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Mollie’s Candy Store
Customers are treated to diamond and gemstone jewelry made in America at Mollie B Distinctively Different Fine Jewelry in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
By Joyce Kauf
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| Elma Gil |
Mollie Bronstein has a taste for diamonds and gemstones that she shares with customers in her store, Mollie B® Distinctively Different Fine Jewelry in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Assisted by her son Randy Bronstein, the store manager, Bronstein brings a flair for the unique to her selection of jewelry, as original as the diamond bee pin she wears every day.
An octogenarian, Bronstein did not begin her jewelry career until well into adulthood. “My greatest dream was to be creative,” says Bronstein, who originally studied journalism at Temple University in Philadelphia. But marriage and motherhood intervened putting her career plans on hold. However, during this time, she was very active in Jewish charitable organizations, a cause that still remains dear to her. “I was the one in charge of finding ‘creative’ gifts for our fund-raising events, which consisted mostly of costume jewelry,” she recalls. With her eye for attractive pieces and an instinct for what sells, Jewish Women International, formerly B’nai B’rith Women, consistently produced the highest results in the state. “My friends often chided me that I should open my own store,” she says, adding, “But I knew I would only do high-end jewelry.” Still the idea took hold. Bronstein went to work for J.E. Caldwell Jewelers, then the most prestigious jewelry store in Harrisburg.
“Having the keys to the cases in my hand was a thrill each day,” Bronstein recalls, noting that she was given wide latitude that included calling manufacturers directly for specific stones for her customers. But after the store was sold, the new owners imposed much stricter policies along with a reduced commission structure. That “slamming of the door in her face” was the catalyst for Bronstein to take the next step — going out on her own.
The capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg is about 100 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Bronstein’s first venture in 1995 began by renting an extra room in a local beauty salon and putting a shingle out front. “I turned it into a posh living room — all 190 square feet of it,” she notes. A strong advocate of being truthful with customers to establish their trust, Bronstein had cultivated her clients while at J.E. Caldwell and they followed her. The business “grew and grew” and in 2001, Bronstein opened a store along a shopping strip in one of the city’s upscale communities.
“I’m not looking to be the store for everyone in the community. I cater to the customer who appreciates quality and style,” says Bronstein, whose top criteria for selecting a designer is that the product is made in the U.S. “I’m a real stickler on that point,” she insists. Rings, followed by pendants are her top-selling categories. Diamond designs by Elma Gil are strong sellers. “We are also selling more gemstone jewelry set in sterling silver with 14-karat gold and 18-karat gold,” says Bronstein, such as those from her popular designers, William Schraft, Henderson Collection by Lecil and Vahan Jewelry. Colored gemstones such as sapphires — especially pink and green — that are “totally different and usually mounted in silver or white gold,” sell well. Although Bronstein sells bridal, with an average full carat center stone, it is not a “mainstay” of her business. However, when an engagement ring is purchased, “nine times out of ten,” it is part of the tension-mounted collection of Gelin Abaci, another key designer.
Bronstein’s focus on style is reflected in the store decor. The 1,600-square-foot store offers approximately 1,000 square feet of selling space. A recent update bathes the store in an aura of refined elegance, with light-color simulated wood floors, soft lighting, golden-hued display cases and luxurious cream-colored wallpaper featuring golden bees, a symbol synonymous with Napoleon. In a gracious touch, a welcome mat — complete with a bee — greets customers as they enter the store.
Bronstein merchandises jewelry by designer. Following a “rule” that she learned at J.E. Caldwell, Bronstein always shows an odd number of pieces on neck and bracelet stands. Etagères display her collection of Judaica, which she began selling after area synagogues stopped carrying them. She also added giftware to the product mix to provide greater variety to her customers. Her support of local merchants is in evidence as well; a “Buy Local” sign is prominently displayed.
Bronstein may have expanded her product offerings, but she steadfastly emphasizes “a lot of trust, the highest quality merchandise and dedicated customer service.” One of her favorite stories concerns a long-time customer who requested her assistance in designing a tanzanite and diamond pendant for his wife in celebration of their fiftieth anniversary. He also invited Bronstein to the dinner and asked her to reveal the box with the pendant. “It was a magical moment. I was so touched to be a part of their lives and to do what I do. I can’t imagine not coming into the store each day.”Article from the Rapaport Magazine - February 2017. To subscribe click here.
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