Arkansas Independent White’s Jewelry Set to Close

Rogers, Ark.—It’s the end of an era for White’s Jewelry in Rogers, Arkansas.

After 46 years in business, owner Rick White is closing the store’s doors as he retires.

White opened his first jewelry store in Fayetteville in 1976. At the time, he was a consultant to what was the second oldest jewelry store in American, Lemon and Son’s in Louisville, Kentucky, which had opened in 1828.

At one point in his career, White operated 13 jewelry stores at once.

White’s Jewelry opened in Rogers in 1976. Its catchphrase is, “where Northwest Arkansas gets engaged.”

The full-service store has offered its community custom jewelry design, watch and clock repairs, appraisals and insurance services, and gold and estate jewelry purchasing. 

It has a private label collection of diamond essentials, from engagement rings to hoop earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

It also stocks engagement ring brands like La Vie, Barkey’s, S. Kashi, and Romance, plus fine fashion jewelry brands like Frederic Duclos, Elle, and Allison Kaufman.

Customers have come to White’s for both new and estate jewelry, as well as pre-owned Rolex watches.

There are also many unique and historical finds at the store, like original artwork, military uniforms, antique pocket watches, silver coins, and a vintage streetlamp from Mundelein University, the store noted.

Buying items from the public, learning family stories and objects’ historical importance has been White’s main passion in his career. He recalled passing up the opportunity to purchase a copy of the Declaration of Independence that ultimately was confirmed to be one of 13 original copies, going on to sell for $1 million.

One unique item White sold was a journalist’s autograph book with signatures from people like Joseph Pulitzer and Henry Ford.

The father of three children and 10 grandchildren, White will keep busy on his farm in retirement.

“It has been a joy to serve all of our customers,” he said.

Last week, White’s Jewelry kicked off a “going out of business” sale at its storefront in historic downtown Rogers at 115 W. Walnut St.

Information on the sale is available on the store’s Facebook page and website.