By Terra Avilla
I write this week’s article, as I look at the beautiful, sparkling ring on my wedding finger. The simple diamond band that I always wanted. The ring Frankie bought from Sierra Jewelry Company years ago. I remember when he proposed to me with it.
I love my husband, but a jewelry connoisseur he is not. How had he managed to pick out the exact ring I wanted? He, like many a man before him, had help of course. A customized ring made with love from Lassen County’s Sierra Jewelry Company.
Every time I look at my ring and reminisce over those feelings of excitement and joy I felt when he proposed flash through my head. The notion that one day I’ll give the ring to my daughter to wear, or how Frankie fidgets with it when he holds my hands, always makes me smile when I look at it.
Moreover, I also am reminded about the beautiful people who made it – the McBroomes from Sierra Jewelry Company.
Sherrel, Darren McBroome and their shop will always have a connection to this wonderful little blip into my life. I think about the countless other men and women who have that special piece of jewelry, one that is so much more important to them that the monetary value of the silver or gold, and I know I am not alone with my sentiments about this very special store, located in the heart of uptown Susanville.
If you have never been in the store let me tell you, every piece of jewelry is stunning. They definitely do not sell ‘cookie cutter jewelry’ which you would find at the mall, which every other person has. These pieces, in and of themselves, are exquisite. However, the people behind the business are the real priceless jewels of the store, and in our community.
Darren McBroome, a retired Corrections Officer, shows his support in the community in a variety of ways. The poor guy even got suckered into being on a non-profit board with me. They are continually pumping money and donations worth thousands of dollars back into our community. Sports programs, K9 support, Holiday with A Hero, you name it.
I first met the McBroomes when I was asking for a donation for the policeman’s ball five years ago. Sierra Jewelry Company was one of our very first main sponsors of that event which fed into what is now Holiday with A Hero. Without their help, those events would not have near the success that they have had.
Every year, when I go into the shop to request a donation Sherry cheerily peruses her store, picking out beautiful items for us to auction. One year, after picking out a men’s watch and two pendant necklaces, she cheerfully looked in the jewelry case, and said, “Hmm what else would people like?” I told her she had donated more than enough (the items totaled over $1,000 in value) and she said, “Well, it’s for the kids!” as she continued to pick out items to donate.
This year the store was asked to host a Toys for Tot’s collection bin, which I’m, 99% percent sure Sherry stuffed herself – twice. That is just the type of people that they are.
Recently she made a blanket for my newborn daughter. When I told her how much I loved the blanket and how much Elena’s older sister loved the blanket – and kept stealing the blanket – she happily made one for big sister Peach too. Just because she is that type of person.
I remember her dropping it off on her way to an appointment for Chemotherapy. I stood in my doorway, I couldn’t help but have adoration for this woman. This strong, courageous, selfless, woman. I told her, “Sherry, this could wait.” She smiled, not worried about herself, just wanting to get Peach a blanket of her own as quickly as she could. My kids love those blankets, and I sure do love the woman who made them.
Watching Darren and Sherry together as a husband and wife team, running a successful business, makes me very proud to live in a town like we do. There is a bond created between the store and the buyer when an individual buys a piece of jewelry. I am so thankful that years ago, Frankie walked into Sierra Jewelry to buy my engagement ring. I can think of no better people to have this lifelong connection with, than Darren and Sherrel McBroome – two of the very reasons I love the place we live.
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