"Our goal is to have something at every price point, so you can walk in and afford something that you like."”

Jeff Warner

BLACK HAWK — You never know what you might find inside Golden Rose Antiques on Gregory Street in Black Hawk. 

The shop is filled with old books, toys, glassware, jewelry, porcelain, and just about anything else you can imagine (even a large, pink elephant figurine). I loved stumbling upon the kachina dolls I collect, including one with a removable wolf-head mask. 

Owners Jeff and Cindy Warner have been in the antique business in the area since around 2007. They spent about 18 years in Central City before moving to 357 Gregory Street, where they opened on September 1, 2025.

They just celebrated their first year in Black Hawk. The shop is a family operation. The Werners do most of the work, with their daughter helping out a few times a month. A friend also comes in occasionally to help and sells some of her own items.

The Warners don't specialize in any one type of antique. They carry a little bit of everything, though they particularly enjoy collecting and selling certain items.

Their favorites include books, toys, turn-of-the-century glassware, porcelain, and stoneware.

"Our goal is to have something at every price point, so you can walk in and afford something that you like," Jeff said.

They also buy antiques from people who want to sell. Jeff asks that anyone interested send photos first or arrange an appointment. He's only at the shop once or twice a week and doesn't want someone hauling in a box of treasures only to find out he's not interested.

When asked what he likes best about the business, Jeff's answer had nothing to do with antiques: "Spending time with people."

He and Cindy are devoted Christians, and their faith plays a big role in why they run the shop. Jeff said they believe God opened the door for them to have the business, and they see it as a way to meet people and be involved in the community.

"It is not a big moneymaker," he said. "It is, you know, it is ministry, it is passion for people."

The Warners spent 14 years living overseas doing missionary work, and it's still a big part of their lives.

They run a nonprofit called Illyricum, named after an ancient Roman province in the former Yugoslavia. Jeff said 10% of the shop's sales goes toward the missionary work they support.

The family is also raising money for a trip to Mombasa, Kenya, next summer. At least one of their children will be traveling with a group connected to Choir Fire and Joyful Soles, a dance school where their daughter dances and teaches.

The group plans to work with children in Kenya, perform concerts, and take part in other activities.

The family has been making crafts to sell for the trip, and the shop also has items marked specifically for the fundraiser. All the money from those sales goes toward the trip. They also accept donations.

The Warners are always happy to have local customers stop in. They give locals 10% off anything that isn't already on sale. And if someone finds something they want but won't have the money until payday, they're willing to hold it for a few days.

"And frankly, we'll do everything we can to make a sale that has both us and other locals happy," Jeff said.

He said he really appreciates what the City of Black Hawk has done with Gregory Plaza.

The City offers subsidized rent to businesses along the street, something Jeff said makes a big difference, especially during the quieter winter months.

But he appreciates more than just the rent. He said the city council, city employees, and even the crews who keep the plaza clean have made them feel welcome.

"The attitude is, we want you here, we're glad you're here, and I appreciate them very much," he said.

The Warners try to take part in events on Gregory Street, but holding one inside their shop would be a challenge. There's just too much stuff.

Jeff said he'd enjoy teaching classes on antiques or even having someone come in for a craft workshop. He and Cindy both enjoy teaching, but with the shop as full as it is, there really isn't room for a group. They only have about 20 square feet of storage space.

As for expanding, Jeff isn't interested in doing that right now. It would mean hiring more employees and taking on more responsibilities, and he's happy keeping things small.

They do plan to keep bringing in new merchandise, though.

"We're trying to increase our quality of goods without necessarily increasing prices," he said.

Jeff figures they'll be in Black Hawk for at least the next few years, although he can't say for certain what the future holds.

"We just want to be the best business and the best neighbors we can be here in Black Hawk," Jeff said.

Golden Rose Antiques is located at 357 Gregory Street in Black Hawk. Locals receive a 10% discount on regularly priced items. Anyone interested in selling antiques should contact the shop ahead of time with photos or arrange an appointment.