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Back 10/1/2007

A Gem in Washington Crossing

First, ring the doorbell. This is the only way to enter Diana Vincent's Washington Crossing showroom. It is a store with Madison Avenue style, but Bucks County warmth and comfort. Because ringing the doorbell - though it may initially evoke a sense or even fear of elitism - is actually the first step to being welcomed as a friend.

"Jewelry can be very intimidating to many," says Diana Vincent, the 49 year-old co-owner and designer. "We like to make shopping an enjoyable, even educational experience. Its what people are missing when they go to a store at the mall. That's one thing were proud of accomplishing here - making our customers feel like family."

It cannot be denied that the store's warm, light wood and sleek modern design are both chic and appealing. But it is the people who work there, many of whom have worked with Vincent for years, who help create an inviting atmosphere. Even Vincent's rescue dog, Minnie, is there behind the scenes.

Since she began operating Diana Vincent, Inc. out of her father's garage in 1984, Vincent's career has glittered - quite literally. She studied at Temple Universitys Tyler School of Art, and decided to focus on jewelry design because, she says, "I realized that I like things that sparkle." Since then, her pieces have won many awards, been displayed at exhibitions and in museums, and even been featured on television. This year, a poll of industry professionals named Diana Vincent one of the top 100 designers of the last 30 years.

Vincent's jewelry design has a soft fluidity unmatched by any designer in her field. Her pieces evoke a sense of continuity, most notable in the swirling shapes that are characteristic of many of her rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. And, Vincent notes, design doesn't stop with what the eye can see. As she holds up a ring, she points out how the large diamond isn't all shes focused on. "I think that with a piece of jewelry, like a ring, what is wrapped around the finger is just as much a part of the design as the part people can see - the band is part of the design too", she says. "I pay as much attention to the detail of the band as I do to every other part of the ring."

She emphasizes that her focus is on creating art, not following popular culture. "Wearing jewelry is like wearing a piece of art", she said. "It should be beautiful, timeless. I never follow the trends because they go out of style. I like mine to be pieces that will last forever."

To further ensure the quality of her jewelry, all of Vincent's pieces are made in an adjoining workshop. Here, master jewelers take her drawings and inspirations and carefully craft one-of-a-kind accessories. Vincent says it takes extreme precision and talent to set diamonds, rubies and the many other hand-selected precious and semi-precious stones while maintaining a designer's artistic vision.

"There's more than just design involved", she laughs. "There;s the mathematics, too. It takes a lot of skill and precision to be able to fit a certain number of stones into the band of a ring." It is this level of craftsmanship, the originality of her style, and the warmth of the environment that keep people visiting Diana Vincent time after time. Vincent notes that many of her customers have been purchasing jewelry from her since the beginning.

"I have customers who ask me to call them when I design a new piece, because they don't just buy my jewelry to wear it, they own it as an art collection", she says. "I also have long-time customers bring their sons in when its time to purchase engagement rings because they know they won't find the same level of quality and service elsewhere."

When asked about her favorite piece in the store, Vincent laughs. "I get that question a lot," she says. "And the thing is, the piece that Ive most recently designed is my favorite piece in the store."

But the truth is, whichever piece she is asked about brings a smile to her face, an explanation of its inspiration and an invitation to hold it, examine it, and try it on. Because for Vincent, each is truly special, and that is what makes a piece of jewelry worth more than its price tag.

Diana Vincent: Jewelers Designers and Platinumsmiths is located at 1099 General Greene Road and Route 532 in Washington Crossing and can be reached by phone at (800) 283-8759 or visited online at www.dianavincent.com.
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