Published: Jul. 21, 2026
ROARING SPRINGS, Texas (KCBD) - Inside a former bank building in the heart of Roaring Springs, jewelers are still manufacturing rings, necklaces and other pieces at Thacker Jewelry — the same location where the store opened nearly 50 years ago.
Owner Joe Thacker returned to his hometown to start the business after getting his start in the jewelry industry in New Mexico.
“But this was home. And we were committed to the community,” Thacker said. “My grandfather had a hardware supply here that was a very large store, farm supply, furniture, hardware. I grew up with that. And it was always, ‘what can we do for our community?’”
Within a few years of opening in Roaring Springs, Thacker expanded and opened a second shop in Lubbock.
“What I’ve tried to do is take that same small town friendliness and at a high level of expertise to Lubbock,” Thacker said. “And I think we’ve been successful at doing that.”
The two locations together employ seven jewelers, five in Roaring Springs and two in Lubbock.
“Most stores have a hard time finding one jeweler,” Thacker said.
Thacker says the Roaring Springs store continues to manufacture many of its items in-house, even as the surrounding town remains quiet.
“Things just took off,” he said. “It was kind of one of those being at the right place at the right time.”
He says the store’s continued presence in Roaring Springs reflects a commitment that runs through his family’s history in the area.
“I always jokingly tell people if you ever get lost and find yourself in Roaring Springs, you can tour the factory or we’ll sell you a ring too.”
Thacker says the connection to the community remains central to the business.
“I have that in my heart and in my soul, so to speak,” he said, “that this place is important to me and the people are important.”
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