BOISE, Idaho — Hunkered down in the back corner of a shop cast in the Boise Depot's shadow, Rick Harvey unsnaps watches, grinds rings, strings necklaces - the sounds collide into a harmonious tune one might mistake for music known only to a tradesman.
He's known this life seven days a week for 53 years. And the whole time, Rick hasn't sold a single piece of jewelry.
He only sells relationships.
"If I can help them with their relationships and each other, then I'm doing something good," Rick said. "And I know these people real well."
He knows his customers well enough to be bothered by the burdened of a goodbye. Artsmith's is closing at the end of February; Rick and his wife, Connie, are set to retire.
"It took a long time for me to accept it," Rick said. "It's the people that I'm gonna miss."
Art Smith opened the business in 1947. Rick started as his apprentice in 1971. It was a lateral move from his previous employer on the same road - selling pizza.
"I met [Art Smith] by playing softball for him. He had a team and my dad, brother and I all played on that team," Rick said. "[Connie and I] went to the Doc Severinsen concert and he happened to be in line just behind us. He asked me if I'd like to come to work."
Rick never looked back. He bought the business in 1984 honoring the legacy by keeping the focus on relationships.
"This is the only [jeweler] I go to," Lue Boyer said. "I'm really gonna miss it."
Boyer's loyalty dates back 5 decades - the days of Rick's apprenticeship when he was just finding footing in new territory. Connie spent Thursday morning referring Lu to other jewelers in town since Artsmith's won't be around to take care of future repairs and purchases.
"He made my husband's wedding band," Boyer said. "Just a fabulous place to come. Everybody that was here has been wonderful to work with."
The shop officially closes February 29th, according to Rick. The iconic sign out front - an oversized engagement ring - will be preserved by "Signs of our Time" alongside other previous Boise-area landmarks.
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