Greg Glemser’s passion for the jewelry industry is clear in everything he does. As co-owner and a GIA Graduate Gemologist, Greg brings decades of experience, a love for learning, and a personal touch that has created strong customer connections. Greg’s story is about building trust through excellent customer service, starting as a part-time jeweler and eventually founding Doylestown Gold Exchange as a family business. In this interview, Greg talks about his background, how the jewelry industry has changed, and the personal experiences fueling his commitment to helping customers make meaningful and informed decisions.
Q: Are you from Doylestown? Where were you born, where did you grow?
GG: I was born in Abington and have lived in the Abington-Doylestown area my entire life. This community is home to me.
Q: How long have been in the jewelry industry? What drew you to this business?
GG: I’ve been in the industry since 1996. I started as a young teacher right out of college, but teaching didn’t pay much, so I picked up part-time work at a local family jewelry store. It turned out that working in the jewelry industry wasn’t so different from teaching—I was educating customers about diamonds and building relationships. Eventually, I loved it so much that I moved into a full-time role. After spending about 10-15 years at that shop, changes in the market around 2008 led me to start Doylestown Gold Exchange in 2011 with my brother-in-law, Kyle Goodman, and other family members. Since then, we’ve worked together to operate our family-run company focused on building relationships and trust.
Q: What you to become a GIA Graduate Gemologist? What was that process like?
GG: The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Graduate Gemologist (GG) designation is the highest accreditation in the industry, and I’ve always valued education. I knew that to be the best in this field, I needed to educate myself fully. I completed the GG program in 2004 while working full-time. It was a combination of correspondence work, studying from mailed packets and books, and doing lab work and testing in New York. It took a few years, especially since it was distance learning. But having that designation has been invaluable and is reinforced daily as I work with customers, gemstones, and precious metals.
Q: What do you love most working with jewelry and precious metals?
GG: The relationships we build with our customers are the most rewarding. Gold, silver, and gemstones can be significant investments, and customers trust us to help them make decisions that will impact their lives—whether choosing an engagement diamond or investing in precious metals. We’ve established a family-like dynamic with our customers, working with everyone from older clients liquidating estates to younger buyers looking to invest.
Q: Are you particularly drawn to any specific type of jewelry or precious metal?
GG: I really enjoy designing engagement rings and repurposing old jewelry into something new that reflects the customer’s vision. There’s something special about collaborating with customers to create their dream pieces within their budget. We’re constantly redesigning, resetting, or remaking something, and we use our experience to advise customers on what will work well both aesthetically and practically. We want to ensure their jewelry looks great and is secure and durable enough to last.
Q: What unique product or service are you particularly proud of?
GG: I’m proud that we’re not your traditional jewelry store. We combine coin dealing, buying and selling gold and silver, and custom and fashion jewelry sales. But what stands out the most is our commitment to customer service and fair pricing. We often hear from customers that our prices and quotes are better than what they’ve been offered elsewhere, which helps build trust. I’ve spent years promoting our store and building our reputation, and now, much of our business comes from word of mouth. People drive long distances just because they hear good things about us. That’s exceptionally rewarding.
Q: How has the jewelry industry changed since you started, and how has Doylestown Gold Exchange adapted?
GG: The industry has changed a lot through the years. Traditional jewelry stores primarily focused on engagement rings and repairs, but we’ve diversified. We buy scrap gold, silver, and coins and sell custom diamond rings and other fine jewelry. We’ve created multiple revenue streams by combining services that most jewelers or coin dealers don’t offer together. The common theme among these streams is our dedication to excellent customer service. People appreciate our honesty and how we treat them, and that’s what keeps them coming back.
The jewelry industry has shifted significantly over the years. Most jewelry stores focus on engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and repairs. However, changing consumer habits and economic factors have led to a decline in these high-end, milestone purchases. To adapt, we’ve diversified our offerings. While we still sell custom diamond rings and fine jewelry, we also buy gold, silver, and coins—something traditional jewelers typically don’t handle. By expanding into multiple areas, we’ve created a unique business model that serves a broader range of needs. Our constant commitment to excellent customer service keeps people coming back.
Q: How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes?
GG: I stay informed by regularly reading about industry developments. Our business is affected by various factors, including political and financial shifts and changes in fashion, so it’s important to keep an eye on all of these to remain ahead.
Q: Can you share a memorable story or experience with a customer that has stayed with you?
GG: The other day, a customer came in to sell gold and silver worth over $400. When I told her the value, she started to cry because the funds would help fix her car. She was so touched, and it made me feel good to help. The gold, silver, and coin buying aspect of our business often involves helping people in tough financial situations to pay bills and cover medical expenses, and being able to give them good news is incredibly fulfilling. We also work with many estates where customers sort through a loved one’s jewelry. It’s emotional, and we hear all kinds of stories. I’ve been through the experience of losing a loved one and having to sort through estate pieces. It’s a deeply emotional process, and because I’ve lived it, I think it helps me – and all of us – offer more understanding and compassion when we work with customers in similar situations. We’re there to support them without any pressure whenever they’re ready.
Q: What are your interested or hobbies?
GG: I love to golf and play the electric guitar. I played in bands for many years, focusing on classic rock, including with The B Sides, where we often played deep cuts from the B-side of the album. I also enjoy coaching varsity softball at Central Bucks West as an assistant coach. It’s a great way to stay involved in the community and pass on some of my experience.
Q: What are your plans or aspirations for Doylestown Gold Exchange over the next 5-10 years?
GG: Our business is closely tied to the country’s economic state, so we adapt based on people’s needs. Whether helping customers sell gold, silver, and coins during tough times or offering new fine jewelry during good times, we’ll be there. We’re focused on keeping things simple: fair pricing, no pressure, and excellent customer service. We’ve also introduced new, affordable fashion jewelry lines, with many pieces priced under $300, to accommodate all our customers—whether they’re looking for a small gift or a more high-end piece.
Q: What do you believe is the key to your success?
GG: The trust we build with our customers is what matters most. We’re a family business, and we prioritize customer service above all. It’s a simple formula, and it works.
Whether you’re investing in gold or silver, looking for a custom engagement ring, or needing expert advice, Greg and his team are here to help. As a family-owned and operated jewelry store in Bucks County, we specialize in delivering honest value, high-quality craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service. Contact us or stop by our store to discover how we can assist you with all your jewelry and precious metal needs.
