Geri Cronier, Gemologist and Design Specialist along with her partner, Hal Hollman, purchased the Pensacola landmark, Beasley Jewelers & Design in March. Cronier brings with her 25 years of experience from growing up in her family’s Alabama jewelry store. She wanted to continue that atmosphere while keeping the Beasley history intact as she brought her own style and experience to the iconic Pensacola jewelry store. A diverse staff now includes a newly hired 18-year-old and team members who worked decades with John Beasley, the former owner. When the sale closed, all employees were invited to keep their jobs as long as they wanted to work. They all stayed.
Cronier was a shy child with a speech impediment and her mother recognized her ability to see beauty in everyone and everything. Her mother encouraged her to speak up and share the good she observed in others. Cronier found her voice as someone who helps others to design jewelry for themselves–a docent through design processes.
Cronier declares “This is what I’m supposed to do.” Sitting at her design/therapy table is the place magic happens. Together, she and her clients work through the emotion of losing someone, divorce, tradition, familial history, and life connections all bound up in a handful of stones. “Shopping here isn’t about acquiring things. It’s about changing mood. Its figuring out what others want or love. It’s helping others discover their love for design,” she explains.
Beasley’s prices range from just $75 for genuine Swarovski crystal earrings to the sky’s the limit custom designed pieces. Popular choices include the longstanding Beasley’s Estate Collection, stack bands, tailored bridal choices, craftsman and many top designers including Doves Jewelry by Doron Paloma, Lafonn, Goldman Kolber and Allison Kaufman. Cronier can customize these pieces, have designs personalized for clients, or bring entirely new creations to life. She searches for the perfect balance of metal, stones, and diamonds to make jewelry for everyday wear. Her goal isn’t to be super fancy or to intimidate customers into spending more than they can afford; she often repurposes pieces customers have in their jewelry boxes already.
Cronier noted that today, women are purchasing jewelry for themselves and each other to celebrate graduations, special occasions, the birth of children, professional milestones, to mark the sale of a business, or close of an estate. Women purchase a piece of jewelry as a totem of thankfulness.
It’s long been accepted that precious and semi-precious stones possess healing qualities. That concept takes on a new dimension in the selection of TourmaLove Wellness Wraps®, scarves infused with particles of tourmaline. In addition to making a fashion statement, the wraps are reported to relieve pain, reduce anxiety, enhance serenity and wellbeing, and support the immune system. Hollman added the wraps to Beasley’s inventory because of his research as a wellness coach and his work with a special needs relative.
Cronier’s journey to Pensacola began when she discovered members of her family living in Pensacola with differently-abled kids that were thriving. Cronier’s 11-year-old son, Max, is on the Autism spectrum; she saw an opportunity for Max to receive services for a successful transition into manhood in a supportive community. Cronier is an advocate for the excluded and has a vision for training differently- abled people in jewelry design and sales, creating jobs and purpose for them. She is grateful to be in Pensacola where her son and her professional life can both flourish.
The public is invited to a Christmas open house November 12, 4-7PM to enjoy refreshments, jewelry giveaways, and meet the new owners. Take advantage of the opportunity to create an in-store wish list at 875 E. 9 Mile Rd, Suite 11, or visit the website at www.BeasleyJewelers.com
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