A BRILLIANT HERITAGE
If Fairhope was a Christmas tree, Beth Stowe Fugard and her sister Peggy Stowe Wiggins would be the glitz and glue that pulls it all together. So much more than a store, their family business, Stowe’s Jewelers, in downtown Fairhope has become a vital institution in its own right. Serving and bearing witness to this evolving community since the 60s, Beth and Peggy have ensured their parents’ dream has stood the test of time as the go-to place where marriages begin, special occasions are marked, and appreciation is acknowledged. An essential part of Fairhope’s unique fabric, we caught up with Beth to learn about what’s in-store this holiday season, how their fairing in these world-wide-web shopping days, and more.
By Hayley Hill Photos Layla Lambert, CoastalEventsAndDesign.com
When Beth begins talking about her childhood, the word idyllic immediately comes to mind. Descriptions of two young sisters exploring the stockroom, running around the shop after business hours, and watching their parents make the dreams of others come true, it can make you yearn for yesteryear.
It all began when her parents, Joyce and Horace Stowe, met while working at a jewelry store in Tuscaloosa and made their way to the Bay area in the late 50s. Upon arriving, they bought what was then Bama Jewelers in the center of Fairhope Avenue, renamed it Stowe’s Jewelers, invested lots of elbow grease, made countless sacrifices, and the rest is history.
With a treasure trove of childhood memories and stories many families have never heard about their own relatives, Beth shares, “Peggy and I grew up in this store. I can easily recall my father giving me a broken watch to fix as he was not only a jeweler, he was a watchmaker and repairman. He actually put himself through college fixing and cleaning watches. I was never able to repair the watch but it sure kept me busy! I have so many fond memories of Christmas Eve’s spent in the shop with the countless families that would stop in to visit and shop. A true tradition to this day, generations of families and friends shop with us every Christmas Eve. Often, I can recall details about a family member’s marriage proposal, etc., that they’ve never heard about. We hold so many stories! And now, I’m even serving the grandchildren of some of our customers,” she beams.
As they grew, Beth and Peggy naturally continued to take on bigger roles in the business. “As teenagers we began wrapping presents, making the now famous “Stowe’s bows,” stocking the shelves, and unpacking boxes together. In the early 80s we started running the business and each found our niche. Peggy manages our fine china, crystal and gift selections and I oversee the jewelry collections. Naturally we bounce ideas off of one another and we both agree that we could never operate without one another!
As for the workload? “Because we were raised by parents that withstood the depression, they instilled a tremendous work ethic in us. As we established our presence and gradually moved into running the show, we’ve more than doubled the space and the business. Additionally, our parents we’re very connected to this community. Inspired by her travels, and as a member of the tree board, my mother initiated lighting the trees in downtown Fairhope in the early 80s. She loved the way they looked at night and when she brought the idea to the mayor at the time, he told her if she could raise the money to cover the cost, he would allow it. After finding funding for two years, her mother got her wish as the city of Fairhope added the cost to their budget. Still going, it’s incredibly special to me everytime I see the lights,” Beth shares.
Now the premiere bridal registration destination on the Eastern Shore for all things china, crystal, silver and of course engagement rings, Beth shares a bit about what it takes to stay in business this long. “Service, service, service! Not only have we added so much to the store in addition to the fine china, silver and crystal selections, we offer custom jewelry design services with new or existing stones and buy and sell estate jewelry, too. I have a true love for these special pieces as I can’t help wondering who they belonged to and what their lives were like. We have sources in the estate world so we are able to secure those hard to find pieces that are so timeless. Imagine the travels of a diamond cut in the 1800s? We also pay a lot of attention to our grooms. We handle each one with kit gloves to ensure they are proud of what they present to their potential brides. Often knowing the bride and their families, we are an incredible sounding board!” Beth exclaims.
It doesn’t stop there as they have a plethora of gifts for women, men, teens, and children, too. From endless jewelry options to those coastal must-have melamine everyday dishes and those coveted oven-to-table Pampa Bay porcelain pieces with gold and silver trims, they also offer complimentary engravings and wrapping topped with their signature handmade “Stowe’s bows” that have been compared to those famous little blue boxes everyone hopes to see during the holidays.
So very serious about maintaining the integrity set by those before them, Beth received her Graduate Gemologist degree from the highly acclaimed Gemological Institute of America. Having learned a thing or two, she has endless tips to share. “For example, I always advise clients to lay a small towel in the basin of their sink to prevent pieces from going down the drain when switching or cleaning their treasures. If you’re a swimmer don’t wear your rings when in the pool as the chlorine deteriorates the prongs. Also, I encourage our clients to stop by once a year for a good jewelry cleaning and so we can check the prongs to prevent those devastating losses. Windex works best on a stuck ring and hand lotion isn’t good for settings either!” she advises.
In addition to all that wisdom, Beth and Peggy have had to survive the many challenges caused by internet shopping. “Here, you touch it, see it, feel it and get an established relationship that helps when that piece needs a repair. An online purchase doesn’t offer any of those things and you can’t be sure of the stones and metals. We’ve got 65 years of experience and when you shop with us, you become family. Our staff is so friendly and knowledgeable and when you walk through that door you are the most important person,” Beth shares.
Further explaining, Beth adds, “There are not many people left in our trade that grew up in and are still working in the jewelry industry today. Peggy and I have spent the majority of our lives right here. A lot of the smaller stores didn’t make it through Covid. And while the people in this community have been good to us, we certainly always need support and business in order to survive. In turn we support this community. We’ve donated every homecoming and pageant crown around and give to local fundraisers from schools to countless nonprofit organizations. Websites do not do this,” she advises.
In terms of what gifts she’s excited about this holiday season, Beth tells us, “ I love our jewelry collection from Spark Creations, each piece is one of a kind and simply impeccable. Gold is super hot right now and I adore the pieces with colorful gemstones surrounded by diamonds as they never disappoint. And of course, I love diamonds! Seeing peoples faces when they’ve been given a diamond piece from us is what it’s all about. Plus, diamonds have held their value which makes them a great investment and they never go out of style!”
Tying it up in a pretty “Stowe’s bow,” Beth concludes with, “Peggy and I simply couldn’t do life without each other! We’ve enjoyed spending time in a Mardi Gras organization that I helped found and she assists me with the Hound Dog Music Fest benefit to raise funds for the Baldwin County Humane Society. As for Fairhope, I’m at home here. As I walk down the street, I know most everyone and there’s always a friendly face. I’m thrilled that the newbies are shopping downtown. Naturally, they are welcome to come meet the Stowe’s family as they are fast becoming part of the fold. While we’ve seen so many changes in this city, we’re changing with the times while ensuring Stowe’s Jewelers remains the place for friends and families to gather.”
Stowe’s Jewelers
393 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532
251.928.5349
