NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM visited with Grover King for a Question & Answer session to discuss King Jewelers, which is off North Parkway at 16B Conrad Drive.
Question: First, a little background information. Where are you originally from, how long have you lived in Jackson, education and family?
Answer: My parents were originally from Alabama, but moved here in 1953. I grew up in Bells. I went to elementary school in Crockett County and graduated high school from Tennessee Academy in Brownsville.
The jeweler’s school I went to was in Little Rock, Arkansas, called Trenton School. I also attended college at Martin.
Question: What motivated you to become a jeweler?
Answer: Well, I worked a lot in farming, plumbing and electrical work, and during that time I saw if I could have a job that’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter, it would be a better option.
Question: How long have you been in business, previous and present location?
Answer: I have been a certified jeweler for over 35 years. I opened my business in the same location it’s in now in 1997.
Question: Would you describe the product and services you offer?
Answer: We offer a selection of fine jewelry, gold, diamonds and gemstones, as well as watches.
Our services include all types of jewelry repairs from ring sizing to custom design pieces. We also do free jewelry cleaning and inspection to ensure your stones are tight and parts are in good repair.
Question: What’s your most popular piece of jewelry?
Answer: Our estate jewelry is always popular and diamond earrings are always in demand. This year we’ve had a lot of interest in diamond bracelets, so we have tennis style and diamond bangles in stock.
Question: How have the buying habits changed in the jewelry business the last 20-to-25 years?
Answer: Not a whole lot, but people are probably more informed about jewelry and diamonds than a while ago. With the internet and everything, they can do research – but most people still want a jeweler’s opinion.
Question: Are the Millennials interested in jewelry, and are they buying as much as their parents did?
Answer: They are absolutely interested. They are getting married and buying anniversary presents and such, and they may end up buying as much as their parents did, but they just haven’t gotten to that point in life yet.
Most are in the middle of having kids – and kids aren’t cheap. I think the Millennials won’t end-up being that different – as far as spending goes.
(PHOTO: Grover King, King Jewelers)
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