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)
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
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.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
