By: Tanya Chang and Advika Anand

Sports and Graphics Editor

On Feb. 22, Gorjana, a popular jewelry company, opened one of its largest stores in the heart of Los Gatos. This newest addition to downtown accommodates people of all ages and style preferences, offering jewelry from trendy collections to delicate pieces. While they have a core collection, the store keeps up with trends as well, rotating its merchandise bimonthly; as the store manager, Jacklyn Scheberies, described, they are “always rotating, always changing, always finding something new.”

The business originated in 2004, when Gorjana and Jason Reidel established their first store in their apartment in Laguna Beach, California. As their company expanded within their hometown, they were able to open a studio, and not long after, a retail store near downtown Laguna. In 2017, the Reidels opened their first store out of state, in New York, marking a significant step for their growing business. Gorjana continues to expand today, with its motto of giving back being the core value of the company, as it makes efforts to support local nonprofit organizations.

Out of 120+ stores nationwide, the Los Gatos store location differs in its capacity and beach boho bungalow style. While other Gorjana stores contain a single showroom for all jewelry, this location offers a separate room for their fine collection, dedicated to 14-karat gold pieces. For more affordable options, the rest of their jewelry is 18-karat gold-plated. So far, the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, aligning with the company’s goal of fostering a friendship with their customers. As Scheberies noted, “The people here are truly hidden gems…[I’ve heard] stories about this town, what it used to be, and what it’s growing into.” To build on the communal aspect, Gorjana encourages gift-giving with a variety of accessories perfect for any occasion.

Although the jewelry is what catches customers’ eyes, they stay in the store for the lovely and efficient workers. Their communication skills are apparent and essential to the role of making a welcoming and “homey” place to shop or chat. Scheberies explained, “We love talking to everyone that comes through the door. We want to know where your shoes are from, where your coffee is from…stuff like that.”

The introduction of Gorjana to Los Gatos shows how much of an impact a single company can have on a community. Morgan Burke, a stylist at Gorjana, summed up with the message: “Jewelry is a way to express yourself truly, and it’s just a piece of you that you wear every single day.” Jewelry provides a creative outlet and this is just the beginning of Gorjana’s journey in Los Gatos. Be sure to visit Gorjana, whether you’re looking for jewelry or just need a friendly chat!