NACOGDOCHES, Texas––Rees Jewelry, a family-owned jewelry store in downtown Nacogdoches, will mark its 70th year in business on Saturday, September 9, 2023. The business is planning a scavenger hunt “The Amazing Rees”, along with cake cutting and store specials. Founding master watchmaker Arthur Rees will be attending the event.
The store began in Austin, Texas in September 1953 when siblings Arthur and Bert Rees founded Rees Brother’s Watchmakers across from the University of Texas on Guadalupe Street (“the drag”). Bert Rees moved his jewelry studio to Nacogdoches in 1967 when he was hired to teach Art at Stephen F. Austin State University. Rees Brother’s Watchmakers remained on Guadalupe Street until 1990) when Arthur Rees moved his store to his home in north Austin. It was at that time Arthur re-named his business Rees Watch Repair. Rees Jewelry is now owned by Bert Rees’ widow, Charlene Rees.
In 2001, a new era for Rees Jewelry in Nacogdoches began when the Rees’s moved Rees Jewelry from their home studio to a retail location in Nacogdoches. Bert continued to work with Charlene until his death in 2011. Although his eyesight failed him in later years, he remained a large part of the business. In 2014, Charlene moved her small jewelry store to downtown Nacogdoches. Located in the historical downtown, Rees Jewelry continues to thrive as one of the few full-service jewelry stores in Nacogdoches. Rees Watch Repair still does a bustling business in Austin as watch repair is becoming a lost art.
“We love being a part of downtown Nacogdoches,” said Charlene Rees, “having our family-owned store in our historic downtown is one of the things that makes us so unique.”
Today, Rees Jewelry employs two full-time jewelers, 3 full-time salespeople, a marketing director, and a part-time salesperson. Several employees, plus owner Charlene Rees are alumni of Stephen F. Austin State University. Rees’ grandson, granddaughter-in-law, and son-in-law are both active in the business.
“I am so grateful to my parents and my uncle for creating this legacy through their business,” said Chay Rees Runnels. “My dad and uncle were in their early twenties when they founded the business. It is incredible that my mom has been able to continue their vision for a family-owned store for all of these years.”
Rees Jewelry is a 2015 recipient of the Texas Treasures Business Award program of the Texas Historical Commission. This award pays tribute to businesses that have provided employment opportunities and support to the state’s economy for 50 years or more.
Saturday’s event will feature specials, giveaways, and a scavenger hunt that will take people around Nacogdoches. The winner of the scavenger hunt will receive a .70 ct. genuine diamond.
“We hope people will come out and meet Arthur Rees and Charlene Rees and enjoy celebrating this milestone with us,” said Scott Runnels, marketing director. “We are anticipating a lot of excitement surrounding our scavenger hunt activity in particular.”
Rees Jewelry is located at 418 E. Main in downtown Nacogdoches. The retail jewelry store features estate and new jewelry and watches, jewelry repair, custom jewelry design, and appraisals.