About Us
Our Story
E B Gray Jewelry, 108 West Court Square in downtown Livingston, is the oldest family business in Overton County. The company is rich in tradition and takes great pride in their professional history in the jewelry industry. The company has seen five generations continue to hone their talented skills in the jewelry trade.
In 1914 after a tornado in Ashland City, TN., E B Gray Sr., the company's founder came to Livingston and started his repair shop in the back of the Live and Let Live drugstore. In the fall of 1915 E B Sr. moved his jewelry into the B & O Drug Store. E B Jr. was a freshman at Tennessee Tech when his father passed away in 1940. He dropped out of college to take over the family business. In 1941 E B Jr. moved to the back of the Palace Barber Shop. In 1942 he moved the store to the Ritz Theater Building. E B and Lura Garner were married July 19, 1943. E B was on a buying trip to New York in 1945 at Times Square when Japan surrendered. A move was made February 1, 1956 to 113 E. Court Square next door to Frank Puckett Dry Goods. Over the years the business began to grow and expand. October 28, 1968 the business relocated to 101 E. Main Street. Lou C. Gray returned from Viet Nam to work with his parents at this location for several years. They soon purchased the building that continues to be their current home. In February of 1975, (after a tornado in 1974) Virginia Gray Harris became a part of the family business. Virginia completed GIA courses in Colored Stone Identification, Gem Identification, and Diamond Grading. She is a charter member of the GIA Alumni Association. In the early 1980's Virginia's son, Leon, began working while still a high school student. Virginia's daughter, Suzy, also worked through her high school years. Suzy returned to work at the store when she returned from Texas in 1986. Leon later trained at Holland School for Jewelers in Selma, Alabama. He is skilled as a Master Jeweler with a torch and a laser welder. He also does pocket watch repairs. Suzy Harris Taylor has done engraving for the store since High School. The family business offers high quality products, superiority in workmanship, and total commitment to customer service.
In August of 1986 Virginia purchased the business from her parents and brother.
In May of 1999 the store was moved temporally down Spring Street as the store was competently gutted and remodeled. August 19, 1999 the family moved back into the newly renovated building. The jewelry industry as a whole has experienced massive changes during the last 2 decade. Computerized software was only the beginning of change for our business. In October of 2000 we were among the first jewelers in Tennessee to add a laser welder to our repair department. We have two computerized engravers and one laser engraver that have allowed many engraving options for our customers. We invite you to check out our new way of sharing information through social media such as Facebook and Instagram. The last decade has been constant in only one way, thru change that continues into the future.
In 2017, after close to 40 years of working here, Leon Harris purchased the family business from Virginia & is the current owner. He brought on board Maggie Cannon, the daughter of Suzy Taylor in 2018. She is the 5th generation to carry on the tradition of E.B Gray's.
Thank you for allowing our family to serve you for over 100 years.