Local jewelers share their love story
Ivan and Sally Rochon celebrate 18 years together in Downtown Rutland
By Lauren Fabian | May 28th, 2019
As Sally Rochon walked up the stairs of her apartment after working a long shift at the Vermont National Bank in 1999, she looked forward to another casual dinner with her boyfriend, Ivan. When she reached the landing, the whole room was lit with candles — Ivan was down on one knee ready to pop the big question.
With a quick yes and a moment of embrace, Ivan realized he’d better blow out the candles before he burned the house down.
On April 27th, 2019, Ivan and Sally Rochon celebrated 18 years of marriage. Sally describes their lives together as an “epic love story,” as their relationship started out as a summer fling that’s continued for over 20 years.
The front window display at Diamonds and More.
Today, the Rutland born-and-raised couple owns and operates “Diamonds and More” at 7 Center Street in Downtown Rutland.
Ivan started out working in the jewelry industry and frequently passed by Desjardins Jewelers on Center Street on walks with Sally. Her support encouraged him to purchase both the business and the building, where they’ve stayed for 13 years.
Sitting above the store entrance is a blown up photo of Ivan and Sally’s wedding day, paired with a poem written by Sally’s brother — another surprise confession of Ivan’s love.
The Rochon’s main goal at Diamonds and More is to help others experience a love story as great as the one they share.
“It’s all about love and joy, and being part of someone’s big experiences in life,” Ivan said. “You have the same doctor, same lawyer, and your jeweler should be part of your life, too.”
In the business of love, Ivan gets to hear proposal ideas as he helps his customers choose the perfect engagement ring. He recalls one customer who carved his and his bride-to-be’s initials into a tree, and another that drove snowmobiles up to the top of a hillside lit up with lights that said “Will you marry me?”
Ivan Rochon stands in Diamonds and More with his inventory.
“We are a local option you can trust and some of our very first customers are still customers today,” Rochon said. “We try to provide a better quality, and we can stand behind our products.”
Ivan says what separates them from the competition is the amount of inventory they have in the store and the personal, local service they provide.
Diamonds and More also sports Vermont’s only custom design ring center, where you can choose from multiple designs at home, in-store or online.
For those looking to start their own epic love story, visit Diamonds and More for the perfect wedding and engagement ring options. This Saturday the store will be celebrating its 84th year in business with a special anniversary sale where after purchasing a regular priced item, you can get the second item for 84 cents. The sale starts at 10am and lasts for 84 minutes.
The store is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 3pm.
For more information, visit Diamonds and More on 7 Center Street, Rutland, Vermont, and check them out on Facebook.
