IndependentsOct 12, 2023
Sir King Takes the Reins at Castro NYC IndependentsOct 17, 2023
West Virginia Jeweler to Close After Nearly 50 Years
Bechdel Jewelers is shutting its doors as owners David and Lori Ettinger retire.
Husband-and-wife Dave and Lori Ettinger are the second-generation owners of Bechdel Jewelers in Inwood, West Virginia.
Inwood, W.V.—Bechdel Jewelers is saying its farewells to its local community.
The Inwood, West Virginia jewelry store is closing after 48 years in business as owners David and Lori Ettinger retire.
Lori’s father, Charles Bechdel, opened the store in 1975. His road to jewelry was an unusual one.
Stationed in Thailand as an air traffic controller during the Vietnam War, he learned stone cutting at a local lapidary shop, discovering a new passion. When he was stationed in West Virginia, he took up metalsmithing and learned to do jewelry repairs.
From these humble beginnings, Bechdel Jewelers grew into a trusted business in the community. Charles was known for his generosity and his store for its fairness and integrity.
Lori and husband David continued to uphold that reputation when Charles passed the business down to them.
The pair recall traveling to Antwerp to source rare and special diamonds for customers and creating exquisite custom jewelry as some of their fondest memories as store owners.
“We are so fortunate to have been able to do what we’ve done for all of these years and to be part of engagements, birthdays, anniversaries and graduations,” David said.
“Our customers have supported this business for generations, and it’s been very special.”
Bechdel Jewelers is thanking the local community with a going-out-of-business sale beginning Oct. 21. The store’s entire inventory, including gemstone jewelry, watches, engagement rings, pearls, and estate jewelry, will be discounted up to 70 percent.
Related stories will be right here …
The Inwood, West Virginia jewelry store is closing after 48 years in business as owners David and Lori Ettinger retire.
Lori’s father, Charles Bechdel, opened the store in 1975. His road to jewelry was an unusual one.
Stationed in Thailand as an air traffic controller during the Vietnam War, he learned stone cutting at a local lapidary shop, discovering a new passion. When he was stationed in West Virginia, he took up metalsmithing and learned to do jewelry repairs.
From these humble beginnings, Bechdel Jewelers grew into a trusted business in the community. Charles was known for his generosity and his store for its fairness and integrity.
Bechdel Jewelers has served the Inwood, West Virginia area for 48 years. Its going-out-of-business sale starts this month.
Lori and husband David continued to uphold that reputation when Charles passed the business down to them.
The pair recall traveling to Antwerp to source rare and special diamonds for customers and creating exquisite custom jewelry as some of their fondest memories as store owners.
“We are so fortunate to have been able to do what we’ve done for all of these years and to be part of engagements, birthdays, anniversaries and graduations,” David said.
“Our customers have supported this business for generations, and it’s been very special.”
Bechdel Jewelers is thanking the local community with a going-out-of-business sale beginning Oct. 21. The store’s entire inventory, including gemstone jewelry, watches, engagement rings, pearls, and estate jewelry, will be discounted up to 70 percent.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
