Owners Bio and Pioneer Jewelers History
Jack and I lived in Alaska for most of their lives. I don’t think a person ever really “leaves” Alaska, once they have spent time here.
We began our retail careers in 1975 in a small shop called Mt. Juneau Trading Post, located in Merchant’s Wharf on the Juneau waterfront. In those days, the cruise ships were small and the arrivals infrequent. No one imagined what the industry would become.
During the early years, Jack made jewelry utilizing the natural gold nuggets from the mining regions of Alaska and the Yukon. The store also specialized in traditional Native handcrafts from all over Alaska. Fine jewelry and gifts were added as time went by.
In the early 80’s Mt Juneau Trading Post moved to the historic Seward Building, in the heart of downtown Juneau. With the expanded space available, the jewelry store Dockside Jewelers and the Gallery of the North were opened. We were able to accommodate far more gift and jewelry collections as well as represent some of Alaska’s finest artists in the Gallery of the North.
Twenty some years later, we had the opportunity to build a new building a bit further south on Franklin street, and our final store, Pioneer Jewelers, opened. After many happy and busy years there, the decision was made to close the physical store and move on.
Pioneer Jewelers still exists as an online store featuring many of the same products that were available in the physical store. We are pleased to continue with valued suppliers, Alaskan artists and craftspeople and old friends. Send an email if you are looking for something in particular or are just looking.
Enjoy browsing, and please let us know if you are looking for a “special” item from past visits to our home town of Juneau. If you are planning a trip to Alaska, please do not miss spectacular Juneau and Southeast Alaska.