Designing fine gold jewelry since 1970.

Nearly 50 years ago, Jim Sim Benton came to Temple, Texas after being awarded teaching grants from The National Endowment for the Arts and The Texas Humanities for the Arts, sponsored by the Cultural Activities Center in Temple.  At the completion of the Artist in the Schools Grant, Temple National Bank made Jim a creative offer he could not refuse providing the funding and an opportunity to open a new business in Salado showcasing Jim’s jewelry designs and paintings, Bentons Gallery.

Jim was familiar with the artistic community in the village of Salado and the Salado Art Fair held every year in Pace Park.  He had been a patron and exhibitor for many of those years and hoped to fit in as a full-time exhibitor in Salado by opening Bentons.

For half a century, Jim’s patrons became multi-generational starting with his first customers and continuing with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

In 1989, Jim met Ann, a transplant from South Carolina, who soon became his wife and creative partner in Bentons. A few years later, the couple collaborated on a new artistic endeavor with Salado Santas. Sales were achieved both nationally as well as internationally and the business thrived for more than 10 years.  During this same period, Ann wanted to have a second gallery and opened Bird in the Hand in 1994, which offered paintings, pottery, antiques, handmade jewelry, art to wear, creative workshops and other one of a kind art from a selection of international artists.

In 1999, Bob, at the age of 16, began working for Jim and Ann in a part time summer position at Bird in the Hand.  A year or so later, Bird needed full time help and Bob’s position was shifted over to Bentons.  At first, he began doing odd jobs and errands until his artistic curiosity became evident and Jim needed help with the production of jewelry. Over time, Bob became more of an apprentice to Jim, learning skills in not only the production but the design of fine gold jewelry making.

Several years later, as Jim was gradually heading towards retirement and he and Ann were spending more time at their home and Jim’s studio in North Carolina, Bob began co-managing Bentons and learning more about running a business from Jim in one-sentence quips like, “Anything that is bought right is half sold,” and “Never play another man’s game.”

During this time, Bob began establishing respect with existing long-time customers and suppliers, as well as, developing his own, new clientele, offering his learned skills in the manufacturing and talent expressed in his unique designs.

Jim’s willingness to share his skills in jewelry design and production, painting, business acumen and ethics have educated several young artists who have worked with him over the years. Many have gone on to establish careers in what they learned from Jim’s generosity.  Bob will be the first to admit the experience and knowledge he received from Jim is priceless. 

In November of 2018, Jim and Ann sold Bentons to Bob and Laura Hargrove.  While Bob & Laura have taken over the mantle of ownership, they will strive to continue the artistry of goldsmithing and are proud to continue the legacy that flourished with Jim and Ann.  They intend to offer the same level of customer service and the highest level of craftsmanship that is synonymous with Bentons.

Bentons has been open in Salado, Texas since 1970 and is the oldest jewelry store as well as one of the longest operating businesses in town.  Located on the corner of Main St. and Royal and across the street from the historic Stagecoach Restaurant and Shady Villa Inn, Bentons is proud to serve this charming artist community here in the heart of Central Texas.