IndependentsNov 27, 2023
Frank Adams Jewelers Named ‘Family Business of the Year’IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Maine Jeweler to Relocate After 76 Years
J. Dostie Jewelers will move from Lewiston to Yarmouth this spring.
Michael Dostie (right) with his father, Daniel Dostie, in front of a portrait of his grandfather, Jules Dostie, who founded J. Dostie Jewelers in Lewiston, Maine, in 1947. The third-generation jeweler will be moving 25 miles away to Yarmouth.
Lewiston, Maine—J. Dostie Jewelers will celebrate its last holiday season in Lewiston, Maine, as it prepares to relocate to Yarmouth this spring.
The landmark jeweler has been in Lewiston for 76 years, and in its current spot for more than 60 years.
The relocation will begin in February 2024 with the new store, about 25 miles away, estimated to open in April.
The business was founded in 1947 by Jules Dostie, who was trained as a watchmaker in the U.S. Army’s watch department.
Jules and his wife, Yvette, later expanded the business, with his son Daniel joining in 1977, and later, in 2003, his grandson Michael.
The decision to move the longstanding family business out of the community was a difficult one, said Michael Dostie, the store’s third-generation owner, but was made after careful consideration.
In recent years, more of its business has come from outside of Lewiston. As of January, 75 percent of its sales came from customers outside of the community.
“I am a steward of my grandfather’s business, and that carries a responsibility to our clients, making it especially painful when considering the effect this move will have on the people coming from the greater Augusta area, and those who already travel so far to visit us from Franklin County or Maine’s Western Lakes & Hills. I can only do my best to make it worth the extra trip.”
Dostie also noted that changes within the community and its local government were factors in the move.
“The dynamics here in downtown and [the] city leadership’s focus have both changed in such a way that a sustainable future here is no longer certain. We had to explore how to adapt to best serve our clients on a regional basis.”
The Lewiston community also experienced a tragedy in October when a shooter killed 18 people and injured 13 others in a shooting spree that spanned two locations within the city.
The company clarified that this incident was not a factor in its decision, as its relocation plans had been underway for more than a year and its contracts were finalized a month prior.
“The horrific tragedy that occurred on Oct. 25 had no bearing on this decision, nor should it be a reflection on the city of Lewiston. Our hearts break for those lost and their loved ones, and this release was postponed out of respect for those in mourning,” said the company in a statement.
Related stories will be right here …
The landmark jeweler has been in Lewiston for 76 years, and in its current spot for more than 60 years.
The relocation will begin in February 2024 with the new store, about 25 miles away, estimated to open in April.
The business was founded in 1947 by Jules Dostie, who was trained as a watchmaker in the U.S. Army’s watch department.
Jules and his wife, Yvette, later expanded the business, with his son Daniel joining in 1977, and later, in 2003, his grandson Michael.
The decision to move the longstanding family business out of the community was a difficult one, said Michael Dostie, the store’s third-generation owner, but was made after careful consideration.
In recent years, more of its business has come from outside of Lewiston. As of January, 75 percent of its sales came from customers outside of the community.
“I am a steward of my grandfather’s business, and that carries a responsibility to our clients, making it especially painful when considering the effect this move will have on the people coming from the greater Augusta area, and those who already travel so far to visit us from Franklin County or Maine’s Western Lakes & Hills. I can only do my best to make it worth the extra trip.”
Dostie also noted that changes within the community and its local government were factors in the move.
“The dynamics here in downtown and [the] city leadership’s focus have both changed in such a way that a sustainable future here is no longer certain. We had to explore how to adapt to best serve our clients on a regional basis.”
The Lewiston community also experienced a tragedy in October when a shooter killed 18 people and injured 13 others in a shooting spree that spanned two locations within the city.
The company clarified that this incident was not a factor in its decision, as its relocation plans had been underway for more than a year and its contracts were finalized a month prior.
“The horrific tragedy that occurred on Oct. 25 had no bearing on this decision, nor should it be a reflection on the city of Lewiston. Our hearts break for those lost and their loved ones, and this release was postponed out of respect for those in mourning,” said the company in a statement.
Moving the business will be a challenge, but one the jeweler is looking forward to, it said, adding the “small, quiet” town of Yarmouth is more centrally located for their clients, with access from the mid-coast to southern Maine.
The new location will be slightly smaller, but the more intimate setting will allow the jeweler to focus on its jewelry design and fabrication work.
“Lewiston will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Dostie. “I grew up here, played a little hockey here, returned as an adult, met my wife, and completely fell in love with this city, but sometimes to move forward you need to let something go.”
Daniel Dostie, Michael’s father, reflected on the business’ struggles, successes, and its future ahead of the move.
“I’ve seen recessions in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but the recession in 2008 pushed us to the brink. Difficult decisions and sacrifices had to be made then, and here we are, 15 years later with things changing once again. This is the best way for my dad’s, my own, and now my son's company to be able to serve our friends and customers for the next 20 years.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
