Megan Edson & Margie Klapper: Bling is their thing

That their babies were born around the same time landed Megan Edson (left) and Margie Klapper in the same Stanford mother’s group. They became friends and started dreaming about opening a boutique when their kids got older.

That time came last year, but instead of a retail store they started M&M Bling, selling fine jewelry at parties, trunk shows, and events. “Eventually, we would like to open a store or have some space in a store,” said Margie, who lives in Menlo Park. “But this was a good way to start, and it keeps the costs down.”

The co-owners travel all over to select stones and find jewelry that’s fun, different, and affordable.”We’ve found it’s really important to go to the show and get to know the vendors,” said Megan. “Not only do we get better deals, but we’ve met the nicest people, most of whom are running a family business.”

They’ve learned to look beyond their own style and think about what other people will want to wear — and buy. They sell a lot of diamond hoops, diamonds by the yard, black diamonds, and champagne diamonds. “Our prices are at least a third of the price of Tiffany’s,” said Margie.

Because they meet their vendors and customers face to face, they’re able to spot trends and what’s hot. For spring, they’re seeing a renewed interest in yellow and rose gold (diamond ring pictured is one example) and lots of blue and green stones, as well as beaded bracelets.

They both admit they’ve learned a lot in the past year about running a business and what sells — and what doesn’t. “We are always getting in new things,” said Margie. “That keeps our customers coming back.”

Megan and Margie and their jewelry will be at Kicks on Evelyn St. in Menlo Park from noon to 4:00 pm on April 30.

Photo of Megan and Margie by Linda Hubbard (c) 2011/InMenlo.com; can not be used without permission