Independents

Minnesota’s Jay F. Jeweler to Close After 35 Years

IndependentsApr 17, 2023

Minnesota’s Jay F. Jeweler to Close After 35 Years

The store was a pioneer in the jewelry industry’s shift to CAD/CAM technologies.

20230416_JayFJeweler-Storefront.jpg
Jay F. Jeweler in Apple Valley, Minnesota, is closing as owner Jay Feichtinger, pictured in front of the store, retires.
Apple Valley, Minn.—After more than three decades in business, Jay F. Jeweler is closing its doors. 

Owner Jay Feichtinger is retiring and looking forward to his next chapter – spending more time with his family and five grandchildren, preparing to welcome a sixth in August. 

For 35 years, the Minnesota jeweler offered its customers fine jewelry and custom designs. 

The store prides itself on being one of the first in the Twin Cities, starting in 2007, to use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology.

“What really kept me so engaged in the business and what benefitted my business so much was the advance in the technologies in the shop,” said Feichtinger. “We embraced it very early.”

Since then, those technologies have been refined and kept up to date within the store, he said.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Feichtinger’s love of the business began in 1977 with a part-time job at a local jewelry store.

He took some time off after graduating college, but, ultimately, his passion for jewelry led him back to the industry.

He briefly worked wholesale in his basement and opened his own business in 1988, initially as a repair shop.

Over the last three decades, Jay F. Jeweler grew to be a leading retail manufacturer with a staff of trained, professional jewelers.

20230416_JayFJeweler-Customers.jpg
Jay F. Jewelers owner Jay Feichtinger (in the blue plaid shirt) assists a customer. Following its announcement to close, the store is hosting a "Store Closing" sale, which began April 10.


The store is hosting a “Store Closing” sale, which began April 10 and will likely go on through the end of May as the store completes all remaining custom work, said Feichtinger.

The store’s entire selection will be marked up to 70 percent off. 

The sale also will serve as a celebration of Jay F. Jeweler’s legacy. The custom-designed and redesigned pieces created at Jay F. Jeweler have attracted and wowed customers from everywhere, said the company. 

The store said it has defined itself through its “unparalleled” customer service, standing by the pillars of honesty, transparency, and loyalty to cultivate a devoted customer base.

“The last 35 years of operating my store and growing with the Apple Valley and surrounding communities has truly been a joy and a labor of love. We’ve been honored to receive support from our amazing customers. Plus, I’ve been blessed with employees who are simply the best. Each offered honest hard work, creating memorable items and serving our customers,” Feichtinger said. 

“That’s the part I’m going to miss the most, the customers.”

The Latest

 Sapphire tennis necklace
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace

At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.

Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%

The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.

AGTA Spectrum winners
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors

Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.

20-Under-40-2025-LV.png
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for Members

From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.

Courtney Cornell
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New President

Courtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.

Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Trucks at Orapa diamond mine
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3

De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.

Ulrich Wohn
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts

Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Introducing GIA Jewelry Services

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Artifex White Diamond, Fancy Dark Yellowish Brown Diamond, and Blue Sapphire Rings
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction Debut

Kindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.

Tyla Pandora Talisman collection
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment

The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall Peace Medallion
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%

The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.

US Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case Wednesday

Ahead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.

Stuller Inc.’s Danny Clark, Matt Stuller, and Belit Myers
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt Stuller

Stuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold?

Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.

Mellerio Jardin Pierreries Necklace
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November Birthdays

Citrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.

Weston Jewelers Fort Lauderdale store rendering
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort Lauderdale

The family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.

Two of the three suspects in burglary at Queens jeweler’s home
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home

The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.

Matthew Rosenheim
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board Chair

The trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.

Muse’s Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good Collection on Flaviana Matata
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDG

The “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.

Christies Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online Auction

The ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.

Heavenly Vices Mother Father Spinner Necklace
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’

This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.

Interpol Stolen Works of Art Database, The Louvre Museum Graphic
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing

The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your Business

Experts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Seattle PD image of Menashe & Sons Jewelers following Aug. 14 smash-and-grab robbery
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs

The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.

Alison Lou Lumière Fine Collection On-Model
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and Resin

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

Buddha Mama gold skull pave huggies
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted Halloween

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy