Dexter First Hubbard’s Jewelry By Nancy Nelson Vines

Hubbard’s Jewelry in Downtown Dexter has been a staple in the local business community for almost sixty years.  Opened in 1950 by James and Marie Hubbard, today the store is owned by their daughters Jamie Cook and Sheila LeGrand, with Jamie serving as manager.  

Originally, the business was operated at Stoddard Street and Highway 25, and was both a jewelry store and barber shop. Around 1960 the Hubbards bought a home behind the current location and built the shop out front, with the new building still housing the jewelry store and the barber shop.  “Daddy would barber, then come to the shop to work on jewelry,” Cook said, “but when the jewelry business became so demanding, he had to give up barbering.” 

The Hubbards continued operating the jewelry store together, until James passed away in 1976.  Marie continued until her death in 2015.  Since then, Cook and LeGrand have been determined to keep the business going.  “I’ve worked hard to keep our clientele,” Cook explained. “We have restocked and added lines—we now carry sterling jewelry in our mix, and also offer religious gift and jewelry items. We sell good quality merchandise and we stand behind our merchandise.”

In addition to wedding sets, anniversary rings, and right-hand rings, which were formerly known as dinner or cocktail rings, titanium and tungsten rings are also available.  “Men seem to prefer the titanium and tungsten,” Cook said, “but the size must be accurate on those, as they can not be resized.’ Swarovski crystals are also a popular item along with salt water pearls and fashion jewelry.

“I am proud to continue my parents’ legacy of honesty and dependability,” Cook said.

Hubbard’s Jewelry is located at 108 West Stoddard and is a full-service jewelry store offering jewelry repair, ring re-sizing, and watch battery replacement.  Lay-away is available and they accept all major credit cards.   

Pictured above: Jamie Cook displays a selection of lanyard necklaces, which are a popular fashion accessory.

Religious jewelry and gifts are recent additions to the Hubbard’s Jewelry merchandise mix.