Gary and Beth Gilmore in front of their storefront. April 2014.
Gary Gilmore is moving his family jewelry business. It is true. Gary confirmed this for me this morning. He and his spouse Beth and their 2 daughters – all who have been running the business for years – will be shutting down the storefront and moving their business to Liberty Station.
Gary said that they will stay on Newport Avenue for the remainder of this year and then move in January. Gary’s jewelry store has been on Newport for 37 years. “We opened on October 18th, 1978,” he said with crystal clarity.
“I’m 65,” Gary said. “I like to make jewelry,” he added, but right now most of the work day he’s handling customer issues, money, bills and the tasks of keeping the storefront open. Just recently the front of the store was redone and a name change accompanying it to reflect that the business was run by the family.
“I want that part of me (making jewelry) to blossom.”
He also pointed out that there is only one other sole-owner business on Newport – the OB Hardware Store.
“The big reason I wanted to be on Newport has been to make my store the neighborhood jeweler – a point of civic pride. I accomplished that. I fell in love with the community, I love OB and being a part of it.
And I feel conflicted in leaving – …”
Other changes are part of the shift – from a storefront to more of an online business. This is part of down-sizing that they will be going through. The Gilmores will not be opening up a walk-in store, but will operate on an appointment basis – still making jewelry. Gary told me that they plan on moving into one of the former Marine officer’s quarters at Rosecrans and Dewey.
Gary added that he isn’t just dropping everything – but will be sending business to other jewelers – like the Golden Seashell. And since he owns the building, he’ll have a definite say in what type of business moves in.
Here is an interview I did with Gary 5 years ago.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Sad to see them go – Gary was great to work with years ago in helping my wife custom-design her engagement ring…best wishes to the Gilmore family in their new endeavor!
I’m sorry to see them leave OB, their presence on Newport Avenue has been significant. They designed a unique and beautiful wedding ring for me many years ago. I’m glad that their talent and expertise will still be available online and at Liberty Station.
Sad to see them moving… Thank you Gary Gilmore for your beautiful jewelry and being a part of OB for so many years!!
I am sad to see the classiest establishment in O.B. move on, but am happy Gary can concentrate on what he loves to do.
Although we have told him before, I would like to publicly thank Gary for designing and creating beautiful wedding rings for my wife and I. And for talking me out of a more expensive ring for myself that was not practical.
Best of luck to you and your family Gary!
Thanks, Gary & Beth, for being such active community members for so long. Thanks also for the several beautiful pieces of jewelry I’m still enjoying – and those I’ve given for gifts over the years. You will be missed. Gary, glad you’ll have more time to follow your passion for design.
Gary and Bethany.
I remember before and when you opened you OB store. I worked across the street at Peninsula Bank. At that time I installed your company into the old slide your credit card machine era. Boy, that was a l o n g time ago. Let’s stay in touch.
Hugs. Sue