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In a world of ever-changing trends, some traditions remain timeless. At Noral Jewelers & Mineral Art Gallery, a staple in Palos Heights since 1974, that tradition is love crafted in gold, silver, and sparkling gemstones.
And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, heart-shaped jewelry is flying off the shelves.
“Every year around this time, we see a surge in customers looking for heart-shaped pendants, rings, and earrings,” said store manager Dale Durling, who has worked at Noral Jewelers for 51 years. “But what’s really special is seeing the same customers come back year after year, keeping a tradition alive.”
Noral Jewelers & Mineral Art Gallery was originally opened in Harvey in 1958 by Norman and Alice Swiderek. After the success of their first store, they expanded to Tinley Park before moving the business to Palos Heights in 1974, where it has been operating ever since. Today, the store is owned by their son, Brett Swiderek, who also owns a second location in Tucson, Arizona.
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The store, which has built a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and unique mineral art, sees an influx of customers around Valentine’s Day, particularly older residents who value tradition. Many shoppers return year after year to find the perfect piece for their significant others, keeping the holiday tradition alive, Durling said.
Durling, a Palos Heights native himself, attended Palos West, Palos South, and Sandburg High School. He said the community is filled with returning customers, some of whom are now fourth-generation shoppers.
“It’s amazing to see customers come in with their kids and grandkids, passing down the tradition,” Durling said. “Palos Heights is a great community, and we’re lucky to have so many people who continue to support us.”
Michelle Horist, an Accredited Jewelry Professional and employee at Noral Jewelers, looks forward to Valentine’s Day each year, especially because of the customers it brings in.
“There’s something really special about seeing the customers come in shopping for Valentine’s Day, especially those who have been keeping the tradition alive of gifting jewelry for decades,” Horist said. “You can see how much it means to them to find the perfect piece to give.”
While heart-shaped jewelry is in high demand during February, engagement ring sales remain steady all year. Durling said Noral Jewelers sells an average of 10 engagement rings each month, regardless of the time of year.
“There’s no particular engagement season for us,” Durling said. “We see steady engagement ring sales throughout the year, which is great because it means people are always celebrating love, no matter the season.”
Noral Jewelers & Mineral Art Gallery is a full-service jeweler that offers not only a vast inventory of wedding bands, engagement rings, watches, and rings made with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other stones, but also custom orders, watch and jewelry repair, and engraving services. The store’s inventory extends beyond jewelry, featuring salt lamps, crystals, candle holders, sculptures, and other decorative pieces.
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One of the most unique aspects of Noral Jewelers is its on-site mineral art gallery, one of the only galleries of its kind in the Midwest. Customers can browse beautiful, rare displays of minerals and gemstones, offering a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
“Our main priority is providing each customer who walks through our doors with excellent customer service and making sure their expectations are exceeded,” Durling said.
Since opening its doors in 1958, Noral Jewelers has been more than just a jewelry store, it has been a part of life’s biggest moments for generations of families in Palos Heights. Durling and his team have helped customers find the perfect pieces for engagements, anniversaries, and, of course, Valentine’s Days.
“We’ve sold engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and even pieces that were passed down through families,” Durling said. “It’s an honor to be part of those stories.”
As Valentine’s Day nears, the team at Noral Jewelers is ready to help customers find the perfect piece, whether it’s a first-time buyer looking for a heartfelt gift or a lifelong customer continuing a beloved tradition.
Noral Jewelers & Mineral Art Gallery is located at 12227 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights.
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