Every fall, the eagerly awaited "Best of Boston" issue of Boston Magazine hits the newsstands - it is the largest and fastest selling issue. The magazine is filled with the best restaurants and the best stores. Consumers are eager to discover the best and then visit those establishments. Two years in a row, Royal Jewelers of Andover has been selected "Best of Boston - Best Selection of Designer Jewelry."

"Winning this prestigious award the first time (in 1999) was quite an honor," says Steven Leed of Royal Jewelers. " Winning this award again in 2000 validates all our effort to become a world-class jeweler."

Siblings Paula and Steven joined the family business in the 1970s. Royal Jewelers was founded in1948 by their father, Bernard Leed.

"When we entered the jewelry business, there really weren't brand names or recognized designers of fine jewelry. As both these categories began to emerge, we saw the importance to selling jewelry that had a signature design," says Mr. Leed.

Royal Jewelers features the world's best jewelry designers, including David Yurman, Kisselstein-Cord, Doris Panos, Stefan Hafner and about 30 more. The Leeds were among the first fine jewelers in the United States that pioneered the concept of selling and boutiquing designer jewelry. Because the Leeds embraced the concept very early, they have developed strong friendships with many talented designers. When in the area, designer David Yurman will stay at the home of one of the Leeds.

"No, there is not a plaque that says, 'David Yurman slept here,' says Ms. Leed.

Considering how many jewelers there are in Boston and its suburbs -- and the fact that Andover is 20 miles north of Boston -- the Leeds are very proud of the honor.

"We have been getting a lot of recognition on both the local and national level for the designers we feature and the innovative approach in which we take to display them," says Mr. Leed.

Royal also attracts many shoppers from out of state.

"They have read or heard about us or seen one of our national ads and travel from New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut, just to name a few. Our jewelry is beautiful and we are the only jeweler in New England where you can see so many designers in one store," says Mr. Leed.

This holiday season, be sure to spend time at Royal Jewelers. Pretty jewelry (and lots of it) is displayed beautifully, with assistance by a friendly staff --- a winning combination. You will clearly see this is an award-winning jeweler.