IndependentsJan 17, 2023
Lux Bond & Green’s Marc and Sheryl Green RetireIndependentsMar 08, 2023
Indiana Independent Jeweler Closes After Nearly 70 Years
Roger and Judy Hutchinson, owners of Hutchinson Jewelers, are heading into retirement.
Hutchinson Jewelers is closing after close to 70 years in business as its owners get ready to retire. (Image courtesy of Hutchinson Jewelers’ Facebook page)
Boonville, Ind.—Hutchinson Jewelers in Boonville, Indiana, has closed its doors after nearly 70 years in business as its owners head into retirement.
Ralph Hutchinson, a World War II and Korean War veteran with a penchant for watchmaking, and his wife, Marion, opened the store in 1955.
He made the local news in 2017, sharing the story of his store’s founding and why he was still fixing watches at the age of 94.
The jeweler also has its own brand of watches, Hutchinson watches, made in the United States with Swiss movements.
Ralph eventually passed the business down to his son, Roger Hutchinson, and his wife, Judy, who are now ready to retire.
“We have been pleased to have served the community all these years,” they said on the store’s website.
Ralph Hutchinson, a World War II and Korean War veteran with a penchant for watchmaking, and his wife, Marion, opened the store in 1955.
He made the local news in 2017, sharing the story of his store’s founding and why he was still fixing watches at the age of 94.
The jeweler also has its own brand of watches, Hutchinson watches, made in the United States with Swiss movements.
Ralph eventually passed the business down to his son, Roger Hutchinson, and his wife, Judy, who are now ready to retire.
“We have been pleased to have served the community all these years,” they said on the store’s website.
The jeweler also shared a Facebook post announcing the store’s closing, prompting generations of shoppers to send their well wishes and fond memories.
One customer recalled a purchase she made 50 years ago as an unemployed high schooler.
“Mr. Hutchinson trusted me to make payments for a mother’s ring for my sweet mama. I did not have a job, just a generous allowance, but he let me have it. I have never forgotten that,” she said, noting she made many purchases in the years that followed.
Related stories will be right here …
One customer recalled a purchase she made 50 years ago as an unemployed high schooler.
“Mr. Hutchinson trusted me to make payments for a mother’s ring for my sweet mama. I did not have a job, just a generous allowance, but he let me have it. I have never forgotten that,” she said, noting she made many purchases in the years that followed.
The store held a retirement sale in the weeks leading up to its final day on Feb. 28.
However, Roger is still working behind the scenes, finishing up repairs left by their loyal customers.
“It’s hard to say ‘no’ to our customers, who have become our friends,” the store said in a Facebook post. “Retirement is in sight, but we still have a bit to do.”
Roger Hutchinson has customer repairs to finish before retirement can begin, said the jeweler. (Image courtesy of Hutchinson Jewelers’ Facebook page)
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
