Specialties
Colored gemstone jewelry specialists--we have over 5000 loose colored gemstones of all birthstone varieties, and even some you've never heard of...we have hundreds of mountings for these stones in stock, and can order thousands of other designs for next business day delivery. If we don't have what you want already assembled (and we have hundreds of items), in many cases, we can assemble gemstone pendants or earrings in a few minutes while you wait or run errands elsewhere in the shopping center (rings sometimes take a little longer).
We do all jewelry repairs, pearl/bead restringing, etc. in our own on-site shop--we send out only special stone-setting orders for which we have no tooling. We are owner-operated, with no additional employees, so you know that your jewelry is safe with us.
We have a companion -friendly shop, with two plush chairs and magazines for the older kids/husbands, and very spacious wheelchair access. A handicap parking space has recently been created about 30 feet from our front door...
Please note that, due to the recent increase in "smash and grab" activity, we have installed a locked door "buzz-in" capability to our entrance. If we don't see you coming, just knock on the door and we'll buzz you in.
History
Established in 1985.
First, please allow me to introduce myself--my name is Jim Hurd, a Graduate Gemologist since 1986, who has been in the gemstone and jewelry business, originally as a hobby, since 1980.
In 1985, I gave up my previous fifteen-year career as an engineer, and opened The Gem Shop, since renamed Valley Jewelers, on the premise that, given a choice, most people would go a little out of their way to patronize a store which has the same quality merchandise at a lower price and/or a better value for the same price (not to mention the unique custom-made items available only at Valley Jewelers).
In 1987, I met, then married a wonderful Brazilian lady (now a U.S. citizen) who was working at a gem show in Tucson, Arizona. Since that time, Teresa, who joined me in operating the store, has become an accomplished stonesetter and jewelry designer.
"Word of mouth" has been our most successful mode of advertisement until now, but the internet appears to be the modern way to do
Meet the Business Owner: TERESA H.
Teresa, born in Brazil, emigrated to the United States in 1987. As soon as it was legally possible, she became a proud citizen of the United States.
She met Jim at a gem show in Tucson that year and, after a "whirlwind" romance, they were married 6 months later. It was a case of "love at first sight;" and they celebrated their 33rd anniversary this year (2020).
Jim "retired" a few years ago, and turned ownership of the store over to Teresa at that time. He still helps out as an unpaid part-time employee, but Teresa is now the driving force behind the business.
Teresa's joyful "spiritualistic" outlook on life has made most of her customers also become our friends. Many people come by just to say hello and chat for a while, which is one of the aspects that we love most about having our own store--the ability to relax and enjoy the company of friends whenever we wish...who could ask for more?
