Originally located in the Old Nottoway Theater building, Watkins Jewelers was founded in 1951 by A. Winston Watkins, who purchased Stone Jewelers, an ongoing business since 1936. Winston built a business based on expertise, service, and trust. Personal attention to customers while providing a quality product at a fair price proved to be a successful philosophy. This philosophy has continued with the second and third generation. Today, Watkins Jewelers remains a family-owned business. Second generation Tom Watkins manages the operation while Polly, Tom’s wife, handles the accounting responsibilities. Sons Tate and Will joined the business after college. Tate, a Hampden-Sydney College graduate, who has also completed courses with the Gemological Institute of America, is an Accredited Jewelry Professional. Will, a graduate of Longwood University, has completed courses at Jeweler’s school in repair and stone setting. Three more long-term employees complete the dedicated staff: Kathy McGraw (Floor Manager and sales associate), and Matt Mohr (Bench Jeweler, who also completed courses at Jeweler’s school).