The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Frances G. Loose, Owner of Tuel Jewelers, Dies at 86
She bought the Charlottesville, Virginia jewelry store in 1975 and ran it alongside her daughters.
Charlottesville, Va.--Frances Elizabeth Gibson Loose, who bought Tuel Jewelers in 1975 and operated it with her two daughters for decades, died Friday. She was 86.
Born Frances Elizabeth Gibson on June 13, 1931, in Charlottesville, Virginia, she was the daughter of Nellie Mary and Arthur Gibson.
She graduated high school in 1950 and went to night school for bookkeeping at Jefferson Business School.
She worked the candy counter at McCrory’s Five and Dime and did sales and fashion merchandising at Diana Shops before landing a job in 1953 as the bookkeeper at Tuel Jewelers, the Charlottesville store that watchmaker and jeweler Roy P. Tuel opened in 1945. Though hired to keep the books, she soon began assisting the watchmakers with materials and fitting parts.
Loose learned the business from the ground up, and in 1975, she bought the store and ran it with her daughters, Mary and Frieda, and, later, her grandsons Hunter and Tyler.
She engraved and restrung pearls until she broke her wrist and waited on customers at Tuel Jewelers until Parkinson’s disease prevented her from walking on her own. Yet she still came to work every day, dressed for business and with a smile on her face, greeting customers from her desk.
Outside of the jewelry industry, Loose was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Credit Women International, the Apple Harvest Festival (now the Dogwood Festival), the Albemarle Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Downtown Business Association and the Downtown Business Alliance.
Tuel Jewelers remained closed Monday and Tuesday and is set to reopen Wednesday. The store’s answering machine tell customers that: “We plan on serving you for many years to come.”
Loose is survived by two daughters, Mary Loose DeViney (John) and Frieda Loose-Wagner (Michael); two grandsons, Hunter and Tyler; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Hermann, who died last year; three brothers, William, Luther and Verley Gibson; and one sister, Louise Haney.
Services took place Monday in Charlottesville and Keswick.
In addition to flowers, contributions can be made in Loose’s
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.