High end design in High Point, NC

“I treasure nature’s colors” reveals Gary Simon. “Lapis, opal, pearl, onyx… the rich juxtaposition of colors and shaping in gemstones.”

Simon’s affinity for color, tone, and texture is reflected in Simon Jewelers, High Point, NC (simonjewelers.com). This unique showcase for designer jewelry “all under one roof” features a curved floor plan mirrored in spiraling cases, counters and lights, all in warm inviting tones. Oversized lighted transparencies highlighting designer originals entice clients outside and in, while flat-panel TVs running alluring videos add visual impact. The boutique environment serves as a magnet drawing clients from Virginia to Charlotte.

Simon Jewelers owner, Gary Simon managed the design and construction of his 4700 square foot space in High Point, NC.

Simon’s eye for visual appeal is a current running through his background. “I studied drafting and practiced art for many years in high school and college,” Simon explains. “For decades I have painted with acrylics, which has allowed me to explore intriguing color schemes and textures, impressionistic in style.

“My parents influenced me professionally. My father had several downtown jewelry stores throughout Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee in the mid 1950s to late 1960s, and my mother headed a marketing company.

“In 1980 I graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a degree in radio and TV and worked in TV broadcasting. But I quickly gravitated to the jewelry industry by the mid-1980s, working with family for a few years before opening my own store in High Point in 1988.”

Simon Jewelers is a labor of love reflecting the owner’s passion for design and visual appeal. In 2007 Simon doubled the size of his original store. “I had a ball overseeing the design and execution of the 4700 square foot space. It was my most ambitious canvas, yet – creating a large but intimate space that had the ‘wow’ factor.”

The results paid off. The striking interior was featured on the cover of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Magazine. “Customers are drawn to the atmosphere of fashion and fun. Now our store mirrors our merchandise.”

“We offer a number of interesting and various designers – Armenta, Asch-Grossbardt, Bixby and Tacori. Designers such as Mia Katrin for Jewel Couture and Stephen Dweck offer appealing juxtapositions of color in their pieces, interesting combinations of gems.” Designers with regional connections such as Slane and Slane, a High Point success story, have additional appeal to clients.

“We offer a variety of price levels suitable for special occasions or ‘just because,’ encouraging clients to ‘mix and match’ pieces from various designers they buy over time. Bridal is also an important component for us. We feature Ritani, Hearts On Fire and Simon G.”

Gary Simon and his friendly, capable staff “care for (their) customers, delivering quality products with superb service.”

“Although the past year has been challenging for anyone in the jewelry industry, there’s also been great opportunity. We are still in business because we care for our customers, delivering quality products with superb service while maintaining our margins. I believe that for an independent jeweler the basic things that ensured success 10-20 years ago still work now. There’s no magic silver bullet. Customers want to feel special, be advised and purchase treasures that make them feel good. And our reward is to now be the jeweler to our original customers’ grandchildren!”

Simon’s passion for the beauty of gems and sense of high-end design coupled with time-tested business practices have allowed him to continue to ride the wave, always finding the high point.