New product lines, brisk sales and a second location have been the highlights for Selman’s Jewelers-Gemologists this year.
Owners Lamar and Betsy Murrell and their daughter Kristin Ratliff run the store at 1311 Delaware Ave. in McComb with six other employees.
The Murrells are marking their 27th year at the store, which they bought in 1985. Charles Selman was the original owner, opening the business in 1945.
The Murrells are no strangers to the jewelry business. Lamar’s grandfather opened Murrell Jewelers in Amite, La., in 1947. And Lamar is one of three American Gem Society-certified gemologists and appraisers in Mississippi.
Murrell said the sluggish economy has not affected sales. “Considering nationwide how down the economy has been, we have had a good year,” he said. “We continue to get new customers from all around southwest Mississippi.”
In fact, Selman’s recently opened a second store, Facets, which is located at District 51 between McComb and Summit on Highway 51.
“We are growing, and opening District 51 has been a positive for us,” Betsy Murrell said. “Our customers have been great and support us at both locations. Life is good.”
Selman’s also will have a booth at Mistletoe Marketplace in Jackson, which began today and runs through Saturday.
“We will be representing Pike County this week,” Ratliff said. “We have applied several times and not gotten accepted, but this year we were.”
Selman’s business is not limited to fine jewelry. The store offers a wide array of fashionable jewelry, costume jewelry and gifts.
“Mom and I go to New York twice a year and purchase the best affordable, trendy jewelry we can find to enhance our selection of both fine and fashion jewelry,” Ratliff said.
On-site customer service after the purchase includes watch and jewelry repair, engraving, bead and pearl restringing and eyeglass repair, as well as appraisals.
The store will engrave Christmas gifts through Dec. 7. Engraving for items purchased from Selman’s is included in the price.
For the bride to be, Selman’s has brand-name bridal antique-style reproduction engagement rings, wedding rings, along with diamond pendants and earrings.
Bertucci watches are a hot new item for men in this Christmas. “These watches start at $59.95 and make great Christmas gifts for any dad, son or granddad,” Ratliff said. “They hold up very well and come with nylon or leather bands you can change out.”
Other ideal gifts for men are gold engravable money clips and cuff links.
New items this holiday season include Pandora beads and rings, Mississippi Skosh necklaces and recycled aluminum jewelry.
Selman’s has a selection of children’s rings, necklaces and bracelets. Customers can also purchase religious jewelry, chains, pins and broaches, bracelets, earrings, pendants and necklaces.
Waxing Poetic jewelry also is a top seller. “In addition to our usual Waxing Poetic chains, we have added some new ones this year,” Ratliff said. “Monogrammed jewelry is also coming back in style and we have some nice pendants that start at $75.”
Tervis tumblers are a nice gift for college sports fans. They keep beverages at ideal temperatures and can be customized with LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Southern Miss logos.
Selman’s also has beautiful clocks and jewelry boxes, as well as pea-pod jewelry, sterling silver, aprons, dish towels and Floral 7 vases.
Selman’s will give away a pair of one-carat earrings on Christmas Eve. Ratliff said customers must come into the store to register for the drawing. On Dec. 18, Selman’s will have a trunk show in which customers may view Mignon-Faget jewelry from New Orleans.
“We have something for everyone,” Ratliff said. “We have jewelry that starts at $20 and pieces that range from $5,000 and up.
Other employees are bench jeweler Chris Richardson, bench jeweler and sales associate Charlie Ford and sales associate and watch-maker Tom Weber. Other sales associates include Hollie Steele, Kaitlin Nettles and Kristina Rayborn.
Store hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit www.selmansjewelers.com, or call 684-1517.
