Yamane Jewelers celebrates retirement after 55 years

By Eliza Ridgeway, Town Crier Staff Writer

Ellen Flanagan, manager of Yamane Jewelers, says her retirement will mean more than just closing a jewelry store: “We give services to customers that most stores don’t anymore.”

The next few months mark the final time to visit Yamane Jewelers. After 55 years in the jewelry business, the Yamane family has decided to retire and sell all their remaining stock.

“It was a very hard decision to make,” said Ellen Flanagan, daughter of founder Tom Yamane and manager of the business. “We’ve known that our lease was going to be up next year. I’ve been looking for five years for a spot to move to, but it’s really hard to find another spot that gives you the same feeling.”

The store’s location at El Camino Real and Distel Drive has been the subject of controversy this year because of a proposal to construct a three-story condominium at the site, a topic on which Flanagan offered no comment.

The jewelers moved to the Los Altos location in 1968 after opening in Palo Alto in 1950. The store’s simple, open look belies the high-end jewelry that waits within.

“We can offer the pieces at a better price,” Flanagan said as she described the benefits of an understated setting. The store carries designers and pieces like those found at Neiman Marcus and Tiffany.

“We give services to customers that most stores don’t anymore,” Flanagan said. “That’s something I’ll really miss.” The jewelers offer services such as repairs, appraisals and pearl restringing.

Flanagan said that she will probably move on to another business venture after the store closes next year. “I have too much energy to be retired,” she said.

She hopes to team up with her husband, who is also leaving the jewelry business, and branch into a new field entirely. Los Altos may see another Yamane/Flanagan store in a few years, but Flanagan is giving no hints yet.

The store’s final sale began Oct. 5, and Flanagan said the customer response has been good. At opening time a few days ago, customers began to trickle in as soon as the doors were unlocked.

Loyal customers have been one of the hallmarks of the Yamane business. “We’re on our third generation of customers,” Flanagan said. “Grandmothers come in with their granddaughters.”

The sale has also drawn bargain-seekers eager to benefit from the 30-70 percent markdowns. A silver necklace set with a huge amethyst framed by diamonds was marked down from $4,900 to $2,500, and a gold ring with diamonds and a green tourmaline was reduced from $9,850 to $4,925.

Flanagan said customers have already started their holiday shopping at the store, and low-priced items, such as $75 topaz pendants, have been selling particularly well.

“But there is plenty of merchandise,” she said, “55 years’ worth.”

For more information, call 969-1166.