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
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
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.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
