Recently when I realized my wedding rings were in need of repair I visited WhitLauter in Southern Pines where I knew Leann Parker would give expert and trustworthy counsel. Leann originally designed my beautiful rings. We agreed to have the same jewelry maker in New York create an updated version of the original classic design that I have enjoyed all these years.
I feel blessed to know Leann Parker and her lovely daughter Whitney. Leann’s son and my son were neighbors and playmates as children and we both encouraged their time together. Although many years have passed since those “play days”, Leann is the same kind and generous person I knew her to be more than 30 years ago.
Whitney & Leann
Leann has an exceptional talent for creative and unique jewelry design and a long and deep knowledge of the industry. She is a unique gem in the Sandhills and upon entering the front door of WhitLauter you feel as though you’ve been transported to a gentler time. The beautiful jewelry, antiques, and furnishings create a rich and warm ambiance that comes full circle when greeted by Leann and Whitney, the mother and daughter proprietors of WhitLauter.
WhitLauter in Southern Pines
The story of WhitLauter began in 1972 when Leann’s love of horses brought her to Southern Pines where she took a part-time job with a local jeweler to help support her equine endeavors. This part-time job turned into an even deeper passion to pursue jewelry design and over the next 30 years Leann’s pursuit of the finest gems and pearls would take her around the world. From New York to Paris she studied with only the very best jewelry designers and manufacturers honing her design, fabrication, and buying skills.
Pearls from WhitLauter
In 2003 Leann stepped away from the world of jewelry to spend time with her children. But like deep passions do they smolder until a fire emerges and the desire once again becomes too strong to ignore especially when a daughter also carries her mother’s passion. Leann’s daughter Whitney had grown up watching and taking part in her mother’s jewelry world, thus the seed was planted. Upon Whitney’s graduation from college, Leann and Whitney created what is today WhitLauter. In 2011 they opened the doors to a new chapter in their lives with a focus on estate jewelry, South Sea pearls, and custom design pieces. Leann and Whitney also continue to maintain a relationship with their New York bench-man that began with Leann over 30 years ago. It’s these relationships not only within their industry, but also with their “family”, as they like to refer to their customers, that makes WhitLauter such a special place.
A Beautiful Ring
Make plans to become a new or returning member of the WhitLauter family by visiting Whitney and Leann at 229 NE Broad Street or check out their beautifully designed website at www.whitlauter.com.
The Pinehurst area is a one-of-a-kind place filled with wonderful people like Leann and Whitney. If you would like to live in this special place give me a call or send me a text at 910-528-6427. Let’s get started today!
— Lin Hutaff