Our Story

Welcome to Whitworth’s Gift Chest Jewelers, Poplar Bluff’s friendly local family-owned jewelry store for all of your fine jewelry needs, including jewelry repair, custom design, diamond jewelry, and engagement rings, bridal sets, estate jewelry, fashion jewelry, jewelry appraisals, eyeglass repair, and so much more! 

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Whitworth’s Gift Chest Jewelry was founded by the late Guy Whitworth over 60 years ago. The company is now owned by his wife, Evelyn, and their son Steve.

 

Since he was a young man, Steve has worked in the store, working side-by-side with his late father. He married his high school sweetheart, Terena, and had two sons, Matt and Andy. Since 2017, Steve has been the docent at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum in Poplar Bluff; however, he still finds time to work at the store a few hours each day. Would you like to have Steve help you find your perfect piece? Call ahead, or feel free to schedule an appointment. 

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The current day-to-day operation of the store is run by Steve's oldest son, Matt who has been working at the store for as long as he can remember, cleaning the glass cases when he was old enough to reach. Since graduating from college in 2011, Matt has been working alongside his father at the store but also took time to work for Boys and Girls Club of Poplar Bluff and Overnight Mountings based in New York. Matt returned to the store in 2015 shortly after marrying his wife, Jenna. Matt and Jenna welcomed their first child, Owen, in 2018 and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their second any day!  Matt is currently studying to earn his gemology degree. He loves to help customers find new pieces, or he can help you create a new piece - even from your inherited stones and jewelry or build your unique design from scratch. Stop in, and you're sure to have a blast!

 

Andy is the youngest, and like Matt, has been working in the store since he could reach the counters to clean. Andy helps Matt with the day-to-day operations and ensures customers continue to receive the Royal treatment that both Guy and Steve made standard.  Andy is currently studying goldsmithing to become the second goldsmith for the store.

 

It won’t be long before Owen, the fourth generation, will be set to work cleaning the cases. Be sure to look for his sunny smile! 

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Depending on when you visit, you may even get to meet the great Ms. Evelyn Whitworth.  A cornerstone for not just the store but the town. At 90 years old, she still loves to meet new and returning customers and make sure they are happy with their purchases.

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We know that picking out that perfect piece can be exciting, a little intimidating, and time-consuming! We are committed to providing the finest hospitality and quality service to ensure your satisfaction. 

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We proudly serve the Poplar Bluff community and surrounding areas. We look forward to seeing you soon!