This year Freme’s Jewelry, located at 14 Sweden Street, has been celebrating 60 years of being in business. The original jewelry store was opened in 1950 by Sam Freme, located at that time on Sweden Street next to the Victory Restaurant.
In April of 1988 Phil Albair purchased the business from owner at that time, Tom Byrnes and within just a few years, following the closure of the Loring Air Force Base, with the city dealing with questionable economic times, he moved the business to a smaller site, where it remains today.
Freme’s Jewelry offers overnight hand engraving, lay-a-ways, clock (mantle to grandfather) repair, watch battery replacement and personal jewelry repair. Most of these services are done on site; ring sizing is sent to a master goldsmith in Boston. Albair also provides a number of options to his clientele, should someone wish to have a special piece of jewelry reset and is available for emergency jewelry repair.
While moving his businesses to a small retail space, Albair also made some other changes. He discontinued carrying 40 feet of china, crystal and flatware among other gift items. Today, Freme’s carries a unique selection of styles, featuring sterling silver and carat gold jewelry items. “They’re not what you see in the catalog or the chain stores,” said Albair, “that is a big draw for people.”
Distributors from all over the country supply Freme’s Jewelry. Albair continues to keep his contact channels opens with suppliers from California, Florida, New York and Boston, in order to sustain a very tasteful and unique collection of jewelry items. He also never stocks a piece of jewelry in multiple quantities.
As with everything else, the cost of personal jewelry has increased. For example Albair estimated that in the mid 1960s a good watch would cost around $50 and a diamond engagement ring would swallow up a week’s wages costing $20 to $120, and a 14-carat gold wedding band would have been $20. Today a good watch runs $100, engagement rings are $299 and up and a 14-carat gold wedding band is around $100.
Albair stated he has a great many repeat customers. “That’s what it’s all about, if customers feel comfortable with the service I provide and they’re happy with the affordable quality of the jewelry I offer, then they become regular customers.
“It’s always nice to see the smiles on my customers’ faces and to hear their thank-yous,” Albair said. “I look forward to continuing to bring happiness to individuals and to be a part of their lives on special events.”
