How did it all begin?
Growing up in Charleston, SC, Berkeley was fascinated by an exquisite family heirloom timepiece. The image of this stunning watch with its intricate design and beautiful enamel work stayed with him and in the early 1970s he started making jewelry. In their free time, he and a college roommate used silver wire to create necklaces, bracelets, and rings.They had many adventures setting up craft shows and selling to co-eds and sororities.
Their early success was a sign of things to come.
After graduating from UNC in 1973, Berkeley traveled to Africa and Europe. Collecting antique trader beads and bits of bleached bone from the beaches of Morocco, he combined the two to create organic pieces. He also developed a love for agates, still one of his favorite stones. This heralded the eclectic yet classic signature look which can be found today in The Berkeley Collection.
By 1980 artisans were prospering in Chapel Hil,l so Berkeley set up shop at the Chinaberry Craft Coop downtown. Then he partnered with another jeweler to open Grimball & Stokes in Carrboro's historic Carr Mill Mall in 1985. Two years later (1987), they moved to West Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill. Berkeley and his partner were then able to expand their inventory and services. Grimball Jewelers moved to its present location on Elliot Road in Chapel Hill (next to Whole Foods Market) in 2000.
Berkeley Grimball believes in giving back to the community. Committed to various causes, he is a supporter of music events, arts, education, and numerous charities. As well as being a board member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, Berkeley is an avid musician who enjoys performing with his band Too Much Fun.
Voted "Small Business of the Year" by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and "Best Jewelry Store" by readers of the Chapel Hill News in 2005, Grimball Jewelers has established itself as the premier full-service jewelry store in Orange County. Services include appraisals, custom work, and repair.
Please drop by for a visit with us! Our friendly and well-informed staff would love to show you an eclectic and classic mix of fine jewelry -- everything from beautiful engagement rings to stunning South Sea pearls to an ever-changing collection of estate pieces.
