A Jeweler’s Guide to Surviving Holiday Shopping (Yes, We See It All!)

If you’ve ever wondered what holiday shopping looks like from our side of the jewelry counter… buckle up.
December at Monarch Jewelry is a sparkling combination of heartwarming moments, last-minute rescues, “please tell me she’ll love this,” and enough hot chocolate from Santa’s Corner to power us through the season.

After 27+ years in Winter Park, we’ve seen everything.
So consider this your official Jeweler’s Guide to Surviving the Holiday Rush — whether you’re the early planner, the last-minute shopper, or the “I need help, I have no idea what she likes” customer (you’re our favorite, by the way).

 
1. The Early Birds: We Love You. Please Keep Doing This.
These angels walk in before Thanksgiving, with a list, screenshots, budgets, and time to breathe.

They get first pick of:

• the best diamond studs
• the prettiest gold pieces
• the newest engagement rings
• one-of-a-kind estate finds

They also get a relaxed experience, custom options, and zero panic.

Moral of the story:
When you shop early, even we relax a little.

 
2. The Last-Minute “It’s Christmas Eve and I Need a Miracle” Crowd
We love you too — but you stress us out.
These shoppers usually walk in at 4:55pm with:

• a gift bag from another store
• no idea what they’re looking for
• a lot of hope

But somehow… it always works out.
You leave with something beautiful, wrapped in our signature orange box, and swear you’ll start earlier next year.

(You won’t. And that’s okay. We’ll be here.)

 
3. The One Who Brings Their Entire Family for Opinions
We've seen the whole spectrum:

• moms
• dads
• sisters
• cousins
• best friends
• someone's college roommate visiting from out of town

Everyone has thoughts.
Everyone has a favorite.
And somehow the person shopping usually ends up picking the first ring they tried on.

It truly takes a village.

 
4. The “She Sent Me These Screenshots but I Don’t Know What Any of This Means” Shopper
We LOVE these customers.
This is our moment to shine.

Terms we decode daily:

• “Is an oval… round?”
• “What’s a hidden halo? Is it invisible?”
• “Yellow gold… is that the same as rose?”
• “What’s the difference between lab diamond and natural again?”

No judgment — just guidance.
Our job is to translate Pinterest into reality.

 
5. The Overthinker Who Tries On 20 Rings
They’re not being difficult — they just want it to be perfect.
And we get it! An engagement ring is a big decision.

We’ll walk through:

• shapes
• settings
• metals
• matching bands
• diamond options

And when they finally say, “I think this is the one,” we cheer inside every time.

 
6. The “I Need This Repaired by Tomorrow” Emergency
Ah yes… the holiday repair rush.
Broken chains, loose stones, sizing needs, surprise proposals — our creative team sees it all.

We can’t promise magic every time, but we do try our best.
And our workshop definitely deserves cookies for everything they pull off in December.

 
7. The Kids Who Want to Buy Mom Something “Really Really Sparkly”
This is the sweetest part of the season.
Kids walk in clutching $20 bills, pointing to things waaaaay outside their budget — but determined to find something Mom will love.

Don’t worry — we always help them find the perfect piece within their price range (and it becomes one of Mom’s favorite gifts forever).

 
8. The “Is It Too Early to Propose?” Shopper
December proposals are a whole vibe — and one of our favorite parts of the year.
Romantic, emotional, and full of surprises.

We help with:

• choosing the perfect ring
• keeping the secret
• timing the pickup
• calming pre-proposal nerves

Spoiler: It’s never too early to propose.

 
9. The One Who Buys Something for Their Partner… and Themselves
We fully support this behavior.
You deserve a little sparkle too.

 
10. The Best Part: The Moments
Laughs aside, the holiday season at Monarch is filled with unforgettable moments:

• first-time jewelry buyers
• couples choosing a ring together
• heirlooms being restored
• holiday proposals
• gifts that bring people to (happy) tears

These are the memories that make the long hours completely worth it.

 
✨ Surviving Holiday Shopping: Monarch Edition
Whether you're early, last-minute, opinion-seeking, confused, excited, nervous, or buying for yourself — we’re here for all of it.

Let’s make this holiday season magical, meaningful, and full of sparkle.

Stop by, message us, or browse anytime — we’re ready for you. ??