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Emmaus Jewel Shop celebrates 75 years

Published May 19. 2021 05:53PM
by Beverly Springer Special to The Press

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Emmaus Jewel Shop at 338 Main St., Emmaus.

Donna Marks, the shop’s current owner, celebrated the occasion in fine style.

Patrons enjoyed the musical versatility of Brian Kidd on the electric cello, complimentary birthday cake and the opportunity to participate in a “no purchase necessary” jewelry raffle.

Marks has a long personal connection to the store and the business has an even longer history in Emmaus.

Gladys Driesbach opened the Emmaus Jewel Shop on May 1, 1946. She established a store specializing in the sale of exclusive lines of fine jewelry. The business thrived and Driesbach became an active member of the community until her retirement in 2004.

Driesbach hired Marks, then a sophomore in high school, in 1980. Marks’s goal was to make enough money to buy a car. As she states in her article on the history of the Emmaus Jewel Shop, “I was thrilled to be making $2.50 an hour.”

Upon retiring, Driesbach sold the business to Sam and Merril Landis. Marks had worked in the shop for 24 years. During that time, she absorbed business management skills.

Through her association with Linda Dickinson, Driesbach’s store manager, Marks also studied the art of jewelry engraving and basic benchwork.

Because each piece of jewelry is unique, engraving is learned by carefully observing an accomplished engraver at work. Marks spent a number of years watching and emulating Dickinson. Today she takes justifiable pride in her engraving skills.

The Landises managed the business for seven years.

On her 47th birthday, Marks purchased the store. She laughingly explains, “It is a birthday present I can’t return.” However, Marks loves her work and views her customers as friends whom she greets with warmth and treats with respect.

After 75 years, the Emmaus Jewel Shop remains a centerpiece of downtown Emmaus due in large part to the commitment of Marks to carry on the sound business practices established in 1946 by Gladys Driesbach.

PRESS PHOTOS BY Beverly Springer Vincent and Carol Yocum, of Macungie, admire displays in the Emmaus Jewel Shop during the 75th anniversary celebration at the store.
Emmaus residents and goldsmiths Kurt and Karen Feldman, whom Marks says contribute to making her “repair department top notch,” drop in to join the festivities.
BELOW: Donna Mark's mother, Charlotte Romiz, who lives in Center Valley, pitches in to cut the anniversary cake during the celebration.
PRESS PHOTO BY BEVERLY SPRINGER Donna Marks, the current owner of the Emmaus Jewel Shop, shares much of the store's history during the 75th anniversary celebration.
Margie Stauffer, of Emmaus, fills out a raffle entry. The celebration included a jewelry raffle.
LEFT: Vicki and Gerry Sherwin, of Macungie, admire the anniversary cake provided by Donna Marks, owner of the Emmaus Jewel Shop, in celebration of the store's 75th anniversary.