Alters Gem Jewelry, Ltd

A beloved and revered jewelry store, Alters Gem Jewelry has a history as faceted and lustrous as it finest diamonds and precious metals. This three-generation, family-owned business established in 1915, thrives today on a foundation of determination, strength and flexibility, the defining traits of founder Morris L. Jacobs. After losing his dry goods retail operation in the great flood, Mr. Jacobs relocated to Port Arthur. He secured a $3000 loan, opened a fine jewelry store and enjoyed enough success to repay his initial loan the first year and even expand the operation to Beaumont, Texas in 1929. In 1950, Mr. Jacobs son-in-law joined the business and proving himself a worthy successor, Nelson Alter assumed the role of President and continued the stores record of success. Adopting his mentors innovative style and possessing a good head for the jewelry business, Mr. Alter, oversaw the addition of nearly a dozen stores in two states. Soon fine and exclusive jewelry and watch franchi...