CARIBOU, Maine — A store that once sold everything for everyone, Freme’s Jewelry’s has refined itself over the years and features exclusively unique adornments and gifts for that special someone.
As much as Freme’s Jewelry is a part of the community, customers become a part of the Freme’s family; current owners Phil and Kirsten Albair grew up in The County and understand their customers’ needs — and how those needs have changed over the past 65 years.
“Buying a piece of jewelry was a serious undertaking that you saved and planned for, and I think people are a little more spontaneous and they want to have a little more fun,” Kirsten said.
Responding to customers’ tastes, Freme’s features displays of affordable and stunning pieces that are as unique as the individuals who wear them.
Albair explained that customers choose jewelry that reflects their personality and tastes as opposed to buying something right off the rack so to speak. Shoppers tend to make more affordable purchases more frequently through jewelry lines that allow personalized customizations, like Reflection beads, Stackable Expressions rings, LeStage Convertible Clasp bangle bracelets, and the Nikki Lissoni line; for customers that want quality jewelry without a diamond price tag, Kirsten said the customizable lines are the perfect middle ground.
“Each Stackable Expressions ring is very affordable. They start at $22 and they’re in sterling silver with different colors, gemstones and plating,” she described.
Freme’s is unparalleled in Caribou when it comes to gift giving. Shoppers who are just browsing can set up a wish list that includes sizes and which pieces of different jewelry lines they already have — plus Kirsten has a knack for learning what each of her customers like.
On occasion, she’ll even pick up the phone when the store gets in new pieces she knows her customers will like.
Not only do the professionals at Freme’s bring decades of knowledge in cuts, carats and karats, their jewelry designing expertise leaves customers breathless even after 65 years of serving the community.
One of the best moments of Kirsten’s job is helping customers select those meaningful milestone pieces, or helping them design their own unique piece.
“I get a real thrill from the gentleman who comes in with a picture and wants to buy a similar engagement ring — I may not have it here, but I can have it here the next day with a selection of diamonds for him to choose from,” Kirsten said with a smile. “They don’t have to commit until they see the components together and decide ‘yes — this is what I was looking for.’ They’re just so delighted, and that’s the real fun part of being a personal jeweler.”
That ability to tangibly pick a perfect band-and-gemstone pair is an experience customers won’t find on the Internet. Plus, shoppers may have some education when it comes to dealing with diamonds and fine jewelry, but Kirsten and Phil have more.
The Albairs have owned Freme’s for over two decades, and they only deal with reliable, trustworthy companies who stand by their products. As such, there’s a level of comfort that comes with purchases at Freme’s — Phil and Kirsten Albair, and the companies they work with, stand behind each piece of jewelry.
The Albairs purchased the shop in 1988 from Tom Byrnes and moved it to the current 14 Sweden Street location.
“We had moved from another big store that carried everything to a (smaller) store that was more manageable for the times,” Kirsten said. “The focus changed to really selling fine jewelry, rather than trying to fill everybody’s needs for everything.”
Moving to its current location, for instance, Phil decided to stop carrying 40 feet of china, crystal, flatware and other gift items, plus 15 feet of costume jewelry.
Instead, Freme’s has stacks of catalogs with customizable gifts and meaningful pieces that fit any occasion.
“What’s important about the jewelry business is that every sale is for a celebration — it’s the happiest business in the world,” Kirsten said.
