A family-owned jewelry store, the second-oldest retail establishment in Highlands, is closing after more than 73 years in business. The Highlands Gem Shop on South 4th St. has served generations of customers since it opened in 1956 by Archie and Hazel Jellen. The current owners are their grandson, Matthew Schroeders, and his wife, Laura.

Huge sale opens to the public

The Highlands Gem Shop begins is currently running a going-out-of-business sale featuring substantial discounts on its entire inventory of fine jewelry, minerals, and crystals.

The store is renowned for its collection of colored gemstones, quartz crystals, geodes and mineral specimens. With great deals to suit every budget, you will also find estate jewelry and custom-designed, unique pieces that can't be found anywhere else.

"There's really something for everyone at this sale," Laura Schroeders said. 

Small town charm a big draw

Archie and Hazel Jellen discovered Highlands, nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains, while on their honeymoon. They fell in love with the small town’s warm and welcoming community and decided to make Highlands their home.

The mountains and their abundance of gemstones and minerals made it the perfect backdrop for Archie Jellen to put into practice his expertise in optics, which he learned while serving in the military. His skill in collecting and cutting gemstones, such as locally mined rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, earned him a reputation over the years as a highly skilled jewelry craftsman.

The Jellens started selling jewelry from their home. As the number of customers kept growing, they decided to open Jellen's Gem Cutting and Mineral Shop in 1952.

In 1956, they bought the original Jackson County Bank building and renamed it Highlands Gem Shop. Over the years, it has evolved from mainly a gemstone and mineral store into a full-service fine jewelry shop, operating from the location on South 4th Street ever since.

Throughout the decades, the store has remained a family affair. Their grandson Matthew Schroeders was born in Highlands and raised in Florida, but spent much of his upbringing visiting and working with his grandparents in the store. The Schroeders have both homes and businesses in Florida and Highlands, but have always felt right at home in western North Carolina.

 Grateful for customers and community

Though the Highlands area and the store were mostly spared from the long-term destruction Hurricane Helene caused in 2024, they still felt the time was right to close shop. The Schroeders have been dividing their time running a business in both Highlands and Florida. "It's been a significant commitment, and we felt it was the right time to close and offer this special sale to our customers who have supported us for so long," Laura Schroeders said.

“After so many meaningful years, closing the shop was a bittersweet decision. This place has been part of our family’s story for generations, and our customers have become an extension of that family. But with my year-round commitments in Florida, I can no longer give the shop—and the people who’ve supported it—the time, presence, and care they truly deserve,” said Matthew Schroeders.

They’ve been serving generations of customers, including both local and seasonal residents. Many have become close friends with the Schroeders. 

"We always have customers who come into the store and fondly recall Archie and Hazel," said Laura Schroeders, who recently began designing her own line of jewelry and gifts called HAPI.

She added: "One of the greatest joys has been helping multiple generations of shoppers celebrate special moments in their lives. It's a business that touches people's hearts, and they always leave with a smile on their faces.”

Want to go?

What: The Highlands Gem Shop Closing Sale

When: Begins Tuesday, July 1

Where: 201 South 4th St., Highlands, NC 28741

Store hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday,

More info.: Visit highlandsgemshop.com or call 828-526-2767

Source: Highlands Gem Shop.