Our grandmother loves to tell the story to anyone who will listen, it was 1968 and somehow she decided that she either wanted to own a jewelry store in Mt. Airy or a motel at Myrtle Beach. She chose the former and the family hasn’t let her live it down since. With a $6,000 loan from a local bank (which had to be signed for by her husband, Jack, because women didn’t run businesses in those days), Patty opened her first location in Mayberry Mall and began selling diamonds and gemstones.

After retiring from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, Patty’s husband, Jack Marion, attended jewelry repair school and began working in the back room of the store handling jewelry repairs of all shapes and sizes. The couple was eventually joined in the business by their two sons, Tony and Tim who worked to expand the business to a second location in North Wilkesboro, NC.

By the late 1990’s, Marion’s had become a main stay in the Mt. Airy community with Tony Marion taking over the reigns of the business and adding engraving and trophy services to the laundry list of items Marion’s offered it’s customers.

In 2023 it was decided that Patty’s grandson, Will Marion would take over the family business now featuring one standalone location on Main Street in Historic Downtown Mt. Airy, NC. Though most will recognize him from his years on the road as working musician, Will is a Certified Diamontologist through Diamond Council of America with many years of experience working in jewelry at both the family store and at nationwide chains including Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and Carlyle and Co. He has experience in dealing with brands such as Rolex, Tag Heuer, David Yurman, Mikimoto, Roberto Coin and Tacori to name a few. In 2011, Will presided over the highest volume Tag Heuer boutique in the U.S.

As the new owner Will is passionate about preserving the business that his grandparents built from the ground up. He is currently working to bring in new brands alongside exciting improvements to the storied 55-year old company. Stop by today and explore what’s new, or just come in for a coffee and a chat. Whatever the reason, you are always welcome at Marion’s.