Ralph & Helen Roper moved to Auburn in 1952. They chose Auburn because of the great schools, and because they enjoyed the community's people and events. Ralph worked for four years in Auburn before he opened his own store. Roper's Jewelers opened in January 1956, the same week that his son, Harvey, was born. When asked why he opened the store he replied, "I wanted to work for myself." He has always had an affinity for the jewelry business, so his own store would prove to be a perfect fit.

When Roper's Jewelers opened, there were three other jewelers in town. It opened at 814 Lincoln Way, a few doors down from its current location. In 1972, Ralph moved the store to its current location, 818 Lincoln Way. The first store was 800 square feet, whereas the current downtown store is 1,500 square feet. A second store was opened in 1990, at 2288 Grass Valley Highway. Both locations are in Auburn, the town that Ralph loves.

Ralph says that he and his business were well received due to his participation in the community. Then, as now, Ralph participated in many community events and improvement projects. He worked in the store 12 to 14 hours every day, and he had only one saleslady. As Christmas approached he added another saleslady, and he would add another one at a time as he became busier and needed more help. In the beginning. Ralph did all of the jewelry, watch, and clock repair himself. His wife, Helen, did all of the bookkeeping. The statements were written by hand each month. The store carried its own charge accounts with no interest and no carrying charge.

Over the years Ralph slowly made some changes. He brought in a watchmaker first, then he brought in jewelers. As his sons Steven and Harvey grew, they learned the business. Steven became a jeweler and Harvey became a watchmaker. Now, Harvey, as vice president of the company, oversees the operation of both stores. Harvey's wife, Brenda, does all of the accounting. Although the Roper's Jewelers family of salespeople, jewelers, watch and clock makers has grown to include more than 20 employees, Roper's still retains the same values, professionalism, and vision that Ralph had fifty two years ago.

We at Roper's Jewelers understand that making a fine jewelry purchase can sometimes be overwhelming, so it is important to select your Jeweler wisely. Stop by or email us at gems@ropersjewelers.com and let us fulfill all of your jewelry needs.

Roper's and the Community
Roper’s Jewelers has been an important part of the Auburn community since opening its doors in 1956. From the very beginning Ralph participated in many community events, restoration and improvement projects, and service groups. Roper’s has always been a big supporter of everything that furthers Auburn’s sense of community. Roper’s has supported the schools and service groups through donations for various fundraisers.

As his father did before him, Harvey plays an important role in the Auburn community as well. Harvey is the President of the Downtown Business Association, and he remains active with the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Committee, and business and community groups. Harvey loves the town of Auburn and devotes a great deal of time and energy to making it an even better place to live.

Roper's Jewelers has been recognized as Auburn's Business of the Year because of our continued generosity and commitment to the community. As long as Roper's Jewelers is a part of the Auburn community, we willl strive to support our town and the people who live here.

Location, Hours, and Directions
Roper's Jewelers has two Auburn locations to serve you: