IndependentsNov 07, 2023
Pennsylvania’s David Craig Jewelers to CloseIndependentsNov 14, 2023
Virginia Jeweler to Close After 90 Years
Bowen Jewelry Company’s third-generation owner is heading into retirement.
Bowen Jewelry Company in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia, is closing after nearly a century in business as its owner retires.
Lynchburg, Va.—Virginia jeweler Bowen Jewelry Company is closing its doors after 90 years.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 DaysAn across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day CampaignBrigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This SummerThe retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in BrazilThe new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet JewelsThe pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong KongBonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.
CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is SentencedIn March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.
