In My Little Town: A Real Gem

I’m a small town Midwestern gal who never imagined I’d live in California, much less near two huge cities. As much as I love the ‘big city’ benefits – the Sharks, a great diversity of restaurants, amazing artists, special events - I need to feel like I’m still living in a real community, a small town. So I’ve made a point of creating my own village, by shopping repeatedly at good places and getting to know the folks I see on a regular basis.

I like knowing that sweet Rite Aid Rena’s son earned the lead in Tino’s fall play. I like seeing the latest photos of Bob's and Carol’s grandkids at Cicero’s. I like chatting with Joe and Mary over slices of their home-grown Empires and Honey Crisps at the . And I’d much rather give my business to a local shop than to a distant corporation.

When I grew up, these were called “Mom and Pop” stores. My grandparents ran the grocery store/post office in their small town. They literally were Mom and Pop.

These days, it can take a bit of work to find truly local businesses, but I’ve discovered quite a few family-oriented establishments in Cupertino where I feel welcome and am pleased to be a customer.

is one of my favorites -  not just because I’m like a crow honing in on shiny things (and Vardy’s creates stunning jewelry), but because Vardy, Misha, Fanya and the other folks who work there always greet me with a sincere smile.

I discovered Vardy’s years ago, when a prong on my engagement ring broke. I asked around for repair suggestions, and every single person I asked told me to go to Vardy’s. When you ask a dozen people a question, and everybody gives you the same answer, that’s a good sign.

And yes, Vardy himself did fix my ring, quickly, onsite, and for no charge! I couldn’t believe it. Come on. How many places can you think of that wouldn’t charge a complete stranger for a repair?

That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Years later, when I wanted to find just the right gift for a special occasion, Fanya showed me a variety of pearls in my price range, the talented Misha drew up some setting options, and a beautiful custom piece was created just for us, within my price range and timeframe. Vardy explained that the perception of custom jewelry creations is that they must be expensive, but, like a chef in a well-equipped kitchen, he can create quality items within budget.

Vardy Shtein’s mother convinced him to leave Estonia and find new opportunities for his family. He had planned a move to Sweden, but friends in San Jose convinced him that the weather and options for his kids were better here.

He arrived speaking Estonian, Russian and German, but not a word of English. Vardy carried a dictionary under his arm, and learned. “People here are fantastic. They are eager to help you.”

He found a jewelry repair shop for sale in Cupertino. Working out a payment plan with the owners, he worked 16 hour days and paid off the entire thing in just two years.

The goldsmith and craftsman continued creating beautiful jewelry, eventually moving from the 600 square foot repair store to the beautiful 1600 square foot showplace his family now occupies, and this week is celebrating 30 years of creating beautiful jewelry in and for our community.

His children Misha and Fanya work with him, and his grandkids pop in for family time. Wife Alice also works with him.

Vardy and his family are very involved with Cupertino and her people. Vardy and parents at Daves Ave. Elementary are fundraising to help a local school teacher pay for breast cancer treatment, via the purchase of a breast cancer awareness necklace.

As an active member of the Cupertino Rotary, he helped educate our community and worked with the Rotary Club on its first international mission - bringing medical equipment to his home country, Estonia. Since then, the Rotary has done programs in South and Central America, Africa, and Asia.

Fanya and her daughter Sasha are helping a classmate and his family fight leukemia. During the 30th anniversary sale (through Friday), Vardy’s will donate a percentage of sales to support the family.

Vardy’s also supports the Cupertino Educational Endowment Fund (CEEF), the Junior League of San Jose, March of Dimes, St. Joseph of Cupertino School, the Jewish Federation, Child Advocates, and many other non-profit organizations in our community.

As Vardy said, “If everybody would just do a little bit…”

Enjoy the anniversary sale this week at Vardy’s. Relish the experience of browsing for treasures with an educated and friendly staff. Thrill in making a wish list for the holidays. (And remind my husband that you can’t go wrong at Vardy’s.)

Get to know these knowledgeable, creative, and just plain nice people. You’ll be glad that Vardy’s Jewelers is part of our little town.

Vardy’s is located at 10227 S. De Anza Blvd in Cupertino. For more information, explore their website at http://www.vardysjewelers.com/