In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show Fall 2025, host Chuck Keohler talks with Brian and Susan Barnes of Barnes Jewelers in Lexington, South Carolina. For more than 25 years, Barnes Jewelers has served as a trusted name in their community, and now the family business is embracing a new era of retail.

Brian, who began as a bench jeweler before moving into retail, shares how science and craftsmanship meet at the bench—and why lab-grown diamonds are reshaping today’s market. With natural diamond sales shifting and gold prices climbing, he explains how independent jewelers must adapt to changing consumer expectations while still delivering trust, beauty, and value.

Susan, a full-time teacher who helps at the store on weekends, offers her perspective on balancing two careers and how her passion for education translates into customer conversations, especially when guiding clients through the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds.

Together, they discuss store renovations, new engraving and monogramming services, and the importance of creating a relaxed, approachable atmosphere that resonates with younger shoppers.

Listeners will also gain perspective on broader industry trends—from evolving buying habits to the influence of economic cycles on jewelry sales—and why customer experience remains at the heart of long-term success.

This episode is a mix of practical insights and personal stories, offering a candid look at how independent jewelers are redefining the future of jewelry retail.

Brought to you by:

Southern Jewelry News: https://southernjewelrynews.com/

Jewelry Store Marketers: https://jewelrystoremarketers.com/

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In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, hosts Guy and Elesa sit down with Dalton Powell of Oz’s Jewelers in Hickory, North Carolina. Dalton’s story is both inspiring and rare: hired on his 17th birthday as a seasonal employee, he worked his way up through the business—and by age 22, alongside business partner Melissa Haynes, purchased the store that first gave him his start.

Dalton shares how succession and mentorship shaped his journey, crediting longtime owners Oz and Brenda for instilling the values, training, and trust that prepared him to step into leadership. He reflects on the importance of community, teamwork, and dedication, praising his staff as the foundation of Oz’s continued success.

Listeners will also hear Dalton’s insights on the role of education in business ownership—he holds degrees from UNC Chapel Hill and Wake Forest in advertising, public relations, business management, and finance—and how those skills translate into jewelry retail.

From his advice for young professionals aspiring to ownership, to his candid motto of “You can always change the plan, but never the goal,” Dalton offers wisdom beyond his years. He also explains why the Atlanta Jewelry Show remains his favorite place for networking, discovering new vendors, and fueling his passion for the industry.

This episode is a testament to mentorship, ambition, and the future of jewelry retail—told through the eyes of one of its youngest leaders.

Brought to you by:

Southern Jewelry News: https://southernjewelrynews.com/

Jewelry Store Marketers: https://jewelrystoremarketers.com/

Learn more about the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

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In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, hosts Guy and Elesa sit down with longtime jeweler and industry supporter Evan Deutsch of Evan James Ltd. Diamond Jewelers & Goldsmiths. Having attended the show for more than 30 years, Evan offers a rare perspective on what makes this event a cornerstone of the jewelry community.

Evan explains why the Atlanta Jewelry Show continues to thrive as one of the last nonprofit jewelry shows in the nation. He highlights its unique advantages—from affordable hotels and authentic Southern hospitality to the meaningful networking opportunities that larger, corporate-run shows simply can’t match. For Evan, the value lies not just in the deals made, but in the trust and personal connections built over decades.

Listeners will hear Evan’s candid “mic-drop moments” on how the show remains successful despite rising costs and industry consolidation. He even shares why he often invests more here than in Las Vegas or New York, crediting the supportive environment created by both vendors and show staff.

Beyond the business side, Evan also captures the vibrant culture that surrounds the show: $10 hot lunches, black-tie galas, and the chance to catch a Braves game just across the street. It’s a blend of professionalism, hospitality, and fun that keeps him—and many others—coming back year after year.

This conversation is a celebration of community, connection, and the enduring spirit of the jewelry industry.

Brought to you by:

Southern Jewelry News: https://southernjewelrynews.com/

Jewelry Store Marketers: https://jewelrystoremarketers.com/

Learn more about the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

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