Michael Fagan, the owner of Williamsburg Jewelers, is hosting a Guest Appreciation Day from 10am to 7pm on Thursday, June 23, at his shop to thank the community for its support.
Fagan will offer discounted merchandise throughout the store for the entire day, but the real fun is slated to take place from 5pm to 7pm. For two hours, the jewelry shop will provide contests, giveaways, door prizes, and a Meet and Greet opportunity with James Curtis, a retired master silversmith who worked at Colonial Williamsburg for more than 40 years.
“We wanted to host a celebration for our customers and thought this was a great opportunity for people to meet Mr. Curtis,” said Fagan. “Mr. Curtis ultimately became the master silversmith for Colonial Williamsburg, and his responsibilities were many, but one of the remarkable responsibilities was to make the gifts that visiting dignitaries and celebrities would receive from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.”
A natural-born storyteller, Fagan said Curtis has countless interesting and entertaining stories of various times he’s had the opportunity to rub shoulders with influential and elite personalities.
Fagan said Curtis crafted items for Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, John Wayne, and roughly have a dozen U.S. presidents.
“When they were in town, it was always his job to make their gifts and talk to them about his craft. He’s kind of a local celebrity and the community loves him,” said Fagan.
Curtis is well known for C-shaped cuff bracelets that he began crafting in 1965 when he began working at Colonial Williamsburg. Fagan said the bracelets are a popular gift item to celebrate births, Mother’s Day, graduations, birthdays, and other special occasions.
“Many generations of Williamsburg residents are wearing Mr. Curtis’ bracelets, from newborn infants to their great-grandmothers,” said Fagan.
Fagan said gifting the bracelets to his own family members is a tradition.
“My 21-year-old wears the very bracelet her mother and I gave her for her first birthday,” said Fagan. “My daughter has actually stretched it open so that it fits her. It’s a little tight, but she’s very sentimental and still wears it after all these years.”
Williamsburg Jewelers will be serving hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, sodas, and water in the evening during the special event.
“We’re looking forward to it and thought this would be a great way to celebrate and do something in appreciation for our customers that we are so thankful for,” said Fagan.
Williamsburg Jewelers specializes in jewelry repair and digital custom design. The shop carries new designer fine jewelry, including Mr. Curtis’ C-shaped cuff bracelets. Currently there are nearly 40 bracelet styles available with prices beginning at $59. The business was recently selected as Coastal Virginia Magazine’s “Best Local Jewelry Store” by its readers.
Those interested in attending the Meet and Greet are asked to RSVP to Events@WilliamsburgJewelers.com to reserve a spot. Williamsburg Jewelers is located at 2023 Richmond Rd., Suite E, in Williamsburg. For more information, please visit the shop’s website, Facebook page, or call 757-206-1100. Normal hours of operation are 10am to 5pm Monday through Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday. The store is closed on Sunday.