SOUTHERN JEWELRY NEWS

By Wanda Freeman

Fine jewelry meets flip-flops amid a casual coastal vibe at Johnston Jewelers in Florida’s Tampa Bay area. Behind a head-turning turquoise façade, a team of nine operates a busy shop that serves generational return customers and fishing tournaments alike.

Although Johnston Jewelers recently celebrated its 50th year in Florida, the store has older roots. William “Bill” Johnston founded the business in New York in 1948. A WWII veteran, Johnston came home from the war and operated a watch-repair business from his home until he developed a reputation and enough clientele to open a small storefront.

He moved to Florida in 1972. Today his son Doug is the lead bench jeweler, and grandson Grant works the floor.

Co-captains Laura Morgan and Ryan McMahon, described by McMahon as adopted members of the Johnston family, help steer the third-generation business.

Morgan, who has been with the store for nine years, says her family and in-laws have been close to the Johnstons for years.

“My father-in-law took Doug fishing all the time when he was 9 years old,” she says.

McMahon, who joined the store two years ago, met the Johnstons when he was in the restaurant business.

Despite all his business and retail experience, McMahon admits he faced a learning curve in jewelry, which he says is less “cut and dried” than other retail businesses.

“Everything didn’t click right away,” he says. “I stay on top of the industry, though, and everybody is part of a team. We all share a vision for the business