8/9/2019 Classic Facets

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After 25 years in business,

Classic Facets owner Mikki

Rainey deserved a celebration,

particularly since her stores

April anniversary just happens

to fall on her birthday.We had a little party, and then I went home

and went to bed, says Rainey, chortling.This is the laughter of a woman who has seen it

all as a local business owner booms, busts,elation and heartbreak and has come out on theother side loving her line of work more than ever.

I have the best job, she enthuses. I used tosell consignment clothing; now I sell diamonds.Its a lot easier to lift a tiny bag of diamonds!

Out pours that infectious laugh again.

This is a rags-to-riches story literally. ClassicFacets started as a second-hand clothing storenamed BG Raggs. Located on Walnut Street inBoulder, the shop didnt attract much foot traffic.But its setting wasnt the only thing holding itback. When Rainey bought the store in 1985,reinvention was the first item on her to-do list.

It was a very conservative store at the time,explains Rainey. And I am absolutely not aconservative person. Nor was the era. Thesewere the big hair, big drama 80s, and Rainey had

a gut feeling that glitz was going to be the nextbig thing. She asked her mother a Buffalo, N.Y.,resident and garage sale pro to seek out somerhinestones from the 50s. When the baublesarrived, they were more popular than Raineyanticipated. Customers not only snapped them up,they started bringing in their own costume jewelryfor consignment. That was the beginning of theend of the clothing part of the business.

One name change and two moves later, andClassic Facets had become the antique and vintagejeweler on Pearl Street that locals continue toflock to today. The store is bursting withtreasures: more than 20,000 pieces fromconsignors in 37 states and 10 countries. Aportion of the inventory harkens back to thestores rhinestone origins, but the majority of it isfine jewelry from the 1700s through the 1950s.

Every piece has a story of its own, having beenpassed down through generations. Each one isalso authentic, having been approved by Raineyas well as her store manager, who is a gemologistand certified appraiser of antique jewelry.

I turn down about 99 percent of what I see,says Rainey. At least once a week, somebodycomes in with their grandmas antique diamondring. And I have to tell them, Maybe its yourgrandmas, but its not antique and its not adiamond. People dont realize that grandmas goshopping ... a lot of times at QVC.

Classic Facets only accepts genuinely old jewelryin ready-to-sell condition. Having paperwork for apiece is a plus, says Rainey, but everything isindependently graded on the premises regardless.And I have to like it, she adds with a grin. TheNo. 1 question is, Is it pretty?

This combination of authenticity and aestheticsdrives Classic Facets success. It is the mostpopular source of antique diamond engagementrings in the region. It is home to a slew of cameos,pearls and gems of every color and size. It

showcases filigree, Victorian, Georgian,Edwardian and Art Deco items, as well as somethat defy category.

We recycle not just jewelry, but happiness,says Rainey. Jewelry represents happy times.

One of Raineys current favorites is a piece of hairjewelry a watch chain thats to be worn across thetummy, made from a combination of a mans wifeand daughters hair. Hanging from the band is a rock

crystal fob and a two-sided locket with a picture ofhis wife and daughter. Rainey acknowledges thatsomething so unusual may never sell, but shesenchanted by the premise of hair jewelry in generaland this piece in particular.

People would brush their hair, 100 strokesevery night, and then they would put it in aspecial container. When they had enough, theywould make something to give as a gift, she

explains. It was a very special gift because it wasa part of you, very symbolic. I love that idea.Gift giving is a large part of the jewelry

business, of course, and the Classic Facets staffwork hard to facilitate the process. The shop isstocked with notepads that read, Dear Honey,

Just go to Classic Facets and get, followed by ablank list from 1 to 5, number 5 beingAnything. Those little pieces of paper comeback time and time again, says Rainey. Thoughshe also advocates instant gratification.

Everybody needs a to me, from me present,

she asserts. I always tell women to buy their ownjewelry. There are no strings attached.

Then she laughs and laughs.

Classic Facets is located at 942 Pearl St. inBoulder. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday10 a.m.-ish to 5:30 p.m.-ish and Sunday noon-ish to5 p.m.-ish (This isnt some corporate firm, quipsRainey.). For more information, visitwww.classicfacets.com, e-mail info@classicfacets.comor call 303.938.8851.

Classic Facets Celebrates 25 Yearsof Recycling Happiness

By Lulu Tupper

JONATHAN

CASTNER

0 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010 CAMERA BUSINESS PLUS...