Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

Earlier story: Blanquart still a downtown fixture (Nov. 17, 2001)

BELLEVILLE -- Blanquart Jewelers is celebrating its 65th year of business in downtown Belleville.

A third-generation independent jewelry store, Blanquart Jewelers was started by George Blanquart in 1936. The original store was on the Public Square, then moved to 18 E. Main St. Since 1968, it has been at 111 E. Main St.

After George Blanquart died in 1957, his wife, Lauretta Blanquart, ran the jewelry store until she died in 1988.

Brothers Bob and Chuck Blanquart now run the store their father started.

"I've worked downtown my whole life," said Bob Blanquart, who decided in high school that he would work in the family business. Bob Blanquart was only 16 when his father died of a stroke.

The most rewarding aspect of his profession is dealing with people and the conversations he has with them. "Selling jewelry and diamonds is always a happy occasion," Bob Blanquart said, with a smile and gentle laugh.

He hopes his son, Jay Blanquart, who manages Blanquart Jewelers' Edwardsville store, will take over the family business.

Blanquart Jewelers expanded in 1981 with a store at 138 N. Main St. in Edwardsville. That store moved in 1998 to 2322 Troy Road. A third store was added in 1987 at Tan-Tar-A Resort at Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Mo. Blanquart Jewelers also had a store in Highland from 1985 to 1998.

In addition to jewelry, Blanquart sells crystal and collectible porcelain statues. The Edwardsville location also offers cigars.

(Originally published Nov. 17, 2001)