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.”
More on Independents
The Latest
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
