BBS Jewelers moves to new home
Display cases glittering with gold, silver, diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones ring the interior of the former BB&T bank on the Square in State Line.
Aside from the vault, drive-through and security doors, the new home of BBS Jewelers bears little resemblance to the former depository.
The main room was gutted and outfitted with new ceilings, lighting, carpet, paint and furniture in preparation for the move from Antrim Way Plaza in Greencastle early this month. The exterior boasts new landscaping with river rock, azaleas and roses.
Bradley B. Smith, a gemologist with 35 years of experience, founded BBS Jewelers in 1987. After more than three decades at a leased location, he and his wife, Kassy, who is involved in the business side of BBS and as a "Jack of all trades," purchased the former bank building.
"Most customers think it's really nice. We have a lot of customers from Hagerstown so they like that it's closer," said manager John Trout, adding, BBS has been welcomed by its on-the-Square neighbors including Earl's Market and Il Castello.
Customers are taking advantage of two bank features that remain. The drive-thru is a convenient way to pick up repairs by in-house jeweler Joe Jacobs and jewelry they don't want to store at home can be placed in safety deposit boxes in the vault.
The selection and service customers have known for more than three decades continue at the new location.
Diamond engagement rings make up a large part of the business at BBS and sales associate Angela Stark, who has been on board for 16 years, is happy to help people fulfill their vision.
In addition, BBS has its own signature line of diamond jewelry with one-of-a-kind custom pieces. Customers also will find jewelry with precious stones like emeralds, rubies and sapphires; semi-precious stones like birthstones; sterling silver; and gold, including rose gold.
BBS has one of the larger collections of tanzanite in the area. The gem comes only from Tanzania in Africa, and is a purplish-blue color. Colors continue with a selection of larimar, a natural bluish-green stone from the Dominican Republic that summons up images of the sea. Another popular case contains pieces, many of them antique, from estates sales.
In addition to selling and repairing jewelry, BBS also buys and sells gold.
Another hallmark of the former location continues in State Line — fresh baked cookies, coffee and other beverages.
Hours for BBS Jewelers, where the street address is 15762 Pennsylvania Ave., State Line, have been extended and simplified at the new location — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.