Talkin' Shit About A Pretty Sunset

For the first 30 years of my life, I didn't give a single thought to the jewelry profession. But now that I have a wife that I love so god damn much, the experience of picking out the occasional earring or necklace is one of life's small pleasures.

For Christmas I decided Katie needed some pearl earrings, so while in Michigan I asked her dad for a recommendation of a good place. The whole time Katie's dad and I drove to the shop, he was going off about how great a person the owner was -- that he loved dogs, had a place up north, etc.

I walked into a small storefront near a strip mall in suburban Detroit to be greeted by a 50-something man with mid-western friendliness and a strong Michigan accent. Perfect. The experience was short and pleasant. I found the earrings I wanted, with the perfect amount of salesmanship from the owner, and he gave me a sweet discount.

I like people who have a genuine understanding of customer service and pride in their work. This is something you don't find as much outside the USA.