To understand the history of the beginning of Burkett’s Emporium, you have to take a step back in time when small, family owned business really catered to each and every customer.

Burkett’s Emporium was originally started as Burkett’s Jewelry in Port Neches Texas in 1947 by Elwood and Kathleen Burkett. Opening the store in the days before computers and web pages, the retail business of jewelry and watch repair was far from the fashionable experience of today. The necessity of a store that could give a gift of a lifetime or could simply repair whatever piece of jewelry or watch that was brought in quickly became the high standard that will remain the top priority.

In 1992 the store moved to a neighboring town, Nederland Texas, as Burkett’s Emporium.  Donita Burkett O’neal, daughter of Elwood and Kathleen Burkett, and husband John Paul O’Neal continued the tradition of fine jewelry and giftware through another generation of customers.

Remaining one of the best retail stores for having innovative designs in jewelry and giftware seemed to have moved with them. Growing up in the business, as well as the community, allowed Donita to remain “in tune” with the growing demands of the public. People have always said “No matter what the occasion, they know they can stop in at Burkett’s and find the perfect gift or just something for themselves.” While keeping the tradition of fine jewelry and giftware remains in place, so does the quality of jewelry and watch repairs.

In 2006 after the sudden passing of Donita, her daughter Holly O’Neal Bradberry, and husband Chad W. Bradberry stepped from behind the counter to continue running Burkett’s Emporium as it had always been in the past. Holly, a marketing major of Auburn University and GIA Graduate Gemologist, also grew up in the store.  She, like her family, inherited the uncanny ability to know what it is that people want and to stay “in tune” with the latest trends. Chad also continued the tradition of jewelry repair and stone setting after completing his education as a bench jeweler.

This match has allowed Burkett’s Emporium to receive numerous awards for Best Jeweler and Best Jewelry Store from many local and regional publishing.  Most recently, Burkett’s Emporium has been awarded a spot among the Top 25 Independent Jewelers in the nation by America’s Best Jewelers {ABJ}.

Burkett’s remains a unique experience, offering merchandise and designs true to their roots.  Though times are changing with the economy and political influences, Holly and Chad hope to extend their tradition of excellent service to the ever growing internet. They have helped set trends in the Mid County area – including the Orbis rings by Ron Hartgrove, Chamilia bracelets, and the Italian charms – and will continue to do so for many years to come.

With the newest generation, Laurel Gail Bradberry, Burkett’s Emporium hopes to continue the tradition of business and support to our growing community, as well as, the broad world of internet.