Charles Paul Gem Designs is Going Out of Business

Charles Paul Gem Designs, known for its hand-crafted jewelry designs and gem quality, is going out of business after 38 years.

The jeweler, located at the busy corner of Hamilton and Cedar Crest boulevards in South Whitehall, mailed "Going out of Business" notices to its customers this weekend. 

A "valued customer sale" is scheduled for today and Wednesday, May 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Thursday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

The business will close as soon as the inventory is liquidated, probably by mid-June, said Dr. Deborah Stubbe, who co-owns the business with C. Paul Stubbe, its namesake.

"The business has outgrown us, so to speak," she said. "It's bigger than we have the energy to keep up with."

She said C. Paul, who oversees every aspect of the business, would like to retire. He is 61. According to the jeweler's website, he has been involved in all aspects of the business, including the design and manufacturing process of fine jewelry, stone settings, appraisals, gemology and repairs.

He opened his first store in November 1974, and later located to the stone building at 3144 Hamilton Blvd. The Stubbes owns the building, built in 1799.

"It's a beautiful business," Deborah Stubbe said. 

The jeweler just learned that it has been again voted Best Jeweler in the Lehigh Valley, for the second consecutive year, by Lehigh Valley Magazine, she said.

In their mailing to customers, the Stubbes wrote, "Charles Paul Gem Designs has been artistically changing the jewelry business by creating exquisite one-of-a-kind gemstone jewelry and offering world-class designer's jewelry to our customers. Providing the highest integrity in our work, value, quality, and exemplary services, we are thankful for your business and the many wonderful friendships we have made over the years."

"So it is with some regret that the time has come to close our business and enjoy our family and the many other beautiful gems in our lives."

Charles Paul employees five people in-house and contracts with others, Deborah Stubbe said.

She said she would like to eventually open a pediatric mental health practice in the building.