Related articles:

Tiffany's opening shows Tucson is maturing Tiffany & Co. officially open for business

Health Care
CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT Finance and Accounting
Charles E. Gillman Company
Accounting Specialist Trades/Construction
RANCHO RESORT
MAINTANANCE POSITION Health Care
Dependable Health Services
Physical Therapists Administrative & Professional
Tucson Urban League
CEO/President Construction
West-Press
Printing Mechanical
Komatsu Equipment Co
Resident Field Mechanic

I've been to New York City twice, but never made it to Tiffany's on Fifth Avenue. So curiosity got the better of me, and I went to the store's Tucson grand opening at La Encantada last Thursday. I wanted to experience for myself what an established East Coast firm would feel like in the Old Pueblo.

The opening lacked many things: a throbbing mass of wild-eyed shoppers crowding the front door; customers rushing in to grab the door busters; special opening day sales or free giveaways.

It was downright sedate compared to a Wal-Mart grand opening. However, it was exactly what one would expect from the famous jewelry store.

An employee greeted customers with a "Welcome to Tiffany's" in a polite, hushed tone. Several display cases at the front of the store contained jewelry from the Tiffany & Co. archives. The cases establish what we know to be true, that Tiffany's is no mere trifle. Cheap silver rings that turn your fingers green, rhinestones or faux pearls shall never darken its doors. This is serious jewelry, with an historical status that began in 1837 when Charles Lewis Tiffany opened the first store in New York City.

I got there about an hour after the store opened. The crowd … well … didn't seem like a crowd at all. My eyes took in the gleaming display cases, the beautiful décor and of course, the jewelry.

There were no shrieks of joy over a particular piece of jewelry. No one was overtly pointing to any large diamond rings. No one dropped jewelry as if the piece had suddenly turned hot at the mention of the price tag. Everyone was on their best behavior.

A very polished, suited man showed me a sterling silver pendant. He was very polite when he told me the piece was designed by Paloma Picasso. He carefully placed the pendant on a velvet mat and explained that it was her famous scribble and did not represent lightning as I expressed when I asked to see it.

He was eager to show me the matching earrings. I declined after I discovered the necklace cost $135. It turns out that that's a reasonable price at Tiffany's.

I asked about a beautiful necklace made out of jasper beads and several other pieces of jewelry. He was attentive but didn't hover. He didn't patronize me when he answered my questions. He gave me his card with a smile.

He treated me as though he was certain I would be back and become a regular customer. He did not make me feel bad when I didn't buy anything.

I watched the other shoppers and the other employees. The employees were mostly men and all wore suits. Most of the customers were women and most wore jeans. Expensive jeans? Probably. But jeans nonetheless.

Several were actively engaged in curiosity browsing. Some tried on jewelry. Three women were shopping and laughing (quietly) together. They seemed determined to buy something. A woman next to me boldly asked the price of each piece she pointed to, but waited for the right price before trying on a bracelet.

I was visually struck by a display case of diamond rings. I've never really been a big fan of compressed carbon, but I've never seen diamonds sparkle like that. I don't know if it was the cut or the type of diamond, but every color of the rainbow sparkled from each one. I stood there, bobbing my head around to admire the colors from different angles. I probably looked ridiculous, but I didn't care. I was momentarily mesmerized.

As I walked out of the store, I felt a change in the air. Tiffany & Co. and La Encantada are a good fit. Tucson is growing up.