Jewelers celebrate golden anniversary

The Buchheisters' store has bejeweled generations of families.

Capital Jewelers reached the milestone of 50 years in business this month, which owner Sharon Buchheister credits to high-class service.

"The reason we've been hanging around for 50 years is we're trustworthy," she said. "Like any business, you struggle. Some months are better than others. We just keep hanging in there."

Her late husband, Charlie Buchheister, opened the store on Oct. 12, 1956.

Skip Thurman, owner of Thurman's Ranch House, bought his 1965 high school class ring from Charlie. He paid $60. Thurman bought his wife's engagement ring there, their gold wedding bands in 1972 and recently a college graduation ring for his daughter, Alyson. He used the diamonds from a pinky ring that he bought from Charlie in 1968.

"Nobody touches my diamonds but Sharon," Thurman said.

Capital Jewelers has operated in many locations in Carson City that have changed over 50 years.

The first location was downtown on the east side of Carson Street. Then it moved across the street, near where Cactus Jack's is now. Buchheister then moved his store to Highway 50, to an area now transformed by the Carson City freeway, then to the Eagle Station Shopping Center in South Carson.

The couple moved the store back downtown to 808 N. Curry St. when they had the opportunity to buy their own building. Back in 1991, the 4,800-square-foot building cost only $120,000, according to assessor records.

When the Buchheisters returned downtown, they also gave themselves another day off.

After working six days a week for more than 25 years, the couple decided to also take off Monday. Charlie Buchheister died in 1998, leaving the business to his wife and daughter.

Dawn Smith, bench jeweler/manager, has worked in the family business for nearly 20 years.

"I have a real passion for what I do," she said. "I'm really lucky that way. I love my work."

One reason Capital Jewelers survived, despite a market dominated by big-box discount stores and online sales, was by joining a jewelry association that gives the independent jewelers the same purchasing power as any major chain, Smith said.

"We're very proud of what we represent," said Buchheister, 66. "I've always felt our customers are our friends and neighbors."

If you go

WHAT: Capital Jewelers; 50th anniversary raffle and reception

WHERE: 808 N. Curry St.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday

SPECIAL FEATURES: Receive a raffle ticket for every $50 purchase; top prize is a 1.11-carat diamond solitaire ring, priced at $7,000. Customers can also pop a balloon for a chance to find a gemstone. Refreshments will be served.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.