Featured Retailer of the Month

In the summer of 1969, after four years of college at the University of Maine, Brian Smith, founder of North Country Fair Jewelers, took a leap of faith with two other craft people and opened a small retail studio in Intervale – which he temporarily closed so that he and his staff could go to Woodstock!

Upon returning and with little previous jewelry training, Brian began studying and experimenting with many techniques and styles, always focusing on strength and flowing designs. In late 1969 he opened a small shop in North Conway Village next to the movie theater, in the space now occupied by Beef ‘n Ski, before moving to his current location at the entrance to the Village, across from Handcrafter’s Barn.

Brian has held onto his original goal of creating high quality custom and handmade jewelry. One of the most rewarding aspects of his vocation is working with a customer to find or create the perfect piece which reflects the positive emotion of that special occasion or event.

North Country Fair Jewelers also offers an extensive selection of antique and estate jewelry from many periods. His daughter Emily joined the business in 2000, and her passion is working with antique watch movements, re-using them to create new and interesting jewelry pieces. With her line, called “Resurrecting Time,” she takes something that has been discarded and exposes a side and beauty that has never been fully realized.

In 2014, Emily, pictured here with Brian, won the prestigious White Mountain Treasures' award. Presented by the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, it recognized her work with North Country Cares, a non-profit which she founded to serve as a resource for young people in the Mt. Washington Valley and and surrounding communities.

When he’s not creating and repairing jewelry, Emily’s husband, Greg Mossman collects tattoos and rebuilds vintage bicycles. He was featured last year in INSTORE magazine, a national hub for conversation about the business of retail jewelry.

The store has evolved to become a full-service family business able to procure, create, appraise and repair most anything in the jewelry industry. Brian, a charter member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, thoroughly enjoys studying the styles and history of jewelry. He, his family, and staff feel extremely fortunate to be residents of the beautiful Mount Washington Valley and are proud to share their jewelry adventure, services and products with both locals and visitors alike.