“Spring Bling”: For only $50, a chance for a European trip and a sparkling diamond

This is one of the best deals we’ve seen: The Center for the Arts and Stucki Jewelers, both of Grass Valley, are teaming up to offer a trip of a lifetime: “The Spring Bling Tour.”

For $50, you get a chance to win a roundtrip journey from Northern California to Belgium, complete with a visit to the “diamond capital” of Antwerp to select your own gem. About 500 tickets are being sold in the creative giveaway.

In April 2015, the winners will join Stucki’s owners, James and Nicole Arbaugh, to Antwerp, Belgium, for about a week.

The trip includes hotel, touring and a visit to the renowned Diamond District of Antwerp to select a diamond of up to $2,500 value. James is a graduate gemologist. The Arbaughs also are experienced travelers to Belgium, so they are excellent guides.

For years, the Arbaughs have traveled to Belgium, typically twice a year, to buy diamonds for their customers, accepting “pre-orders.”

In another innovative deal, Stucki Jewelers offers a “Free If It Snows” promotion. If you purchase jewelry on the weekend after Thanksgiving and it snows at least one inch on Christmas Day, your jewelry purchases are free. (Some restrictions apply).

For the “Spring Bling” promotion, tickets will be sold at Stucki Jewelers and The Center. starting on Monday. The drawing is on December 31. Call 530-272-1266 for more information. This is a shining example of small businesses and nonprofits working together — in this case to provide a trip of a lifetime to the lucky winner.