Carol Orr Hartman Dave Fulkerson has opened Diamond Dave’s Creative Jewelry in Cape Coral. The grand opening is Saturday.

“Something old, something new “

Usually a phrase used in weddings, it is appropriate for a jeweler who specializes in a girl’s (or guy’s) best friend – diamonds. Diamond Dave’s Creative Jewelry is a new store in Cape Coral with roots here going back over 25 years. Owner Dave Fulkerson, has been in the jewelry business most of his life and the designing faction of jewelry has always fascinated him.

Growing up in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., when he graduated from college, Fulkerson relocated to New York at 20 years of age to apprentice under a top jeweler on Long Island. Upon moving to Florida in 1986, he worked for an established jewelry company called Designs by JR in Cape Coral. After further experience at Congress Jewelers on Sanibel for four years, he designed off-site for John Michaels Jewelry in Cape Coral. After several years of outside designing, John Michaels asked Fulkerson to join him at the jewelry store, where he helped run the repair and custom design department for the past 20 years.

After the recent death of his long-time mentor, John Michaels, following a long illness, during which he helped keep the store running smoothly, Fulkerson decided it was time to realize his dream to open his own store in memory of and to carry the tradition that David and Michael had established together going back 20 years.

Fulkerson brings enthusiasm to his new location, Diamond Dave’s, on Cape Coral Parkway in the Big John’s Plaza in front of the Cape Coral Town Center. Easily reached via the front parking lot, the store is warm and inviting.

Fulkerson explained, “When people walk in, I want them to feel at home and comfortable in this family tradition jewelry store.”

Sometimes jewelry stores can be intimidating and Fulkerson is striving to make everyone feel at home. He said he is proud of some of his cutting-edge equipment that provides a higher level of satisfaction to his clients.

“We are the only jewelry store in Southwest Florida with a 3D wax machine for custom designs, where you can now watch your custom designs being made,” he said. “Our focus is to have a complete jewelry store where you can come in, watch your repairs or jewelry done or being made step by step. We don’t send anything out everything is done in house. There is a convenient window to the back shop where you can visit and see the artistry at work and see your or someone else’s art being created.”

Fulkerson offers the largest selection of Italian-made jewelry in Southwest Florida. He said the craftsmanship of Italian jewelry is considered the best. He also has a large selection of wholesale diamonds from a large inventory – customers can pick their exact stone that day. He also prides himself on selling certified diamonds so buyers know they are getting the best.

“The inventory we have in stock offers a wide variety of choices,” Fulkerson said. “We are striving to have everything in the store be 100 percent made at Diamond Dave’s and I am often imitated but never duplicated because I will not compromise my standards of excellence.

“Because of the diversity of readymade pieces we have, you can find something for every taste at every budget.” he continued. “From a readymade piece to a custom designed piece, you get a better crafted piece of jewelry, not something that is mass produced in another country. We do everything here from watch repair, appraisals and have a wide range of services at Diamond Dave’s also with regard to repairs, we have a ‘wait while your repairs are being done’ philosophy.”

Fulkerson has a well established reputation in Cape Coral, donating his work to be auctioned off at many fundraisers, including Arts for ACT and the breast cancer fundraiser, among others.

Fulkerson is also an accomplished pianist and guitarist. Not able to make space yet for one of his grand pianos, customers may be able to catch him performing on his guitar when they stop by his shop to peruse the jewelry.

Located at 1227 Cape Coral Parkway, East, Diamond Dave’s is open Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. Fulkerson can be contacted at 239-549-2090

A grand opening of the store will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, during the Holiday Festival of Lights. During the grand opening, shoppers can also register to win a pair of diamond earrings and enjoy a beverage and snack while perusing the jewelry in the store and possibly enjoy a serenade by the owner.