West Virginia Jeweler to Close After Nearly 50 Years
Bechdel Jewelers is shutting its doors as owners David and Lori Ettinger retire.

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.
The Latest

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Its team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.


Falling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.

The new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

The new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.

The luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.

The “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.

The new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

All active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.

Sean Milliner has joined the company.

Classes will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.

A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.

The rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.

The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.

The Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.

Dallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.

Its new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.

The week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.

The three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.























