Meet Andrew Gibble—Andrews Jewelers

Andy Gibbles knew he had remarkable eye-hand coordination early in his life. That ability took him to the jewelry and watchmaking school in his hometown of Lancaster PA.  After four years of learning his craft, he worked in the school’s jewelry store for five years.  Then he knew he was ready to open his own store…here on Hilton Head Island.

How long have you lived on HHI?

My parents bought a lot in Harbor Town in 1968 and ultimately built a home. Like so many, we came back and forth over the years. My wife and I came with our two-year-old daughter in 1982. My parents came a year later. We now have two children and three grandchildren—4 generations. We’re all proud to be from Pennsylvania Dutch Country.  And thankful for friends still there and here!

Did you open Andrews Jewelers upon your arrival to the Island?

We did.  Actually, It was a  repair store here in the Courtyard building.  

That store became a full service store specializing in jewelry sales, watch sales, and diamond sales including expert/custom design jewelry and repair. 

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here on HHI?  Who would you like to see nominated as a Face of HHI?

There are amazing people on this Island.  One that comes to mind is a neighbor who worked for Dodi Fayed, known for his friendship with Princess Diana.   And another gentleman who sold antiques here.  He is related to the Guggenheims in NY. His family was from Germany. He told the story of Hitler’s soldiers taking his grandparents from their home. 

What is your favorite restaurant on HHI?

There are so many to choose from but I always come back to Skull Creek Boat House for the beauty of the water and to Sunset Grille. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

In a normal world, I would say Italy.

What advice would you give a crowd of people?

Don’t drive carelessly and wear face masks.

Why is your favorite movie?

My aunt used to take my cousin and me to this beautiful theatre in Hershey PA. The ceiling looked like a real sky with clouds and stars.  One of the first movies I attended there, and still a favorite, is The Guns of Navarone starring  David Niven, Gregory Peck, and Anthony Quinn. 

If you were cast in a motion picture who would be your costar?

Angelina Jolie. 

What is something on your bucket list? 

When I was a kid I went on a two and a half month camping trip. We went from New York into Canada, down to Arizona, California, Mexico. We took the whole summer. It was awesome. We were 14-16.  Some of the kids had never seen wildlife or anything but a concrete street.  I’d do it again.  

What is your favorite music or 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?

Smokey Robinson, Adele, Led Zeppelin. 

If you could have a full-time staff member fully paid what would that position be?

It would be nice to have a chef.  

What current / former business makes you most nostalgic about HHI?

We love the Surf Watch.  It is our staycation. We own timeshare with Marriott but we always trade for the Surf Watch. The kids and the grandkids love the swimming pools and the beach restaurant.  It’s great because we can get away without going away.  

What is your favorite thing about HHI?

My favorite thing is the seawall at my house. The tide comes right up to the edge of the pool. I feel like I’m in the ocean. It is beautiful!

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m active in my Church, Central Church mid- Island.  I taught Sunday school for years.   I love the Church. I love children.  

What are three words that come to mind when you think of the word home?

Family, kids, grandkids, High Tide.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

I will be right here working.  At Andrews Jewelers. 

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