By the time Smithworks opened in 1988, all the hard work had paid off, the store carried the finest lines in the industry, and Smith quickly established himself as an innovative designer. A good listener who hears what people need and always gets it right, Smith quickly built a reputation as a problem-solver and the best choice for repairs and custom work.
As times have changed, those hallmarks of Smith's character have not. His continual zest for learning has never wavered. In 2001, he joined the American Gem Society, an international organization widely recognized as a leader in the jewelry industry for its dedication to continuing education. He was accredited by the AGS as a registered jeweler that same year, and, in 2004, he was accredited as a graduate gemologist and Certified Gemologist®.
In 2007, Smith joined the American Gem Society’s Board of Directors. In 2014, he was named president of the AGS International Board of Directors. In 2016, Smith was recognized at the American Gem Society’s Annual Conclave for his years of dedication to the AGS and its Board of Directors. Always one to serve the industry, he is currently on the Board of Directors of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
Likewise, his meticulous planning and attention, and his willingness to embrace change, can be seen in the 5,000-SQUARE-FEET STORE IN DOWNTOWN SPARTANBURG. Years in the planning, the state-of-the-art space is unlike any in the area, from its high-tech lighting to its bamboo flooring.
Smith remains focused on continuing to meet all his customers' needs and on surpassing their expectations. After almost 30 years, it's the only way he's ever done business, and the only way he knows how.
