|
|
|
|
David Harleston and Barbara Miller, Store Owners, and Ira Finchler, Store Manager
Lathrop's Gems and Fine Jewelry has been in business in the same location for more than fifty years. Bill Lathrop began his business as Lathrop's Lapidary in the early 1950's. Being an avid rockhound and gem cutter, he expanded upon the frequent requests of friends and relatives for custom rock cutting and stone repair to establish a business that allowed him to turn a profit while indulging in his favorite pastime.
In 1971, Mr. Lathrop sold his business to two brothers, John and Jimmy Kachinski. By the conclusion of the sale, the brothers had no money left to buy a new sign for the store; so, an agreement was reached to buy the existing sign and retain the store name for the token sum of $1.00. The name stayed with the store and was eventually expanded to become Lathrop's Lapidary and Gem Shop. The product line steadily evolved to include color gemstones, diamonds, and custom jewelry design, which were Jimmy's strengths.
Current co-owner, David Harleston, began his jewelry career as a part time employee of Robert E. Corrigan Jewelers in Houston TX. His group of high school friends included the daughter of Mr. Corrigan. When the subject of looking for an after school job was mentioned, she told "Daddy" and he hired David. The manager of the store at that time was Jimmy Kachinski.
Fast forward to 1975 - Robert E. Corrigan Jewelers has closed, Jimmy Kachinski and his brother have bought a small rock and gem shop, and David is in his third year of college…and needing another part time job. A call was made to Jimmy, and David was hired at Lathrop's.
The passage of time brings us to 1995. David is long out of college and still at Lathrop's. Jimmy's brother, John, is the sole remaining owner and he has decided that twenty-four years in the business have been good enough to him. He is ready to sell, and working with him everyday for twenty of those years is his buyer. A deal is made and, for David, a journey that began as a part time, high school job has transformed into a lifetime of gems, jewelry, and business ownership.
Today, David, co-owner Barbara Miller, and store manager/designer Ira Finchler have a unique, gem-filled business that challenges us, and continues to grow every day. Lathrop's Gems and Fine Jewelry boasts the widest selection of colored gemstones in the Houston and Southeast Texas region. The variety of gems runs the full spectrum, from Amethyst to Zircon, and most every gemstone between. Combining the range of colored gems with custom design and remount gives customer's the opportunity to own truly personal and unique jewelry. Additionally, fine jewelry repairs, and services for diamond and colored gemstone replacement, contribute to a full and bustling on-site workshop.
Lathrop's is proud to be a member of:
• Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO)
• Jewelers of America/Texas Jeweler's Association (JA/TJA), where David serves on the Board of Directors
• Jeweler's Board of Trade
• Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce (GSHCC) for 45 years
• Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Business Advisory Board of Community National Bank
• Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC)
David is a participating member of:
• Houston Metal Arts Guild - Past President - Board of Directors
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Life member, Vice-Chairman (former), and Committeeman (active)
• The Windsor Club
• KUHF – Houston Public Radio
• Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC)
Barbara is a participating member of:
• Houston Metal Arts Guild – Board of Directors (former)
• Enamel Society
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Life Member
• The 100 Club of Houston – Life Member
• Houston Humane Society
• Houston SPCA
• Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
|
|
