John David Jewelers
DAVID PHELPS – Proprietor / Goldsmith
Dave started in the jewelry business in 1972 with his father and mother. Their first store was a tent on the side of Loon Mountain up in New Hampshire. They did that every summer and during the winter their first real business location was the old Mad River Canoe Company. They were there for a few years and then moved to a little bit nicer location just down the road. Then he joined the Army and flew helicopters for the first cavalry division. When he got out, his parents had moved to Texas so he went to join them and their jewelry store in Plano. He worked for them until they retired in 1986. In 1997 he moved to North Carolina and started working out of his home creating high-end custom jewelry for retail jewelry stores. Then in 2004 one of his clients was retiring so they negotiated the lease for his jewelry shop and have been here ever since.
GAYBETH PHELPS – Proprietor / Gemologist
Gaybeth is a Jersey girl and spent her childhood summers in West Poland, Maine. She met Dave at Nathanial Hawthorne College in New Hampshire where she majored in fine arts. She practiced nursing while Dave served in the military. After opening their store in Durham, Gaybeth became a Graduate Gemologist through the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad California. She is now a Certified Senior Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
JOHN PHELPS – Goldsmith Manager
John moved from Texas after graduating from the University of Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. He is a third generation gold smith following in his father’s and grandfather’s shoes, a perfectionist, and one of the best stone setters you’ll meet!
REGINA BLANCO – Sales Manager
Regina graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology Fashion Merchandising in New York as well as being a GIA Gemologist. Who better to advise our customers when it comes to jewelry design? She’s been involved in the jewelry industry for twenty-three years and feels very lucky to be doing something she loves. We feel lucky to have her sense of class and style as part of our team. Her other loves are her girls, cats, and estate/antique jewelry.
CHRISTINE SCHACHTNER – Remote Office Manager & Bookkeeper
Christine is an accomplished bookkeeper and office assistant with over 20 years experience. Even though Christine works remotely, her knowledge and expertise keep us constantly checked and always well balanced. Christine was raised in Michigan. She lived most of her adult life in Massachusetts, where she attended college and raised her two children. She and her husband Ron now live in South Carolina along with their three Boston Terriers. In her spare time, Christine enjoys painting pet portraits, doing crafty things and playing with her very high energy puppers.
ALLISON HICKEY – Goldsmith
Allison is a born and raised West Virginian. After many relocations and attending college in Abilene, TX, she landed in Durham, NC. Looking for a creative outlet she found the occupation of bench jeweler through David. She has now become the shop’s apprentice and is learning more every day.
“Dave and John are the best goldsmiths to learn from!”