Is Arthritis Keeping You from Wearing Your Rings?

Elebash's Jewelers has an aura which extends a few feet beyond the golden-hued wooden double doors. Maybe it's the shining brass kick plates or the etched glass ovals set in the doors. These doors never squeak. A "whoosh!" of cool air rolls out when you open the door and sink into the deep pile carpet. It's quiet in there, the cathedral of carats, the sanctuary of sapphires.

The first time I entered Elebash's -- years ago -- I was intimidated speechless. Then, I thought of the Elebash family domain as the sine qua non of jewelry stores, which it most definitely is, but I did not think of it as that most wonderfully comfortable place that I have come to know: an authentic, local family business.

Elebash's Fine Jewelers has been serving generations of Pensacolians since 1919. And the Elebash family illustrates perfectly why homegrown shops are a national treasure.

Here's an example:

Due to swollen knuckles from arthritis, I had almost stopped wearing two rings that are very important to me. One, a special gift from my husband on my 40th birthday more than 18 years ago; the other, an engagement ring worn by Lois, my much-loved late mother-in-law. It was originally bought at this same Elebash's Fine Jewelers many years ago. Going up another size wouldn't help, since my finger below the knuckle isn't swollen, only the knuckle. Eugene Elebash III looked at the rings, sympathetically winced over my fingers, and came up with a creative solution.

It is called an arthritic shank. Now there's a glamorous sounding phrase! But what a great solution. As you can see in the photo that accompanies this article, it opens wide to fit over the finger directly, rather than sliding over the knuckle. The catch closes solidly. There is a tiny spot which you press with a pointed instrument to release the catch. I use an old ballpoint pen which has run out of ink.

Gene (Eugene III) likes to find solutions for his customers. He has helped me find reasonably priced, but unique and age-appropriate, gifts for young granddaughters. Tiny treasures in an Elebash's box, complete with their signature wrapping paper and gold, embossed seal have an undeniable "ooh" factor for girls of any age.

Kindness. Attention to detail. Customer care that is more than a corporate slogan. A local, family-owned business with the best traditions of service and class. If you live near Pensacola, come to Elebash's. If not, search out your own local fine jeweler. I'm sure they can help you, just as Elebash's helped me.