Stuart Kingston Gallery opens on Coastal Highway
After 92 years on the Rehoboth Boardwalk, Stuart Kingston Gallery has a new location on Coastal Highway and a fresh focus on offering fine custom jewelry designed by third-generation owner and fourth-generation jeweler Mauria Stein.
Stein’s grandfather Maurice Stein opened the auction house and antique showroom by the Henlopen Hotel in 1930, and he remains a presence in the new store as well.
His photo sits on the large desk by the front door, and the French display cases he purchased showcase designer and estate jewelry that customers can try on in front of his Venetian table mirror. Mauria even moved Stuart Kingston’s signature chandelier to the new store.
Maurice and his business partner Sydney Cohan conducted weekly auctions on the Boardwalk in the 1950s, which continued to the late 1970s. Maurice’s son, Mauria’s father, Jay Stein, joined the family business in 1961 at age 21 and took over after his father’s death. In 1991, Mauria started working for her father, who passed away in 2014.
In November, Mauria announced plans to discontinue selling fine rugs, downsize its auction business and move the business to Coastal Highway. She held the final Boardwalk auction Feb. 26.
Mauria said she thought she’d be sad to leave the Boardwalk and its ocean views, but she has happily settled into her new space that features estate and fine jewelry of her own design, art and bronze sculptures, and an assortment of Persian car mats.
“I try to have a little bit of something for everyone,” she said. “Jewelry is my passion. I love coming up with an idea no one else has.”
A jeweler in Thailand creates Mauria’s designs using gems, jewels, diamonds and pearls. Stuart Kingston offers a wide variety of engagement rings, which are customizable as well. All diamonds are in the E, F, G color ranges and VVS clarity, Mauria said.
A men’s and women’s estate jeweler will be on the premises to do repairs at least two days a month, Mauria said.
“He’s brilliant at creating the jewelry I want to have made,” she said.
Other services include appraisals, remaking inherited jewelry into new styles, and estate jewelry purchases. Jewelry prices range from $50 up.
For security, Stein said, customers will use a buzzer system to gain entrance to the store when only one employee is present.
Stuart Kingston is located in the Shoppes of Camelot, 19470 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth. Go to stuartkingston.com or call 302-227-2524.
