Our Story
A Legacy of Love
Our Story
At Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, we believe the most meaningful moments deserve something truly special. From engagement rings and wedding bands to custom jewelry design, we’re honored to help our customers celebrate love, milestones, and memories with pieces designed to last a lifetime. As a family-owned jewelry store, we value personal relationships, honest guidance, and craftsmanship you can feel proud to pass down for generations.
The Bailey's Brand
Bailey’s began with a love story between Clyde Sr. and Ann Bailey in Rocky Mount, NC. Clyde Sr., a master watchmaker and jeweler, joined forces with Ann, a pioneering entrepreneur in the 1940s, to open Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. Their commitment to quality and customer care laid the foundation for a family-owned company that has endured.
A History of Hardship & Perserverance
Tragically, Clyde Sr. died when he was only 46. Ann, at just 36 years of age, had one choice: to "keep on keepin’ on.” This motto propelled Ann to become the first female business owner/operator in Nash County. And while all the men in town had bets on when she would go out of business, Mama Ann says, “They didn’t know this girl!”
Ann’s conviction and perseverance was tested early in life, one that started hard and only got worse. Her father died when she was 2, her mother soon followed. Ann was sent to Oxford Orphanage at the age of eight. Tragedy struck several times in her life, but she decided that hard work was the best remedy for hardship. With unflagging determination and the help of her family, she built a sparkling empire from scratch.
Bailey's Today
The love story continued with Clyde Jr. and Jane. The high school sweet hearts married at the age of 18. They soon moved to Los Angeles where Clyde pursued an education in gemology. Upon returning to Rocky Mount, the couple built on the strong foundation of trust and loyalty that Clyde’s parents had created. With big dreams and an even bigger work ethic, Clyde Jr. grew Bailey’s into one of the largest and most well-respected luxury jewelry stores in the country.
This epic love story has endured through the generations. Son Trey Bailey followed in his father’s footsteps when he enrolled at the Gemological Institute of America. While there, he met his soon-to-be wife Marci, a fellow gemology student and jewelry designer. After dating only a year, they were married. Clyde Jr. says, “Trey left to go learn about gems and he came home with one.”
Bailey’s is now in its third generation of family ownership. Trey and Marci Bailey, along with Clyde and Jane, continue the tradition of making Bailey’s Fine Jewelry North Carolina’s premier destination jewelry store.
The Begining
1948
The family tradition in fine jewelry began with with 'Mama' Ann and Clyde in Rocky Mount, NC at their 11-foot-wide store.
1959
Bailey’s bought a long-standing jewelry company called Fox Jewelers. For a short time, the two merged and formed Fox & Bailey - known for selling and repairing watches but also sold and repaired bicycles and was the #1 record store in town.
1962
Big Clyde passes away, leaving Mama Ann as the sole proprietor of the business.
1971
Clyde Jr. joins the family business after learning watchmaking.
New Stores
1982-2009
Bailey's expands to 5 North Carolina locations and into it's third generation when Trey and Marci join the business in 2004 after finishing GIA.
Our Matriarch Honored
2017
Mama Ann is recognized by the TBJ as an Award-Winning Woman in Business.
Bailey's Goes West Coast
2021
Bailey's appointment-only studio and showroom opens in Los Angeles, California.
Growth in North Carolina
2022-Now
After years earlier closing other locations, Bailey's opens it's Cary Fenton location, expands it's Raleigh Village District store with a custom watch shop called Fox & Bailey, and opens its newest store in Charlotte, NC.
Why Choose Bailey’s?
- Personal, one-on-one guidance
- A welcoming and pressure-free experience
- Custom jewelry designed around your vision
- Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
- A trusted local jeweler focused on lasting relationships
Over 75 Years of Expertise
Accredited Experts
Bailey’s has had an Accredited Gem Lab (AGS) for more than 20 years. AGS promotes the highest professional standards of ethics, education, and service in the jewelry industry. Only five percent of jewelers, designers, appraisers, and suppliers nationwide have met the exacting standards for membership in the AGS, and all titleholders must be recertified annually.
Craftsmanship & Care
Every piece we offer is selected with care and attention to detail. We believe quality matters, which is why we focus on timeless craftsmanship, beautiful materials, and designs made to be worn and loved for years to come.
Whether it’s a custom engagement ring or a meaningful gift, we want every customer to feel confident and excited about their purchase.
Every woman wants a Bailey Box. Every story deserves one.
The Magic of A Bailey Box
The Bailey Box is more than a package...it's a promise. Wrapped in iconic black and white stripes and tied with a signature red bow, it symbolizes love, celebration, and unforgettable moments.
From engagements and anniversaries to birthdays, graduations, and "just because" surprises, the Bailey Box has become a cherished part of life’s most meaningful milestones. For generations, families across North Carolina have trusted Bailey’s Fine Jewelry to help mark these special occasions, with the Bailey Box serving as the joyful exclamation point.
Visit one of our locations in North Carolina
Bailey's Stores
