May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
NC Retailer Says Goodbye After 54 Years
Located in Washington, North Carolina’s historic downtown, Washington Jewelers is holding a going-out-of-business sale.
Washington, N.C.--There’s one more independent jeweler calling it quits this year after more than five decades in business.
Located on Main Street in Washington, North Carolina, Washington Jewelers is closing up shop as its owner, Jimmy Fortescue, readies for retirement and spending more time with his family.
The jeweler currently is holding a going-out-of-business sale to clear out inventory.
Though the store owner could not be reached for comment by National Jeweler by press time, Fortescue told a local news channel that, “I feel like we provided a great service that they could come and buy jewelry here and know they had someone to carry it back to when they had a problem with it.”
Fortescue and his wife, Elvira, opened their jewelry store in October 1962 in Washington’s historic district. The store celebrated its 54th anniversary just months ago.
“We truly love and are so thankful for all the customers who have kept this business alive and thriving over 54 years,” the retailer said on its Facebook page.
The number of jewelry business closures has been increasing of late. According to the latest data from the Jewelers Board of Trade, more than 300 jewelers in the United States and Canada went out of business in the third quarter.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.