Independents

West Virginia Jeweler to Close After Nearly 50 Years

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.

Lori and Dave Ettinger, owner of Bechdel Jewelers
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. 

 
Bechdel Jewelers in Inwood, West Virginia
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. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals

A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.

Grader looking into microscope at IGI lab
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next Week

In a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.

Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6M

The offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Stephanie Gottlieb, Anna Harman, Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs Collection
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to Studs

The 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.

Weekly QuizDec 05, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Person at keyboard holding credit card
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says Adobe

An Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.

American Gem Trade Association and University of Arizona
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences Students

The inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.

undefined.png
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.

JA New York Show Entrance
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 Show

A Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.

Ray Griffiths and Ray Griffiths: The Works
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design

“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.

Grant Mobley and Thomas Davis
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board

Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.

Movado campaign
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ Environment

The retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.

Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious Mousse

The color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.

Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s Kokoro Ant Pendant
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ Pendant

The Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.

Roberto Coin jewelry
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1

The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.

Gold rings
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech Issues

The jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in November

A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.

Michael S. Krzemnicki
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award

The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.

1.png
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Sponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Gwen Beloti, Lisa Bridge, Eddie Plein, Anna Samsonova
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards Winners

At the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.

For Future Reference Vintage turquoise necklace
TrendsDec 05, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: A Blue, Blue, Blue Month

Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.

People outside holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 04, 2024
In-Store Shopping Outpaced Online Over the Holiday Weekend, Says NRF

A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.

Stock photo of diamonds
Lab-GrownDec 04, 2024
GJEPC Says Indian Trade Will Use FTC-Approved Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

The FTC’s Jewelry Guides require “clear and conspicuous” disclosure when advertising lab-grown diamonds.

Grandview Klein Diamond Group Staff
SourcingDec 04, 2024
Designer Saul Fraiman Retires After 55 Years

The fine jewelry designer, who came out of retirement in 2017, is putting down his sketchpad for good.

30.101-carat very light pink diamond
AuctionsDec 04, 2024
30-Carat Pink Diamond Fetches $2.6M at Bonhams

The Type IIa, very light pink colored diamond was the highlight of the recent Hong Kong jewelry auction.

John Willard Craiger mugshot
CrimeDec 03, 2024
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida Jeweler

John Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsDec 03, 2024
Peter Smith: How a Leadership Hire Can Make or Break a Company

In his latest column, Smith provides a list of questions every business needs to be asking their next potential leader.

×

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