In the charming town of El Dorado Hills, a new chapter unfolds for Talisman Collection Fine Jewelers as founder Andrea Riso passes the torch to Adriana and Brett Sargent, a dynamic married couple with a passion for both business and beauty. This transition marks not just a change in ownership, but also a continuation of Talisman’s legacy as a beloved local institution.
Brett’s journey to jewelry is a tale of unexpected circles. Once a nuclear physicist turned tech professional, he now finds himself immersed in a world that echoes his childhood. As a young boy, Brett assisted his mother in her antique business, developing an eye for precious pieces that will serve him well in his new role. Meanwhile, Adriana brings her extensive experience from Silicon Valley startups. Her keen eye for design will also prove invaluable in curating Talisman’s collection.
Talisman Collection Fine Jewelers has long been a cornerstone of El Dorado Hills, even earning the title of “America’s Coolest Jewelry Store” from INSTORE magazine. This reputation for excellence that Riso created is something the Sargent’s are eager to build upon, infusing their own passion and expertise into the business.
“Andrea made such a name for herself and the business as a whole because of all the love she put into Talisman,” says Brett. “We’re lucky that she’s still here with us on a daily basis. She’s still the designer, she’s still one of the people you’ll see when you’re here. We’re just excited to bring our own vision into the fold.”
The couple’s approach to jewelry goes beyond mere commerce. They understand that each piece carries a story, often spanning generations. This sentiment is beautifully illustrated by an encounter with an elderly customer who brought in her cherished Winnie the Pooh watch for a simple band replacement. The woman’s reluctance to part with the watch, even briefly, spoke volumes. When Brett and Adriana learned it was a gift from her late husband, a Pearl Harbor survivor, they went above and beyond, presenting her with a Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal and music box along with her repaired watch.
“You could tell that she wasn’t ready to give me the story at first — she was tough and was holding it tight,” Brett says. “But we could tell that this timepiece was so much more than a watch. When we gave her the stuffed animal and music box, the look on her face when she said to me, ‘You don’t know what this means…’ is worth so much more than I can explain.”
This level of compassion and understanding sets Talisman apart. Brett and Adriana’s backgrounds in business brokerage have equipped them with the acumen to run a successful enterprise, while their hearts remain firmly rooted in personal connections.
As they embark on this new adventure, Brett and Adriana are joined by their three children, with their daughter already eyeing a career in jewelry design. It’s a family affair that promises to keep Talisman Collection Fine Jewelers sparkling for generations to come, ensuring that the stories encased in those precious metals and gems continue to be cherished and shared.
