In 1911, Charles Stone opened the doors to Stones Jewelry at 105 W Front Street in Wheaton, IL. Charles was a dedicated worker who quickly built an honest and genuine relationship with customers and provided excellent service for 50 years. In 1961, Stones Jewelry was purchased by Stones’ son-in-law, Emil Shebik, who ran the business until 1972.Emil Shebik was a kind, soft spoken man who was always serving others. There are many memories and stories of Emil’s friendliness and generosity. People lined up to visit with Emil and work alongside him. He and his wife Phyllis (Stone) had one son, Steve. Neither Steve nor Phyllis worked at Stones, but the Shebik’s remain important figures of and special friend to Stones Jewelry. Emil’s Aunt Mabel was involved in the business as she worked at the store on Saturday’s. Shebik ran a business which excelled in customer service. One New Years Eve, a woman stopped in with a broken strand of pearls she was determined to wear that evening. Emil stood in front of the lady and began to string her pearls. He did not go home until they were strung perfectly around her neck. He always put the customer first and the legacy of his family’s hard work has defined Stones Jewelry

When Emil was ready to retire, he hosted interviews for who was going to continue his family’s legacy. His main criteria for the next owner was to be available to the community and to uphold honest business. Many people offered what Emil was asking for the business monetarily, but not the principals. He turned several buyers away who seemed to just want to make money.Emil finally found a fitting buyer, Jason Johnson who bought the store in the early 1970’s. Johnson owned the Johnson family jewelry business for 25 years in Madison, Wisconsin, but kept the Stones’ name along with its reputation. On September 4th, 1974, the very same day Johnson purchased the store, Wheaton suffered a serious fire. The Johnson’s purchased the store at 11 A.M. but never had a chance to open the store before the fire caused it to temporarily close. After 4 days of exhausting effort and the help of friends, business men from the downtown area, family and even competitors, the store reopened.