Charlie first became interested in jewelry in the late 1960’s when jewelry design was part of an art class he took in his senior year at Warwick High School. A few years later, while he was taking classes at Thomas Nelson Community College, he began to work for Barclay’s Jewelry Store as an assistant manager. Barclay’s was a long-time and very popular jewelry store in the Hampton/Newport News area and Charlie polished his sales skills and knowledge of jewelry while working his way up to managing several of their stores over the next many years.

While still working for Barclay’s, Charlie purchased a jewelers bench, which he installed in his home. Based on the skills he had learned in that one art class, he taught himself to repair jewelry. He began making the repairs for the store he managed and then for the other stores as well.

Eventually, in 1978, he opened his first small store on Warwick Boulevard near Christopher Newport University, out of which he sold jewelry retail and made various repairs and ring sizings himself. As Charlie become more and more skilled, in addition to making repairs, he began to design and create pieces. Charlie had what could only be described as a “huge” circle of friends and acquaintances, and once he would design a ring or bracelet or pendant for one person, he would always get orders for more. As he built a reputation for quality merchandise, unique hand-made pieces and fairness to his customers, his business continued to grow until he outgrew that location. After trying out a few other locations, one in partnership with another person, the present Charlie’s Jewelry was begun in 1989.

Charlie Peddicord was a true master of his craft and he developed the interest he found in high school into an art. By the time Charlie had passed away in 2002, he had won honors and prizes at state and national jewelry shows for his creations. He passed his passion for the jewelry business on to his children, Christy and Lee.

Charlie established traditions and values which continue to this day in his children and in his jewelry store. Now owned by Charlie’s son Lee and Lee’s wife, Katie, Charlie’s Jewelry continues to be one of the most trusted and reputable jewelry businesses in all of the Hampton/Newport News area. This is evidenced by the loyalty of the staff members (see the “Meet Our Staff” section for the astounding length of time most of our employees have been with us) and by the intense loyalty of our customers.

Lee and Katie Peddicord (along with the help of our wonderful staff), have made a pledge to continue the standards of excellence in quality of merchandise and service set by Charlie.