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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (April 6, 2007)
8 juStOUt APRIL 6. 2QO7 northwest Jeweler Carries Only the Finest Ponce also places importance on customer service. “This is a place where people can feel comfortable and know they’re being given die highest quality at best prices,” he said. “And we’re family!” The store is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information call Ponce or store manager Michael Quehbenan at 503-233-3698 or visit www.jewelrybyponceportland.com, which is still under construction. John Ponce, the man behind Jewelry by Ponce at 3288 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., is a third-generation jeweler who recently moved to Portland and opened his store in February. “My parents were into manufacturing charms, but 1 went my own route,” said Ponce, who said he carries only higher-grade gemstones. Being the best, only and first seems important to Ponce. He said he was the first to design rhe Gay Pride ring. Ponce, who opened his first store in 1983, has toured all the big Pride festivals, where copies of his original design abound. With more than 400 rings for men, Ponce claims to have the largest selection in the country. A man with a one-karat diamond on his nipple, Ponce also claims to be the only act in town to sell handmade, high-end body jewelry. The retail space, a ware house turned elegant gallery, has a living r<x»m area where people can sit and look at the jewelry while sipping a cup of coffee. “We don’t pressure anyone to buy anything,” said Ponce. “We believe that after looking around, you’ll understand we have the best.” This is made clear when kxiking at his collec John Ponce (right) and Michael Quehbenan staff a solid-gold jewelry store on Hawthorne. tion of Tanzanite. Ponce claims to have the highest grade in the country of this bluish-purple stone Bringing Comfort Food found only in Tanzania. into Modern Times Jewelry by Ponce carries more than a half-million Christopher Pierce might own the new hot dollars worth of loose gemstones with which to restaurant on Alberta Street, but he’s lived in the create original pieces. All of the gold in the store is neighborhood for 15 years. “I bought a house that still based on 2004 prices. “Gold has doubled along originally had transients living in it and crack with gas pnces, but 1 won’t change the tags till they’re dealers on the corner, and 1 paid $40,000 for it. sold out," said Ponce. While rhe quality is impressive, | I sold it to build [Francis Restaurant],” said Pierce. business watch E squire M otors , inc . S<wr I** COMPLETE FOREIGN CAR SERVICE & REPAIR EUROPEAN & ASIAN www.esquiremotors.com 1853 SW Jefferson • Portland 503.226.6269 It’s a you parade. Ö mawa 503-644-9121 DAN BROWNING Herzog-Meier cari@heriogmeifr.com • www.herzogmeier.com Coming Out: The Gay (Men's) Experience in Mexico In/Visibility: Lesbian Lives in Mexico Travel to Cuernavaca, Mexico and study Spanish while learning about gay and lesbian life in Mexico today. June 16th - July 6th EDÚCATE Call Now! 503-238-5790 full immersion EXPERIENCE! www.educateya.org Big City Produce Local Folks, Local Produce Sy"«" Little Store . . . Big on Diversity. 722 N Sumner (at N Albina) • Portland • 503-460-3830 business cards • newsletters t_ full-eervk« printing broc hures • • rack cards *'l'An(aK<- « * u ■ Tel 503.281.8688 • Fax 503.249.1440 • www.impress-usa.com Francis owner Christopher Pierce is part of Alberta Street’s transition. “1 wanted to be part of the transition and help bring jobs to my neighborhixxJ." The 72-foot frontage of the rmxJern-designed building at 2338 N.E. Alberta St. is Pierce’s outlet for providing well- crafted focxl in a comfort able environment. With 66 feet of windows, patrons can people-watch while enjoying what Pierce calls eclectic American cuisine with a twist. Pierce spent 15 years in five-star hotels and resorts creating ice sculpture and cooking before getting a degree in art history and sculpture. “Since I’m an artist, I try to use my space on Alberta the best 1 can to support artists in the
