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
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
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.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
