Independents

David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

IndependentsMar 28, 2024

David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

David Ettinger
David Ettinger, the recently retired owner of West Virginia’s Bechdel Jewelers, died earlier this month at age 69. He is remembered as an instant friend and a dedicated craftsman.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated post-publication to include comments from Lori Ettinger, David Ettinger’s wife.

Inwood, W.Va.— David Evers Ettinger, longtime owner of Bechdel Jewelers in Inwood, West Virginia, died March 13.

He was 69.

Recently retired, Ettinger and his wife of 28 years, Lori Ettinger, were attending their final jewelry trade show, the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) show in Dallas when he “passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully,” according to the family.

Another jeweler who also was attending the IJO show was arrested and charged in connection with the incident that led to his death.

The investigation is ongoing, with a police spokesperson telling The Dallas Morning News last week that the case will be referred to a Dallas County grand jury. 

Ettinger was born on Sept. 25, 1954, at Kings Daughters Hospital, and he graduated from Martinsburg High School in West Virginia in 1972. 

He was a master jeweler at Bechdel Jewelers, where he had worked since Lori’s father, Charles Bechdel, opened the store in 1975.

The couple became co-owners of the store when Charles retired and remained in the business until announcing their own retirement and the store’s closing last fall.

Lori said he loved being a jeweler. 

“There was no project he’d reject. Whether it was a precious piece of jewelry or an attached belt on a favorite dress. He never said no,” she said.

Ettinger was a member of IJO, the Retail Jewelers Organization, The Virginias Golf Association, Cress Creek Golf Club, and the Panhandlers Dinner Club.

“Dave was a very loyal and devoted member of IJO for nearly 17 years. He never missed an IJO show and traveled to Antwerp 11 times with his peers. His smile and warm personality made everyone around him feel special,” IJO President Stephen Barnes said.   

“Dave’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched throughout his illustrious career in the jewelry industry. We at IJO will miss Dave, but he will always be remembered as a kind, gentle soul. May he rest in peace.”

His family remembers Ettinger as charismatic, becoming an “instant friend” to everyone he met, as well as a beloved member of his community.

“I never heard him raise his voice at anyone,” Lori said. “He was kind and always avoided any conflict in his personal life and our business.”

Ettinger enjoyed playing golf, skiing, traveling, savoring a good beer, and spending time with friends and family.

He also loved relaxing at his beach house, where he enjoyed spotting dolphins, collecting seashells, and helping baby sea turtles start their journey, the family said.

They described him as “a font of passion” who had genuine enthusiasm for his interests and hobbies, but also those of his friends.

“He loved life and wanted to live forever,” Lori said. “He was a loving husband, father, son, sibling and friend.”

Ettinger is survived by his wife, Lori; his daughter, Megan Lilly, and her fiancé, Bryan Paduano; his brother, Richard B. Ettinger, and sister-in-law, Carol; his sister, Deborah D. Carrier, and brother-in-law, Andy; and other family members.

Ettinger was preceded in death by his parents, Brooke E. and Rosalee L. Ettinger, and his father-in law, Charles.

A visitation for family and friends was held at Brown Funeral Home South Berkeley Chapel in Inwood on March 24. 

A funeral took place at the chapel the following day, officiated by Pastor Sandra Kline Mortimer. Interment followed in Pleasant View Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the American Heart Association or the Berkeley County Historical Society. 



Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.

The Latest

The 2025 Gem Awards
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
Gem Awards Honor All Facets of the Industry

From retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.

Eleanor H. Yeh GIA jewelry design
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
GIA Names Winner of Emerging Jewelry Design Talent Award

Eleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

 Joseph Cavalcante Tous managing director
MajorsMar 17, 2025
Tous Names U.S. Managing Director, VP

Joseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the Future

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Continental Buying Group logo
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2025
CBG Expands Las Vegas Show to 3 Days

The trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.

Weekly QuizMar 14, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Alan Zimmer
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter Award

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac Pendant
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac Pendant

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Tanishq Atlanta store
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

Woman wearing Brilliant Earth jewelry
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement Recovery

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

Chopard Insofu emerald collection
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Chris Anderson
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, Treasurer

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Jewelers of America’s new natural and lab-grown diamond brochure
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

A rough diamond and a polished diamond
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

New Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Chairman Kirit Bhansali
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamond store in India
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond Sector

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Diamonds Do Good honoree Govind Dholakia at medical camp
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

Medieval sapphire bishop ring
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for Sale

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

JA New York sign
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo Lineups

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee annual luncheon 2025 logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

Jaythan Lawrence Gilder and body scan
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red Carpet

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Marco Bicego 25 Years Campaign Isabeli Fontana
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, Campaign

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Hill & Co The List
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer Database

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

Amy-Elise Signeavsky GIA
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual Luncheon

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Picture of Terry Chandler, president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

MaeVona King of the Mountains Torc
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ Collection

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy