Since 1989, Joe Grimes has been transforming designs on the corners of napkins and the margins of paper to timeless jeweled treasures in Plant City.
The owner of Your Family Jeweler on Alexander Street grew up around the business: his family was in the jewelry manufacturing industry. By the time he was in his 20s, Grimes was creating his own custom pieces. Today, his Plant City shop offers engagement and wedding rings, watches, earrings and repairs.
Through late May, loyal customers and new clients will be able to shop jewelry at a bargain price.
Grimes is retiring. Now, he said, everything must go.
“We’re selling now 40% to 80% off,” Grimes said. “There wasn’t a drastic reason. This is part of a three-year exit plan. I think the economy is improving, and it’s a good time to sell the business. I think the retail business has changed.”
Grimes opened up shop in Plant City when he had the opportunity to start his business in Historic Downtown. When the first shop caught on fire about 14 years ago, he relocated to his Alexander Street location.
“I lost everything,” he said. “I had to replace it all, from wallpaper to toilet paper.”
But with a loyal following, he was able to rebuild. A photo album on his desk is full of pictures of finished custom pieces, from parents’ wedding bands molded into one ring to necklaces of family heirlooms.
The look of delight on a customer’s face, Grimes said, never gets old.
“There’s a lot of creativity in that work, which I’ll miss,” Grimes said. “We fix destroyed rings, we make new rings and designs. I like to work with my hands.”
Among his most well-known pieces are strawberry necklaces, which he makes every year for the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and her court.
Now, Grimes is ready for his next chapter. He’s traveled to five continents with his wife, Yukiko, but plans to do even more traveling after his retirement.
“I ride my bike four to five times per week,” he said. “And I plan to do more fishing when I retire.”
Though he doesn’t live in town, Grimes said he’ll be back in Plant City constantly — his hair salon, doctor, bank and more are all located in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
“My friends for life are in Plant City,” Grimes said, commenting on the customers who bring him gifts and cookies during the holiday season. “Everything I do is in Plant City. I’m grateful for the town and the camaraderie. This is like a social club. I joke that people come to see me and not the jewelry.”
While liquidations and sales will take place through late May, Grimes doesn’t have a set date for when he’ll officially close up shop – just a motto:
“When the phone stops ringing and the doors stop swinging.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.