Tis’ the Season to Purchase Jewelry
story by Tanya Stone
Hulon Jewelers of Marion was once located on the corner of Witcover and Main Street, only one block south of the current location. Hulon Jewelers was founded in August of 1968 by Mr. Jackie Hulon who had minimal experience and only fifty-dollars in the bank. Today Hulon Jewelers continues to thrive under the ownership of Jackie’s son, Jason Hulon, as they celebrate 50 years in business!
Jackie Hulon was a graduate of Dillon High School. He then enlisted into the Navy where he achieved the rank of seaman first class, leaving in 1967. That same year, after rejoining civilian life, he was hired by Bennie Holbrook and Frank Causey, two men who had five jewelry stores in the Pee Dee area. Jackie was first hired as a manager for the Marion store which was called Holbrook’s Jewelers. In 1968, Mr. Causey wanted to sell his interest in the chain. Jackie Hulon talked them into selling him the Marion store outright. With only fifty dollars in the bank at the time, Mr. Causey spoke for Jackie at the bank to help push the loan through. After that, Hulon Jewelers was born!
In 1980, a new building was purchased. The current location on North Main Street was once a restaurant called Earnie’s Grill. The original store sold jewelry, china, gift items, bed sheets, and record players. “If there was profit in it, we sold it,” says Jason. When Jackie moved to the current location he wanted to elevate the goods and focus on jewelry, specifically fine jewelry, though they kept the china and bridal gifts.
Today, as with other businesses, the landscape has changed for brick and mortar stores. They have also had to change with consumer and industry trends. Where Hulon Jewelers once had twenty brides a year, they now have zero. Today they mostly focus on repair work doing anything from pearl stringing to watch repairs, and also custom design to create one-of-a-kind pieces. “The metal has also changed. The big three have always been gold, silver, and platinum and now we sell tungsten, titanium, cobalt and palladium.” Jason explains that one thing never goes out of style, and that is diamonds! Other top sellers at Hulons include anything with the South Carolina shape or state tree, and gold bar and heart beat pendants.
Hulon Jewelers is in the process of updating with new interior paint, a new exterior sign, and hopes to have a new computer system to help with tracking sales, repair work, and special orders. Tis the season to purchase jewelry as a gift for your special loved one. At Hulon Jewelers they can share their personal touch and knowledge, so you feel confident in finding the right piece. “You cannot appreciate jewelry until you hold it in your hand,” explains Jason. “Online purchases do not allow that. In 50 years, we have employed over one hundred people. Small businesses are the driving force of our local economy.”