Nicole Gorman and her mother, father and brother own I. Gorman Jewelers, a store that has been in Farragut North for 28 years and recently moved across the street from its original 20th Street Northwest location.
Why did you decide to move the store?
We outgrew our small, old space, and we wanted something that would fit more with the design of our jewelry. The new space is more open, more spacious and more contemporary.
How did your family get started in the jewelry business?
My mom and dad were the only ones working in it for many years. My mom’s family was Art of Melart Jewelers, which is a big chain with several branches around the area. My dad worked for Melart for 15 years and decided to open his own store with my mom in the early ’80s.
What’s your favorite thing about working at the store?
No day is the same — there’s so much to learn in the industry. Every customer brings in a new challenge and a new way of looking at things.
You have a separate men’s department — why?
We realize that men are pretty much neglected in this industry, so we wanted to change that and really represent a nice selection for them. It’s not just cuff links anymore. We have necklaces, we have great rings, we have belts, we have pins that can be converted into pendants, we have earrings for men and great bracelets. Men are definitely responding, and they’re appreciating that we’re thinking of them.
What’s the most popular item you sell?
Our most popular is bridal — engagement rings or weddingbands. Saturdays is all bridal — it’s all couples coming in to get their wedding rings together or shopping for engagement rings.
Do men tend to shop for engagement rings with their girlfriends or alone?
It’s usually a little more solo, but, definitely, as the years progress more, more couples are coming in together.
