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The Team

Who We Are

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David and Gaybeth Phelps

Proprietors

David Phelps - 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.  In 1977 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 we have been here ever since. 

Gaybeth Phelps 

Gaybeth previously practiced nursing at what is now Duke Regional Hospital.  After opening the business in 2004 she studied gemology with the Gemological Institute of America.  She is a Graduate Gemologist and a former Certified Senior Member of NAJA.  Previously she had studied fine arts and is a published author / illustrator of a children’s book which was her life-long ambition.  This is something she wishes to pursue further now that she is semi-retired.  She continues to manage the office and daily activities here at the store.  In addition to her watercolor illustrations she enjoys fiber arts and gardening. 

John Phelps

Goldsmith Manager

John moved here 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.  He’s been working at the bench for the past almost 20 years! When you want something done right, he’s your man. John is a perfectionist and one of the best stone setters you’ll meet!  He has three cats at home who are characters!

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Regina Blanco

Sales Manager

Regina attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and received several certificates in Fashion Merchandising 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 over twenty 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.

Christina Miracola

Bench Jeweler

Chris studied at New Approach for the Graduate Bench Jewelers program in Nashville, Tennessee.  She is very passionate about making jewelry, since the first time she started making her own custom pieces.  In her free time she enjoys skate boarding, playing bass, and making jewelry.  Chris is eager to learn everything she can about the jewelry industry.

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Ann Poe

Office Assistant

Ann (Annie) previously worked at Duke on legal agreements after moving here in 2000 to marry her Marine husband.  They often visited the store and brought along their Shih Tzu who always got along well with our Pomeranian and Dave and Doug enjoyed sharing their military experiences.   We asked Annie to help out on Saturdays in the office, entering work orders and various other office duties.  Annie shared that she was a competitive ballroom dancer and has been awarded multiple blue ribbons.

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Christine Schachtner

Virtual Office Manger / Bookkeeper

Christine attended three and a half years at Framingham State University in Massachusetts for Business and Accounting. She joined John David Jewelers in 2020 with over 20 years of office management and bookkeeping experience. After one short year with us, Christine and her husband, Ron, built a house and moved to South Carolina. We did not want to let her go, so we didn't! Christine works remotely and continues to manage our books to help keep things running smoothly at John David Jewelers. In her spare time, Christine received her NREMT (National Registered EMT), NCPT (National Certified Phlebotomy Technician) and is now pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work degree. She also works part-time as a medical insurance biller, part-time with EMS, and part-time at a local hospital emergency room. In her downtime, Christine enjoys her quiet home in the country and cuddles with her three Boston Terriers.

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Sammy

Customer Relations Ambassador

Sammy, the Pomeranian, joined John David Jewelers in April of 2021. Though Sammy has no previous customer facing experience, he took to the job like a pro! He is eager to greet you upon your arrival. Of course, Sammy's favorite place is in his mama's arms, but he is always happy to take any pets and rubs you have to offer.

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© 2023

Est 2004 -  JOHN DAVID JEWELERS

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