Owners John and Lynette Capps will celebrate the anniversary of the business, located at 136 E. Chatham St., during the week of Aug. 18-22.

“It’s just something I found I liked to do,” John Capps said of his work in the jewelry business.

The anniversary doesn’t mark the start of the business — its namesake L.E. Johnson opened it in 1936. It does mark the four decades since Noah Capps, John Capps’ father, took over the business. Noah Capps, 81, still helps out in the business every Saturday.

John Capps took over the business from his father about 10 years ago.

“All my [six] children worked in the business whether they wanted to or not,” Noah Capps said.

Two of John Capps’ sisters still work there now — Loyria Capps works as a sales clerk and Cindy Armstrong works as a part-time sales clerk.

John Capps’ son, Brandon Capps, also works in the business doing sales and repairs.

So the family tradition continues, but the business changes just like any other.

John Capps has seen the trends come and go, such as a move away from yellow gold to white gold in the 1990s, and a current customer demand for the “vintage” look.

Forty years ago Cary was a much different place and Johnson’s didn’t have to compete with many of the larger department stores that now fill Cary’s many shopping centers.

John Capps said Johnson’s has been able to compete with the larger stores mainly because of customer loyalty. “Pretty much it’s been word of mouth,” he said. For more information about the business visit their Web site at johnsonjewelercary.com.