PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
SurveysApr 26, 2017
50 Jewelers/50 States: Alaska
In a new series, National Jeweler is taking the pulse of the nation’s independent jewelers state by state. The second installment features jewelry store Giamante in Anchorage, Alaska.
In a new series, National Jeweler is taking the pulse of the nation’s independent jewelers state by state. Here, we talk with Giamante in Anchorage.
Anchorage, Alaska--Amid the changing and challenging retail environment, the editorial team at National Jeweler wondered how macro trends--from online shopping to serving new generations of shoppers--have affected jewelers in disparate parts of the country.
In order to find out, we decided to launch a new series called 50 Jewelers/50 States, in which we interview one retailer in each of the 50 U.S. states.
The second installment features Giamante jewelry store in Anchorage, Alaska, a fairly new venture from industry veterans and husband-and-wife duo Joseph and Debi Gimeno, who face Alaska’s current economic uncertainties.
National Jeweler: What's the biggest challenge your store is facing?
Joseph Gimeno: It’s very particular to our state. Right now, because of the oil industry leaving Alaska, we are in a major recession and we’re doing OK, but we have to deal with a new economic scenario, which is affecting most businesses and leading to a lot of unemployment.
Oil was a major provider of jobs and money in Alaska. The challenge is adapting to the state’s new economic outlook over the last year and a half.
NJ: What’s the top-selling item or brand at your store?
JG: Definitely engagement rings. For brands, Danhov out of L.A. is one of the top-selling designers that we carry.
NJ: Describe your regional customer.
JG: We try to cater to higher-end customers. We specialize in bridal, so we seek mostly people who are looking to get engaged or married or celebrating anniversaries.
NJ: What’s the most popular style of engagement ring with your clientele now?
JG: Here, we’re definitely still selling a halo with a basic shank, very thin. Minimalist.
NJ: What about diamond shapes?
JG: Round diamonds are definitely the most popular.
NJ: What’s your internet and social media presence like? What accounts do you have or actively use?
JG: We have a well-maintained website, but we don’t sell online. We’re very active on social media and our website is directly connected to all of our social media accounts: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram. We’re everywhere.
Our main focus online is on acquiring new clientele and keeping our clientele informed of what’s going on here.
NJ:
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Of the social media accounts you’re using, which is the most important to you?
JG: I would say Facebook.
NJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to other independent jewelry stores?
JG: You have to find your niche--how you are different than everybody else--and then do that.
For us, I think the quality of our customer service and the way that we care sets us apart. We genuinely care about our customers, and it shows.
NJ: What’s a fun fact about you we can share with our readers?
Debi Gimeno (in the background): You speak five languages.
JG: That’s not a fun fact … I’ve been a jeweler working in the jewelry industry pretty much nonstop since 1977.
DG: You like to jump off of really high things.
JG: (laughs) That has nothing to do with work, but that is true.
JG: I would say Facebook.
NJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to other independent jewelry stores?
JG: You have to find your niche--how you are different than everybody else--and then do that.
For us, I think the quality of our customer service and the way that we care sets us apart. We genuinely care about our customers, and it shows.
NJ: What’s a fun fact about you we can share with our readers?
Debi Gimeno (in the background): You speak five languages.
JG: That’s not a fun fact … I’ve been a jeweler working in the jewelry industry pretty much nonstop since 1977.
DG: You like to jump off of really high things.
JG: (laughs) That has nothing to do with work, but that is true.
More on Surveys
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
