By the time he was 8 years old, Paul Petro was learning the jewelry business from his father, who owned a jewelry store.

After graduating from Vestavia Hills High and then attending UAB, Petro began a job as a “traveling diamond salesman.”

He worked for a diamond company selling loose gems to businesses in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. From 1978 until 1990, Petro traveled, worked and saved his money because he always knew that someday, some way he would be the boss of his own jewelry store.

In 1990, Paul’s Diamond opened its doors in Pelham. For the last 20 years, Petro has firmly established his reputation and has a solid clientele.

In the past year or so, another dream developed. Petro wanted to “update,” “upscale” and be in the heart of Alabaster’s new shopping district. The opportunity arose a few months ago.

The all-new Paul’s Diamond is gorgeous. The stylish lighting, display cases and artwork catch your eye immediately. Brilliant jewelry sparkles everywhere. The finest in diamonds and fine gems in forms of necklaces, crosses, bracelets, pendants, earrings, watches and, of course, rings are on display.

Pandora, Heart & Arrows, Alison, Love Story, Natalie K, Lorenzo, Coast, Citizen, Fossils and Seiko are a few name brands you can find.

Friendly and experienced employees are eager to help. Petro is never but a few steps away if his expertise is needed.

An experienced jeweler is on site for personal advice, repairs and manufacturing that “special something.”

Paul Petro did not get married until he was 38 years old.

He and Kathy met through a friend and have one son, “Pete,” age 16. Kathy is a special needs aide at Vestavia.

Someday Paul and Kathy would love to travel “all over” Italy. “Start on one side of Italy and eat my way across” is how Paul put it. Right now, the Petros’ favorite place to travel is New York City.

They love the hustle and bustle, the great restaurants, and the Broadway plays. They usually go to New York at least three times a year.

In the future, after this business gets established, the Petros will have the time to take off and do some of his dream traveling for extended periods.

No stranger to hard work, Petro knows that God has indeed blessed him. He said, ”Work hard, trust God and it will be OK.”

Sandra Thames can be reached at bobthames1942@yahoo.com.