EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
IndependentsDec 06, 2016
NC Retailer Says Goodbye After 54 Years
Located in Washington, North Carolina’s historic downtown, Washington Jewelers is holding a going-out-of-business sale.
Washington Jewelers in North Carolina, which opened in October 1962, is holding a going-out-of-business sale.
Washington, N.C.--There’s one more independent jeweler calling it quits this year after more than five decades in business.
Located on Main Street in Washington, North Carolina, Washington Jewelers is closing up shop as its owner, Jimmy Fortescue, readies for retirement and spending more time with his family.
The jeweler currently is holding a going-out-of-business sale to clear out inventory.
Though the store owner could not be reached for comment by National Jeweler by press time, Fortescue told a local news channel that, “I feel like we provided a great service that they could come and buy jewelry here and know they had someone to carry it back to when they had a problem with it.”
Fortescue and his wife, Elvira, opened their jewelry store in October 1962 in Washington’s historic district. The store celebrated its 54th anniversary just months ago.
“We truly love and are so thankful for all the customers who have kept this business alive and thriving over 54 years,” the retailer said on its Facebook page.
The number of jewelry business closures has been increasing of late. According to the latest data from the Jewelers Board of Trade, more than 300 jewelers in the United States and Canada went out of business in the third quarter.
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