Helen Gwyn started working at the age of 9 on her family farm. Her father worked for RJR, while the children and her brother ran her father’s business.  At 16, Helen drove the county school bus.

 “After being bused across the county,” she says, “I decided that if I had to ride that far, I'm going to drive that bus and make money!”

In 1984, Helen took a job with Federal Replacement. When they wanted to close the office in 1987, her office was “booming,” she purchased the 800-telephone number and the name of the company (which she continues to run today). This company works with insurance companies to provide replacement for lost and stolen jewelry. In 1991, Helen and her daughter Amy opened their first jewelry retail space. They named it HJ Diamonds, Inc.

2004 rolled in, and a class was offered to become a “Certified Insurance Appraiser.” Helen jumped right on that and flew to San Francisco to participate in that area of expertise. She now holds the title of Certified Insurance Appraiser and was extremely proud when Commissioner Jim Long pinned the North Carolina Red Tie Pin on her Lapel.

After meeting the love of her life, John Gwyn, Helen and Amy sold HJ Diamonds. However, Helen continued to work with insurance companies and repeatedly received calls from people asking for jewelry needs outside a physical studio. After many attempts to help people working from her home, she had to get a new retail space, which is now called Salem Gem Lab. 

Salem Gem Lab is a gem lab equipped with Accredited Gemological Equipment for jewelry assessment. Helen maintains her accreditation with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and the Accredited Gemologist Association, updating as needed through the Gemological Institute of America. She uses a highly sought-after piece of equipment called a Ramin and loves this addition to her lab.

 

“In today’s world, man can make almost anything themselves, which includes diamonds,” she shares. “It’s extremely hard to know the difference.”

Salem Gem Lab's services include a nice inventory of fine jewelry — both new and estate — as well as custom design, repurposing old pieces into new designs, CAD design, Rolex/watch repairs. Customers often walk in and out with their repairs on the same day or even while they wait. Helen works to identify stones, settle estates and check for enhancements as well as Insurance Appraisals for Inland Marine Home Owners’ policies.

Helen says buying from local shops gives customers the opportunity to inspect items before purchase and helps the economy.

The staff of Salem Gem Lab — Betty Morgan, office manager; Alex Malyszko, bench jeweler and designer; and support by Amy Hobson, co-owner of Salem Gem Lab—welcomes

all to stop in and have a visit.

“We do it all and do it very well! Fine jewelry reasonably priced!”

—

A: 410 Harvey Street

Winston-Salem, NC 27103

T: (336) 782-1454

—

“I walked in with a repair and a few minutes later walked out a happy customer. I definitely recommend his place and will be coming back for future repairs. Excellent and very friendly customer service.” — David B

“If I could give this shop a 10-star rating, I would! Helen and her staff are extremely friendly, professional, knowledgeable and talented. Helen has performed multiple appraisals and repairs as well as sold several consignment pieces.” — Leeann N

“Very friendly and knowledgeable. They made a personal 10-year anniversary ring for my wife, and it came out just gorgeously. I would recommend their custom designs! Great pricing and beautiful stones.” — Lee H.

—

Her family is from North Carolina, and she feels right at home here. She is married to John Gwyn, who is retired from RJR Tobacco, with two daughters, Melody and Amy, and six grandchildren, Hannah, Meranda, Hailey, Macy, Carson and Annabelle and a new great-grandchild, Miss Lilly Bean!