From an early age Jordan Dubin recalls fond and vivid memories of his parents and grandparents reading aloud to him and his brother. As they sat and heard all the wonderful stories unfold, a lifelong love for literacy was born and nurtured. Now as a busy parent himself with five-year-old twin boys, Jordan reads aloud to them regularly, passing on that beloved family tradition.
Jordan and his father, Lenny Dubin, own and operate Dubin’s Fine Jewelry, a longtime full-service, boutique jewelry store located in the Galleria area of Houston, Texas. The store was founded in 1980 on the belief that love is radiant. Jordan joined his dad in the jewelry industry 15 years ago. It’s a partnership that works well for both, as father and son carry on their family tradition of selling fine treasures that sparkle. They were thrilled, humbled and grateful for the distinction of being chosen the #1 local jewelry store as voted in the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best for 2020.
Importance of Early Childhood Literacy
Last year, as many children switched to virtual learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, Jordan was inspired to create their first design for a greater purpose. The Book for a Book pendant necklace launched in fall 2020 and is crafted in either solid 14K white, yellow, or rose gold, as well as sterling silver. The pendants are made locally and then polished, assembled, set, and engraved by Dubin’s Fine Jewelry.
For each pendant purchased, Dubin’s Fine Jewelry donates a book to Books Between Kids, a Houston charity that collects and distributes books to underprivileged children. “The goal when we initially designed it was to bring awareness to all people and all walks of life about the importance of childhood literacy, and to donate books to Books Between Kids,” explains Jordan.
The Book for a Book initiative was influenced by Jordan’s twin sons and his parents, specifically his mother, Sherry Dubin. She’s been involved in education her entire career, as an elementary school teacher and later as a literacy and learning specialist.
“It’s because of her love of literacy and specifically working with children across all ages and abilities of reading,” Jordan says. “She and my dad have instilled that importance of reading onto myself and onto my brother.”
Poised for Long-Term Success
The statistics regarding the availability and access to books for underprivileged families and their children are staggering. One 2006 national study showed that in middle income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1, but in lower-income neighborhoods, the ratio is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children.
The Dubins know how important reading is to young children, and because of that, partnering with Books Between Kids is a great way to give back to their community. Every child deserves to receive the “gift of imagination” for a bright future.
“The day you stop learning is the day you fall behind.”
Jordan Dubin, Dubin’s Fine Jewelry
Sharing stories with kids and reading to them is monumentally beneficial in so many ways. It improves language skills, imagination and creativity; builds a strong vocabulary; increases concentration and discipline; and prepares them for academic success. It can also provide a safe way to explore strong emotions.
“The day you stop learning is the day you fall behind,” according to Jordan. “Education is the key to long-term success, and not just financial success, but the kind money can’t buy; inner success or a deep feeling of self-worth that allows you to hold your head high.”
A Very Special Delivery
Books Between Kids collects books year-round for children from Pre-K through 5th grade. They deliver new and gently-used books directly to the schools. Each student then picks out approximately five books to take home so they can start building their own family libraries.
When the Dubin family took a field trip to the warehouse to deliver all the books they were donating, the twin boys were blown away by the sheer number of books piled up from floor to ceiling in every corner. They got to be involved in the sorting and packing process, and it was a hands-on helping experience they’ll not soon forget.
Worn Close To The Heart
The personalized Book for a Book pendants make thoughtful, unique gifts for teachers, administrators, tutors, students, and graduates alike. Worn close to the heart, they are a special, tangible reminder of the impact a solid education makes. And when it comes to customizing them, Jordan says the design possibilities are really endless. Elaborate engravings, initials, gemstones or symbols are all available, as well as plain book necklaces.
Dubin’s Fine Jewelry offers designer and custom engagement and wedding rings, all things fine jewelry, repairs, and exceptional customer service. They’re open by appointment for in-store shopping and their customers can schedule virtual consultations for gift ideas, repairs, custom requests and more.
