Local jewelry store in Santa Maria continues mask mandate for customer safety

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - When it comes to selling jewelry, managers at Fischer’s Fine Jewelry in Santa Maria say services can get up close and personal.

“For example if someone is trying on a ring or a pendant that they are purchasing we’re right up there next to them and we want them to feel safe and comfortable," said co-owner Katherine Fischer of Fisher's Fine Jewelry.

In order to do this the popular jewelry store requires all customers to where a mask despite the recent mask mandate lifted in the state of California.

“But if you’re working with somebody on a repair or custom job or a possible purchase were likely to be with them fairly physically close for an extended period of time most often more than 15 minutes sometimes more than an hour," said Fischer.

Fischer says it’s that extended period of time of close contact that lead to her continue requiring the mask.

“It’s great I still wear mine even if I’m not at the grocery store I know a lot of people don’t really happy with the fact that we’re still wearing masks but it’s just been good for us and it kept our business running," said sales representative Ana Orantes of Fischer’s Fine Jewelry.

Fischer says while some customers are resistant to wearing the mask, she still requires it when entering the store for everyone’s safety.

“Some people are very upset and said they would never come back again … and I feel really bad about that but the safety of ourselves are other customers our family members at home … that’s a real driving force for this," said Fischer.

Fischer says she considers the possibility of lifting the mask requirement almost every day.

“But it’s something we would like to let go of but until we really feel comfortable with that we’re not going to … and then my employees are behind me … and they appreciate us doing that for their protection as well," said Fischer.

Fischer's Fine Jewelry offers free masks for customers who don't have one.