Milton P. Demetre was born and raised in Charleston, SC. As a young child, he loved the architecture and beauty of King Street, Charleston’s historic business main street, and dreamed of opening up a store there. He especially loved the beautiful two buildings and interior of the Bank of Charleston (253 and 255 King Street) where Milton had a savings account.
From 1956-1960, Milton was attending The Citadel- the Military College of South Carolina, located in Charleston. To earn extra money, Milton cut fellow cadets hair, had the college newspaper route, and came up with the idea of selling to his classmates jewelry and engagement rings through a catalog company. This new endeavor awakened a passion for jewelry and Milton’s dreams now focused on some day opening a Jewelry store on King Street. After graduating from The Citadel, Milton was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Air Force. Again, looking to make extra money while in the Air Force, Milton founded American Metals Company which specialized in the purchase of Precious Metals from small jewelry stores around the country. After fulfilling his service duties, Milton continued to develop American Metals Company and it became nationally known as a pioneering company in the quick and efficient purchasing of Precious Metals.