Rock & Roll Into The New Year

Life is unpredictable. You never know who you’re going to meet, what they have to offer, or where it could take you. As a bit of a risk taker, when an opportunity presents itself I am known to jump on it. So, when I got wind that a connection of mine had access to the Jay Leno Tsunami Relief Harley, I was all in.

A little bit of history …

This stunning white Harley was originally featured on the Jay Leno set. As visitors came on his show, they would admire his ride and then sign their name. All said and done the motorcycle now has 67 signatures, including famous personalities such as George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, and future president, Donald Trump.

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In 2005 this highly sought after Harley was purchased by Waste Management, Inc. for a whopping $800,100. All of the proceeds went to the Red Cross International Disaster Fund to benefit Tsunami victims in Southeast Asian. Later that year Waste Management, Inc. decided to auction the bike off again. This time to support the Bush Clinton Katrina Fund. The highest bidder was John O’Quinn, an avid car collector, Houston attorney, and passionate philanthropist. The price tag … $1,000,000.

In 2009, John O’Quinn passed away in a tragic car accident and the majority of his assets went to auction. Years later this infamous bike has found it’s way to Cincinnati. And through the power of social media, I was lucky enough to stumble upon it.

And the brainstorming began …

This particular motorcycle is unlike any other bike. It has a remarkable story. And, it’s helped so many people all around the world. At first glance my mind started spinning. How could I merge jewelry and motorcycles to support another good cause?! Lightbulb, Room 750!

If you haven’t been to our store Room 750 is a space at Yelton Fine Jewelers that is dedicated to high-end jewelry as well as giving back to charities that we believe in. The theme of the room changes every quarter and the current theme is “Rock & Roll Into the New Year”, so the bike was a perfect fit!

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Well, everyone, the bike arrived last Saturday. All I have to say is … WOW. It’s a beauty, and it’s so cool to see so many famous signatures all in one place. We feel so lucky to have it at the store and we hope that we can help find its next owner. That’s right, the Harley is for sale! Any reasonable offer will be entertained, and as a bonus, Yelton will make a charitable donation to any organization that the buyer chooses!

Stop by the store, check out Room 750, admire this gorgeous bike, and help us pay it forward.

The New Year Jewelry Cleanse

For those of you who know me, you also know that I am obsessed with organizing. In fact the opportunity to declutter and start fresh might just be my favorite thing about the New Year. Along with the champagne, of course.

One question that I get all of the time is, “how do you keep your jewelry organized?” Well ladies and gents, it’s a little secret that I like to call the Jewelry Cleanse – get rid of the old, fix what’s broken, and organize what’s left. Here’s how you do it …

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GET RID OF THE OLD

Getting rid of jewelry might be one of the most difficult things to do. But, let’s face it, styles change and so do we. I go through my jewelry box a couple of times per year and make three piles …

Love It: Easy, gives these pieces a fresh clean and put them back in your jewelry box.

Over It: For the items that you know you’re ready to part with, you have a couple of options. Either sell them or pass them along to someone that will love that particular piece of jewelry just as much as you once did.

Over It, Yet So Attached: We all have them. Those pieces that are sentimental, but never quite find their way into our wardrobe. My suggestion – transform them into something new. Your grandmother’s old earrings could become a beautiful modern necklace. That promise ring he bought you two decades ago? Why not resize it for your daughter instead? Once you start considering the possibilities, it will come to you!

FIX WHAT’S BROKEN

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. There is nothing worse than a broken piece of jewelry! What’s the point?! At least once a year gather up all of your damaged items and bring them to us at Yelton Fine Jewelers. We’re here to see that your favorite bling lives to shine another day.

ORGANIZE WHAT’S LEFT

When it comes to jewelry storage you should have at least two items on hand – one {or even two} large jewelry box to house your entire collection, as well as something to store your favorite everyday items. If you invest in a good jewelry box, most of the organizing is done for you. Just remember to keep things in their spot! As far as your “go to” pieces keep them on your dresser or in your powder room for easy access {morning and night}.

Happy New Year, and happy jewelry cleansing everyone! If you have other questions about storing, organizing, or cleaning your bling, don’t hesitate to give me a shout.