The North End is in High Gear

Years ago, Merilee Wolfson decided to stake her roots in the North End.

“I moved here in the 1970s when people asked ‘Why would you want to live down there?’” said the owner of High Gear Jewelry located at 204 Hanover Street.

Merilee has owned the shop since 1992.

“I opened it in the North End because I live here,” she said.  “I love the North End – it is my home.”

Merilee thought this neighborhood was beautiful.

“It had the waterfront; little, quaint cobblestone streets and friendly people,” she said.

Merilee explained recently that she was in the wholesale jewelry business.

“A real estate friend of mine told me about a space on Richmond Street that was becoming available and I jumped at the chance to open a jewelry shop,” she said.

Merilee had her shop on Richmond Street for 15 years.

“I loved it,” she said. “I was on the Freedom Trail and the neighborhood welcomed me because there were no shops like mine in the North End.”

Merilee re-located to Hanover Street eight years ago.

“I feel blessed to be part of this wonderful neighborhood,” she said.

“The merchandise at High Gear Jewelry is a reflection of the tastes of the neighborhood catering to the elderly, the business people, teenagers as well as people from around the world.”

Tucked away in a small space, High Gear Jewelry is spotless and filled with scarves, glittering bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings – in all colors and sizes – as well as lovely pearls.

“There is no better place to live and work than in the North End,” Merilee said.

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