Marvelously Wrapped in Joy!
Memories of Schreibman Jewelers
I’m not sure why, but lately, my old life—my life in retail—has been calling to me. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s the pull to share stories from a time when retail felt different, more intentional, more magical. In today’s world of built-in obsolescence and practicality at the expense of beauty, I feel like something has been lost. I’m inspired to tell these stories, and my hope is to inspire you to expect more, to demand more—not just in the things you buy and the stores that you buy them from, but in the experiences you create around them. This is the first of many I think, because 20 years later, they are demanding to be told. Perhaps the time is right. Perhaps we’ve all had enough of feeling shortchanged by the Amazon and internet experience that promises everything overnight, but offers little in the way of magic and beauty. I sadly don’t have pictures, this was the era before cell phones, but my hope is to evoke something even more lasting…your imagination.
The holiday season at Schreibman Jewelers was nothing short of magical. From the day after Thanksgiving, when we transformed the store into a winter wonderland, to the quiet chime of silver bells ringing in acts of generosity, December was a time when the ordinary gave way to something extraordinary.
In the heart of the store was our wrapping room—a place that symbolized the joy and care of the holidays. All year long, it was where bolts of wedding paper, ribbons, and bows created beautiful packages for bridal showers and special gifts. But come the day after Thanksgiving, the wrapping room was transformed. Out went the wedding paper, and in came vibrant holiday designs—reds, greens, silvers, and golds. Ribbons sparkled, bows grew larger, and the counters and floor space quickly filled with exquisitely wrapped packages, ready for pickup or delivery.
It wasn’t just about how much a gift cost—it was about the joy of gifting it. At Schreibman Jewelers, we had price points for everyone, whether you were buying a small token or a grand gesture. What mattered was the experience of finding something truly special. Every customer left feeling like they’d chosen something meaningful, knowing that the time and thought they put into their gift would bring joy to someone else. The magic wasn’t in the price tag but in the care and love infused into every package.
Throughout the season, we made sure our customers felt cared for in every way. Hot mulled cider simmered gently in the air, filling the store with its cozy aroma, alongside the familiar notes of Christmas music. There was always coffee and tea for those who needed a warm moment, and a silver tray of Christmas cookies waited, artfully arranged, offering a sweet treat to accompany the shopping experience. We had Holiday Trifle making demonstrations, and Christmas cookie decorating parties for our customers children. We had Christmas teas in the store and Mrs. Claus made a regular appearance every Saturday. These small touches weren’t just thoughtful—they were an extension of the magic we worked so hard to create.
We also had a rule: no Christmas decorations until Thanksgiving was properly celebrated. While others rushed into the season, we believed in keeping it special, unveiling the magic all at once. When customers walked in the day after Thanksgiving, they entered a transformed world. Trees sparkled, counters were adorned with festive carolers, and the air was alive with the spirit of Christmas. It wasn’t just a shopping experience—it was a celebration of the season, and the wrapping room buzzed with activity, its magic spilling out into every corner of the store.
But the holidays at Schreibman Jewelers weren’t just about beautiful gifts and festive decorations; they were also about giving back. One of the traditions I’m most proud of is our fundraiser for the Cleveland Orchestra. My mother started it in 1963 with a simple yet meaningful idea: selling Reed & Barton silver-plated bells to raise money for the orchestra we so deeply loved. That first year, she sold just over $300 worth of bells, and her pride was palpable. But over time, this little fundraiser became a community tradition.
By the time we closed in 2003, we were donating more than $7,000 each year to the orchestra. Customers returned year after year to purchase the bells, knowing their small contribution was helping preserve the music that made our city shine. Each bell became a symbol of harmony and generosity, its clear chime echoing the spirit of the season. For our family, it was a way to give back, to connect with our community, and to share the belief that beauty and art are essential to our lives.
Looking back, I see how these elements—the wrapping room, the silver bells, and even the cider and cookies—defined the essence of Schreibman Jewelers during the holidays. The wrapping room was where we turned gifts into treasures, each package tied with love and care. The silver bells were where we turned holiday cheer into meaningful impact, each sale a note in the symphony of giving. And the cider, cookies, and music? They were the warmth that brought it all together.
Even now, when I hear the tinkle of a bell, catch the scent of mulled cider, or see a perfectly wrapped package, I’m transported back to those Decembers. To the late nights transforming the store, the joy on customers’ faces, and the warmth of knowing that Schreibman Jewelers wasn’t just selling gifts—it was creating memories and making a difference.
The holidays may look different today, but the lessons remain the same. Celebrate with intention. Give with your heart. And always remember the magic that comes from sharing joy, whether it’s in a beautifully wrapped box, the quiet chime of a silver bell, or the simple gesture of a warm cup of cider on a cold winter’s day.
Oh, and my mother’s English Trifle recipe will be making an appearance here very soon and it is utterly delicious and very easy to make!
