The birthstone for the month of May is an emerald. So it’s fitting that a longtime Valley jewelry business operated by G. Darrell Olson is opening in its new location this month inside the Emerald Center, located at 914 E. Camelback Road.
Olson has spent 54 years in the business on East Camelback Road. Starting in 1960 at 16th Street in the Bayless shopping center, he moved on with his partner Paul Johnson in 1968 to a building they designed and constructed at 1940 E. Camelback.
Leaving for a brief detour, Olson returned in 1976 to the Town & Country Shopping Center, 2047 E. Camelback Road, and was there for 36 years. With the demolition of his store to make way for Nordstrom’s Rack, he moved to 1846 E. Camelback Road for the next six years. When the owners decided to demolish the building, Jewels & Estate Gallery made its next—and hopefully its last—move to the Emerald Plaza.
The full-service jewelry store features vintage and heirloom jewelry, bridal rings as well as custom pieces. For May, emeralds make a fitting gift for birthdays, anniversaries and of course, Mother’s Day.
Olson has more than 30 grandchildren and hopes someday that a few of them will continue the legacy at the store, perhaps for another 50-plus years.
For more information, call 602-956-0606 or visit http://www.jewelsbygdo.com.