Our Team

Trained Jewelry Experts, Right Here in Hickory!

Teresa and Terry Shook, GIA GG

Terry and Teresa, founders of The Jewelry Exchange, currently manage both locations. They have been married since 1980 and have two beautiful girls, Kristen and Kelly, and recently added a new son-in-law, Deaton.

Terry founded The Jewelry Exchange as a small-town local jewelry shop for the local community at age twenty-one. Terry and Teresa believe their success in the Jewelry Industry for over thirty years is attributed to providing first-class customer service.

Terry and Teresa enjoy traveling around the world, tailgating at Clemson football games, and having BBQs. Terry is certified by The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a Graduate Gemologist. Teresa is certified by GIA as an advanced diamond grader, pearl grader, colored stone grader, and gemological identification specialist.

Kelly Shook Smith, GIA GG

After graduating from Clemson University with a Finance Degree, Kelly spent seven years working in the banking industry before returning to Hickory to join the family business. Kelly is a GIA Graduate Gemologist.  Kelly and her husband Deaton, owner of Thayer Financial, recently welcomed their first child, Kennedy Nichole – and the first grandchild for Terry and Teresa.

Kelly enjoys being back in Hickory and working closely with her parents to learn the jewelry business.  She spends her time away from the store chasing her baby girl around the house!

Kelly’s favorite part of the job is helping clients create those custom special pieces of jewelry that will last for generations.

Kristie Klingenberg GIA GG

Kristie is the General Manager for both locations but is located full time at our Viewmont location. She is a married mother to four boys; Konner, Kollin, Karsten, and Karter. She has worked at The Jewelry Exchange since 1982.

Her hobbies include baseball, basketball, and football (or any sports with her kids). Kristie is certified by GIA as a Graduate Gemologist, diamond grader, colored stone grader, and gemological identification specialist.

Gloria Setzer

Gloria is a married mother of three and a grandmother of three. Gloria has been in the retail business since 1986 — and with The Jewelry Exchange since 2003. Her hobbies include golf and spending time with her family. Gloria is certified by GIA as a diamond grader. 

Donna Shook

Donna is married and has been with The Jewelry Exchange since 1982. Her hobbies include traveling, scrapbooking, cross-stitching, and watching Nascar. 

Tony Nellenbach

Tony is the newest member of The Jewelry Exchange family, and he brings with him a wealth of retail experience – since 1991. Tony and his wife, Jenene, have one daughter Madigan. Tony enjoys spending time with his family and friends and loves sports of all kinds, especially golf. Tony, like several members of The Jewelry Exchange Family, is a big Tarheel Fan.

Dorothy “Dot” Beshara

Dot is married with two children and grandchildren. Dot has been with The Jewelry Exchange since 1982. Her hobbies include bridge, tennis, and cooking. Dot is considered the “grandmother” of our staff as the oldest member and is responsible for most of our decorating.

Gale Shook

Gale is married with five children, a grandmother of seven, and a great-grandmother of five. She has been with The Jewelry Exchange since 1987. Her hobbies include cooking and spending time with her family.

Carol Shortt

Carol is a married mother of one and has over twenty-one years of retail experience — sixteen of those with The Jewelry Exchange. Her hobbies include hiking, walking, and riding ATVs.

Hwy 70 Location

2213 US Hwy 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602
828-322-4898

Hwy 127 Location

2611 N Center Street
Hickory, NC 28601
828-322-4242

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