Virginia Jeweler to Close After 90 Years
Bowen Jewelry Company’s third-generation owner is heading into retirement.

The fine jewelry store is going out of business as third-generation owner Brian “Biff” Bowen Jr. begins his retirement.
In 1933, Charles Wesley Bowen Jr. opened Bowen Jewelry Company.
The watchmaker, goldsmith and hand-engraver was known as one of Lynchburg’s most skilled jewelers.
His son, Brian H. M. Bowen, joined the business in 1946, following a duration of military service during World War II, in which he became a decorated hero.
The father-son duo worked to ensure the Bowen legacy would be remembered as having integrity, honesty, and community.
The store garnered attention well beyond Central Virginia when, in 1956, Brian Bowen arranged for the historic Hope Diamond to make a stop at the store on its way to the Smithsonian. People lined up around the block to see the “prestigious ladies of the town” model the famous 45.52-carat blue diamond.
Current owner Biff Bowen returned to Lynchburg in 1988 to work with his father after graduating from the University of Montana, where he studied geology.
Within a few years, he became a Certified Gemologist Appraiser and began buying, appraising, and designing jewelry.
He’s also been an enthusiastic community member.
The company also has been closely involved in the community, supporting fine arts and local nonprofits, including breast cancer awareness efforts, the Children’s Museum, the Miss Virginia Pageant, the local food bank, and more.
Bowen Jewelry Company was the downtown Lynchburg community’s premier destination for births, engagements, anniversaries, memorials, and everything in between, said the company.
The family said it focused on service before sales, building long-lasting, meaningful relationships with clients.
“I’m just so grateful for the friendships, loyalty, and trust that our customers have given us for the last 90 years,” said Biff. “My father once told me that our family never got rich off the jewelry business, but we’ve been rich in friends, and that’s even better.”
Biff plans to stay active in the community in his retirement.
The store is hosting a going-out-of-business sale featuring discounts on gold jewelry, diamonds, silver, gemstones, pearls and more.
The Latest

The turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.

“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.

The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Set with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.


“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.

Now called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.

It includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.

The “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.

The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.

U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America