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{SS}: Can you tell us a bit about your job? How long have you been working for Astreins? 
 

{10277137_10152993363387383_7341652812456579180_nKA}: I've been working at Astrein's for (officially) almost a year now. Though, I spent much time at the store when I was a little girl, I was practically raised here!  After college, I left Michigan and lived on the East and Wests coasts for a few years each, in New York City and Portland, OR.  In Manhattan, I worked at Jacob & Co., a luxury jewelry and watch company. My time there really sparked my interest in the industry, which led me to take courses at the well-regarded Gemological Institute of America (GIA).  I am now a GIA Diamonds and Colored Stones Graduate.

My role at the Astrein's has many different functions, and each day is totally different. I'm in charge of the marketing and social media, which I really enjoy! It's awesome to engage with our clients on a more personal level. I'm also involved in selecting new lines to carry and go on buying trips at least twice a year, to the Chicago and Las Vegas jewelry shows; A big part of my job is selling, though I view it more as helping clients find something that best suits their personal style or taste. For example, there is nothing better than getting to know a couple by working with them to design a custom engagement ring!unnamed-8
{SS}:  Astrein's has been in Downtown Birmingham longer then we have been around, can you share a brief history on the store?
 
{KA}: Astrein's has been a family business right from the start. We've been in the same location in Downtown Birmingham for over 40 years. unnamed-21In fact, we just celebrated our 40th Anniversary in September. We completely remodeled our store and celebrated with an event called "Wags & Tags". For the event, we custom-made a sterling silver engrav able dog tag featuring the new Astrein's logo. Proceeds from each dog tag were donated to the Michigan Humane Society. We plan on making this an annual event!
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Gary and Richard Astrein, my father and uncle, have been running the store from the inside-out. We truly pride ourselves on customer service, honesty, and our craftsmanship. Most of our jewelry is made on-site by our master jewelers, and we specialize in custom design!
 
{SS}: What do you enjoy most about working with your family?  
 
{KA}: I'm going to interpret the word "family" loosely because the truth is, I consider everyone here family–some of the staff have been working here since before I was born!  I really love the vibe of our store–it's friendly, laid-back, and decidedly not corporate.  When it comes to my Dad and Uncle, I truly couldn't ask for better bosses. They're open to my ideas and not afraid to push me into new territory when it comes to taking on responsibilities and leadership roles. They see me as the future of the company, so they want to get me involved in as many aspects of the business as possible.
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{SS}: Can you share a few of your current FAVORITE pieces in the store?
 
{KA}: There's so many pieces I love that we have in our store right now, it's hard to pick just one or two. I'm really into these diamond multi-row rings we have right now. 
unnamed-18They're unique and definitely make a statement!  I also have my eye on the various moonstone and chalcedony pieces we have. The colors are so soft and dreamy!
 
{SS}: What do we have to look forward to for spring?
 
{KA}: For Spring, we're going to be seeing big pops of color contrasted with smaller, delicate pavé set diamond pieces. For the guys, we're introducing a brand new line of men's wedding bands called Elysium, and they're made entirely of concentrated diamond crystals! My dad and I are headed to Chicago for a jewelry show in April, so expect a few new lines in our cases come springtime. I'll add that our major push in the next few months is a complete redesign of the Astrein's website, which I'm heading. 
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{SS}: YOUR secret to work  life balanced? 
 
{KA}: Working with family means there's always a potential for overlap between my personal and professional life. But as a rule, my Dad and I try to keep shop talk at the shop. Outside the store, daily runs followed by strength training at Powerhouse Gym keep me mentally and physically in check. Travel is also really important to me–whether it's a weekend getaway to my family's cottage on the west side of Michigan or a longer international trip. I love walking around and getting lost in new cities. There's something special about stumbling upon a hidden gallery, an old bookstore, or a charming café. 
 
{SS}: Do you have a "go-to" App? 
 
{KA}: My go-to apps are Spotify for discovering new music, Goodreads for keeping track of books I've read and want to read, and Twitter for catching up on the latest news.
 
Now onto your personal style… 
unnamed-25{SS}: In regards to your personal style, do you have a signature accessory?
 
{KA}: I never leave home without a watch. It varies between my mother-of-pearl dial Tissot or my white ceramic Movado. My diamond studs with micro-pavé diamonds surrounding are my go-to earrings. They're an effortless bit of sparkle for when I want to keep it classic.  unnamed-6unnamed-7imgres
 
{SS}: A few items in your "Styleshack" A.K.A closet that you can't live without? 
 
{KA}: Every morning you'll catch me in my Nike Flyknit running shoes.When it comes to my work wardrobe, I live in my Citizens for Humanity black waxed denim pants, Equipment silk shirts, and black leather boots.I would be lost without my yellow gold heart-shaped locket that I've had since I was a child. It has a photo of my mom and dad on the inside.  unnamed-24 
{SS}: Style Archetype?
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{SS}: Blog (OR publication) you love to read?
 
{KA}:  Even though it's been a few years since living in Manhattan, I still read New York Magazine religiously. I read Gem Gossip for intel on up-and-coming jewelry designers, and Fast Company for business & tech news. On Sundays, I cozy up with The New York Times– the highlights being the "Sunday Styles" section and crossword puzzle. 
{SS}: Favorite local restaurants?
 
{KA}: Living in Downtown Birmingham, I feel fortunate to be within walking distance from tons of great spots. A few local favorites are Luxe, Commonwealth, and Beyond Juice. I'm also a big fan of Selden Standard and Sugar House in Downtown Detroit
{SS}: Favorite local Boutiques? 
419916_10150564507291324_351978631_n{KA}: Caruso Caruso, Top Shop, Lori Karbal, Pinkyotto (in NYC)
 
{SS}: Currently listening to…
 
{KA}: I'm a huge music person and go to concerts all the time. I'm always keeping an ear out for new bands to follow. Right now I have James Blake, Haim, St. Vincent, and Angel Olsen on repeat. unnamed-26
 
{SS}: If you could own one Astreins piece right now, which would it be?
 
{KA}: There's one piece that instantly popped into my head when I read this question, so it would have to be our sapphire and diamond bracelet. The sapphires are invisibly set in each section and then surrounded by a row of round brilliant cut diamonds.It's a stunning, showstopper piece that I would love to have in my personal jewelry box!
{SS}: Words to Live by? (OR favorite Quote):  
 
{KA}: Here are some words I try to live by from a favorite writer of mine, Joan Didion:   Screen Shot 2015-02-12 at 5.23.13 PM  
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Astrein Jewelers is sharing the LOVE in honor of Valentines Day and giving away this stunning 14k rose gold pendant!
Enter to win here:  *We will be announcing the winner on Saturday, February 14th 2015 (Enter to win below) a Rafflecopter giveaway