With Washington’s tough economic times, jewelers are ready for a less-than glowing holiday season.

Jewelers, whether large or small, won’t get the usual bump from casual buyers, said Leo Fried at Blue Heron Jewelers in Poulsbo. But many of them hope to head off this year’s trend for thrift with a wider array of less expensive items. Soon-to-be couples, people with anniversaries and others who have dates that do not change will find they may benefit as well from the choices.

Still, what Fried and others do to attract visitors year around may lessen any impact. Fried manufactures his own jewelry to his customer’s standards. These specifications include the gems and metals used and the design itself, as well as the final cost.

What comes out is one-of-a-kind pieces that those who make them consider art. A Gig Harbor waterfront company, Kit Kuhn A Jeweler Designed For You puts together such baubles.

Owner Kit Kuhn has been in Gig Harbor for 15 years and uses basic methods of fabrication, soldering and metal-smithing to meet his own exacting standards. He enjoys the process and rightly views himself as a multi-media artist.

Ben Bridge Jewelers has always made a special effort to tailor its display toward the holiday season. Lanya Phaff at the Ben Bridge in Kitsap Mall is in charge of developing new ways her store can excite those looking to add a little extra sparkle under the mistletoe.

Or, as in the case of Pearl Harbor, and the Men in Black II Hamilton watches with a triangular face, appeal to the inner child.

Mall jewelry stores have become the greatest buyers market segment in America by increasing the quality of their product and their ease of use. But there are few who will offer custom-made alternatives from the raw materials on up.

That they both exist offers the largest spectrum of price, quality and the all important choice that acknowledge that no two women — or men — are alike.

Except in their love for the glitter.