Richard John, owner of Hood & Hoover Jewelry in Stow, Ohio, displays his love for old Hollywood with a lavish costume collection featured in his store.

John’s hobby began over 20 years ago when he purchased actress Dorothy Lamour’s dress in an antique shop in Disney World. “I have always been interested in film production. I thought I’d make that my career but then the jewelry bug bit me,” John says.

Today, he boasts more than 900 pieces of clothing and jewelry from celebrities including Barbra Streisand and Marilyn Monroe. “There are so many beautiful pieces it’s hard to choose a favorite,” John says. However, if he had to pick, he says he would select an 18k white gold necklace custom-designed for actress Lana Turner.

Throughout the years John has acquired his collection from auction houses, appraisals, and online sales. In fact, he once obtained 100 pieces of costume jewelry from the collection of actress Ann Miller by appraising jewelry sold at an auction.

John typically displays around six to seven costumes on the store’s floor; however, if customers are interested, they are welcome to tour the closet in the back of the store. He also frequently hosts costume charity shows benefiting local hospitals and organizations such as Kent State University.

John credits his appreciation of accessories to his work in the jewelry industry: “The costume collection is a great addition to the store.”

JCK