diamond and colored stone bands to go with an engagement ring have also become popular. Multiple bands are called “stackables” and are being worn more often. Navarrra’s also carries a wide range of Mardi Gras gift items. Tommy says Navarra’s is proud to have served Southwest Louisiana for over 60 years. “Our customers, employees, and former employees are a part of our extended family. would like Navarra’s to be remembered for its dedication to quality and service to our customers.”

Navarra’s Jewelry and Gifts is located at 1025 Ryan St., Lake Charles.

Pampering

Giving the gift of self-care is a great way to encourage the one you love to relax and recharge. Manicures, pedicures, spa services, massages and hair care all provide plenty of options to choose from in this category. The best part is that many of these can be enjoyed alone or together as a couple.