| Read here to learn about the arthritic shank, a clever | | | | birthday more than 18 years ago; the other, an |
| device your local jeweler can fit onto tour rings. | | | | engagement ring worn by Lois, my much-loved late |
| Elebash's Jewelers in Pensacola, Florida has an aura | | | | mother-in-law. It was originally bought at this same |
| which extends a few feet beyond the golden-hued | | | | Elebash's Fine Jewelers many years ago. Going up |
| wooden double doors. Maybe it's the shining brass kick | | | | another size wouldn't help, since my finger below the |
| plates or the etched glass ovals set in the doors. | | | | knuckle isn't swollen, only the knuckle. Eugene Elebash |
| These doors never squeak. A "whoosh!" of cool air | | | | III looked at the rings, sympathetically winced over my |
| rolls out when you open the door and sink into the | | | | fingers, and came up with a creative solution. |
| deep pile carpet. It's quiet in there, the cathedral of | | | | It is called an arthritic shank. Now there's a glamorous |
| carats, the sanctuary of sapphires. | | | | sounding phrase! But what a great solution. As you can |
| The first time I entered Elebash's -- years ago -- I was | | | | see in the photo that accompanies this article, it opens |
| intimidated speechless. Then, I thought of the Elebash | | | | wide to fit over the finger directly, rather than sliding |
| family domain as the sine qua non of jewelry stores, | | | | over the knuckle. The catch closes solidly. There is a |
| which it most definitely is, but I did not think of it as that | | | | tiny spot which you press with a pointed instrument to |
| most wonderfully comfortable place that I have come | | | | release the catch. I use an old ballpoint pen which has |
| to know: an authentic, local family business. | | | | run out of ink. |
| Elebash's Fine Jewelers has been serving generations | | | | Gene (Eugene III) likes to find solutions for his |
| of Pensacolians since 1919. And the Elebash family | | | | customers. He has helped me find reasonably priced, |
| illustrates perfectly why homegrown shops are a | | | | but unique and age-appropriate, gifts for young |
| national treasure. | | | | granddaughters. Tiny treasures in an Elebash's box, |
| Here's an example: | | | | complete with their signature wrapping paper and gold, |
| Due to swollen knuckles from arthritis, I had almost | | | | embossed seal have an undeniable "ooh" factor for |
| stopped wearing two rings that are very important to | | | | girls of any age. |
| me. One, a special gift from my husband on my 40th | | | | |