Aida Leisure, owner of Silver Linings and DBS Jewelers in Talbot County, Md.,
noticed over the last couple of years that fewer young women were receiving pearl jewelry as a graduation gift. To address the issue, Leisure gifted freshwater
pearl necklaces to 170 young female graduates from two local high schools.
For her community outreach effort, Leisure is the subject of this week’s
Retailer Spotlight.

“Our society is moving toward ‘everyday’ gifts rather than traditional
keepsakes, like pearls,” says Leisure. “In general, the same amount of dollars
is spent on presents like gift cards, electronics, or designer purses. These
all have short life spans and minimal long-term sentimental value. It was
my desire to give the 2011 graduating women in my community a long-lasting and
special gift. Pearls are timeless.”

The 170 necklaces were made from 17-inch long strands of 4.5 mm–5 mm
freshwater pearls finished with a sterling silver clasp. Leisure’s staff hand-strung
and knotted the necklaces themselves at work and at home. To make sure
the young ladies had their pearl necklaces to wear in time for commencement
ceremonies, female graduates at Easton High School received their gifts at
graduation rehearsal and St. Michaels High School grads received theirs after the
baccalaureate ceremony.

“Each girl will now be able to own and wear a classic piece of jewelry
throughout her life journey,” says Leisure. “It will most likely be the
predominant accessory of the outfit she will wear for professional interviews.
It very well could be worn on her wedding day, and she could even pass the
necklace on to a child in future years. Even if she never purchases or receives
another piece of fine jewelry in her life, she will always have her strand of
pearls.”

St. Michaels High School graduate (photos courtesy of Silver Linings)

JCK