LAPLACE — With an eclectic selection of custom made jewelry, wedding and baby shower gifts, floral arrangements, home décor and much more, Roussel’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts is a trove inviting customers to come find their treasure.

Roussel’s has served the LaPlace area for 41 years and has expanded to include additional locations in Gramercy, Boutte and Ponchatoula.

The LaPlace location, located at 232 Belle Terre Blvd., came about after original owner Jesse Roussel retired from his teaching career.

With practice restoring furniture with his wife and an ambition to open his own business, he opened Roussel’s to the community with a focus on antiques and home décor.

It was the start of a thriving family business spanning three generations.

When Jesse’s son, Chris Roussel, and his wife, Amber, took over the store, they began selling jewelry.

In the years since, engagement rings and other specially designed jewelry pieces have become the community’s most requested items.

Chris and Amber’s two sons, Jess and Rene, have graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University and are bringing new and innovative ideas.

In 2017, Jess Roussel won the National Jeweler’s award for best design, and he uses his talents to help run all four locations.

Earl Rodrigue Jr., Chris Roussel’s brother-in-law and manager of the LaPlace store, said his family is tight-knit and works well together to serve customers.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Rodrigue said.

“Every day I have the opportunity to see my wonderful sisters, nephews and brother-in-law. We work together beautifully.”

He said Roussel’s success in the community comes down to two factors: a wide variety of goods and a dedication to customers.

“I think the most unique aspect of all of our stores would be the items we sell and the old fashioned customer service we offer,” Rodrigue said.

“We do free gift wrapping, jewelry repairs and custom designed jewelry where we combine all the elements the customer wants into one beautiful design.”

Roussel’s offers everything from baby clothes and candy to watches, candles and bath bombs, Rodrigue said.

Antique items from the stores have even been used as props in the film industry.

According to Rodrigue, decorative towels and New Orleans novelty items receive a lot of attention, attracting customers from all over the country.

Meanwhile, locals flock to the store to buy gifts and masks for extravagant balls.

Returning customer Kerry Brignac visited the store Thursday morning to shop for gifts for the Krewe du Monde XXXIX Mardi Gras ball.

Pointing to a selection of necklaces with carnival mask pendants, Brignac said his wife loves all things Mardi Gras, and he could count on Roussel’s to have the gifts he was looking for.

“I’m part of the Lion’s Club, and they’ve been very gracious to sell the tickets for our ball here,” Brignac said.

“We just think they’re a big asset to the community. What they offer as far as gifts is great, and they provide outstanding service. It’s a one-stop shop.”

Brignac is sure he and his wife will be back.

“I’m in here on and off, but my wife is here just about all the time,” Brignac said with a laugh.

Familiar faces are always entering the store, Rodrigue said, adding Roussel’s has a very loyal following.

Rodrigue recently returned from the January market event previewing 2018 trends, where his primary goal was to determine what customers would love the most. He’s excited to unveil jewelry and gift items perfect for Mother’s Day to Christmas.

“That market dictates what’s going to be relevant and popular for that year, and it looks like it’s going to be a very traditional year style wise,” Rodrigue said.

Rodrigue said he noticed the community interests changing, notably moving toward a trend of bigger and bolder engagement rings.

The LaPlace location’s store hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information, visit roussels.com, like Roussel’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts on Facebook or call 985-653-0090.