Lifetime in jewelry

Jim Brewster has been in the jewelry industry nearly all his life.

He worked in his father’s store as a teen and eventually took over the family business. A few years later, he sold the property to another jeweler and began as a repairman at her store.

After nearly three decades, he’s back to running a Portland storefront on his own.

Brewster, 61, has opened James Brewster Jewelry at 1221 N. Meridian St.

“Repair-wise, I pretty much cover everything,” the long-time jeweler explained. He offers jewelry and watch repairs as well as sells a variety of accessories, with everything from religious and children’s necklaces to wedding rings and bridal sets. His inventory is still increasing each week, too. The Portland man noted he works on projects himself.

“All work is done here — nothing is shipped out,” Brewster said.

He spent more than 30 years at Evans’ Fine Jewelry with Sandy Ireland before she retired at the beginning of this year.

“She retires, and I’m not old enough to retire,” he explained. “So I decide to open my own place.”

When he was 16 years old, Brewster started helping around his father’s — Anthon “Tony” Brewster — store, Brewster Jeweler’s. About seven years later, he bought the business.

After about eight years as the owner, though, he decided to sell the property to Ireland. Looking back at the decision, Brewster chalks his reason for closing up to inexperience.

“It’s not like that now,” he said. “There’s a big difference between being 28 years old and being 61 years old.”

He did some trade work at Evans’ for about a year before starting full-time, and was there until the end of December. Evan’s Fine Jewelry closed Jan. 20, and James Brewster Jewelry (also known as simply “Brewster Jewelry”) opened five days later.

“I guess, with everybody’s help, this all fell together fast,” he said.

He’s renting the building from long-time friends Dru and Selena Hall. Formerly Citizen’s State Bank, the location had several built-in additions — such as an alarm and vault — that made it the ideal spot for Brewster’s business venture.

The structure didn’t need much work before opening, although Brewster noted his plans wouldn’t have come together without help from his family (wife Denise, sons Michael and James, and daughter Michele). He also mentioned Ireland as a “valuable asset” in his opening because she helped him acquire equipment.

Despite the different location, Brewster’s connections in the community appear strong as ever. Business was steady during an interview with the owner on Wednesday. Each customer who walked in, Brewster knew by name.

“You change your mind on the earrings, you let me know,” Brewster said to a woman as she left after she debated getting some work done on her other jewelry.

“You know I will — wouldn’t think of anybody else to do it,” she replied.

One of Brewster’s regulars, Sharon Cavanaugh, has employed him many times over the years. At least three generations of her family (herself, her daughter Theresa and her mother Evelyn Bentz) have used his services.

“We’ve always been very pleased, he made the ring I’m looking at (and wearing) now,” Cavanaugh said.

Brewster recently polished and repaired a ring — one she wears in place of her wedding ring — that he designed for her about three or four years ago. The gold piece is a combination of diamonds from several sets she rarely wore before.

“He’s always been fair, and I know I can trust him,” she said. “I enjoy doing business with Jim.”