O
J.C. Grant Co. a
tradition for five
generations
ne of Milledgeville’s most iconic businesses, J.C. Grant Co., was
created when an enterprising young man grew tired of being a
simple farmhand. Using his life savings, John Clark Grant purchased
watchmaker’s tools, taught himself the trade, and set up a repair bench
in a friend’s shop in Monticello.
After gaining experience in the trade, Grant opened his own jewelry
store. In 1895, he moved the business to Eatonton, where it stayed for
14 years. A family-centered gentleman, Grant wanted to provide better
educational opportunities for his six children. In 1909, he made a final
move with his family to Milledgeville and opened Grant’s Jewelry Store.
From the start, earning the trust of his customers was essential to
Grant’s business ethics. To this day, his words are held up by the family
as a guiding principle. He promised, “In asking the people of this city
and county for their patronage, I assure them that I will carry a full and
complete line of watches and jewelry of the best makes and will deal
promptly and honestly with them. I guarantee all repair work entrusted
to me will be promptly and rightly done.”
Today — five generations later — the family continues successfully
managing the business into the 21st century. The oldest retail store in
Milledgeville, grandson of the founder, John Jr., along with his daugh-
ter Jean Graham and Justin Jones, oversee the company’s daily opera-
tion. The store is truly “full-service,” offering fine jewelry, watches, ex-
quisite gifts and a bridal registry, as well as cleaning and repair.
Knowing a client’s taste intimately is what sets J.C. Grant Co. apart
from franchised jewelry stores. Graham is quite skilled in anticipating
what a client will enjoy wearing.
“I feel like a personal shopper,” says Graham. “I learn a client’s style
in jewelry and dress so that I can identify just the right piece that com-
plements their personality.”
The tradition of gifting jewelry has always highlighted life’s most im-
portant moments. Being a crucial part of these special occasions is tak-
en very seriously by the Grants. Marriage proposals are one of the most
important and challenging events in a couple’s
journey, and Graham is dedicated to assisting in
any way possible.
She states, “From choosing the right ring or
designing an original piece, to how to actually
propose, is all part of how we give our clients the
finest personal care.”
Although trends in jewelry and gifts change
with each passing year, J.C. Grant Co. keeps up-
to-date in current styles while still preserving
classic designs.
Graham observes, “Diamonds are certainly
forever but other choices like gems can add bril-
liance to any outfit.”
Creating a new look for heirloom pieces is an-
other one of the company’s specialties.
“We can take sentimental jewelry and create
a new and unique piece that can be worn and
passed down in families,” adds Graham.
Once the only place in town to have a bridal
registry, J.C. Grant Co. continues the tradition
by carrying items that appeal to the modern
bride. Georgia plates, crystal, china and time-
pieces for the home — all can be placed on the
registry and ordered for the engaged couple.
When the arrival of a new life is celebrated, a
gift from J.C. Grant Co. is always well-received.
Fine baby gifts including baby cups, rattles,
pearls, lockets, etc. make instant family heir-
looms to be handed down through generations.
Celebrating 133 years of business in 2019, J.C.
Grant Co. continues the legacy of family and ex-
cellence in serving their clients.
Graham concludes, “We know the most im-
portant component of our business is our cus-
tomer. We are dedicated to providing personal
service to each person who trusts us to make
their life moments memorable.”
“For all those once in a lifetime moments
— J.C. Grant Co. was there.”
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