IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreIndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years
Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
Owners Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, have decided to close their 111-year-old business.
Editor's Note: This story has been edited post-publication to clarify the company's history.
Vestal, N.Y.—Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is closing its doors after 111 years.
Owners Bill and Birdie Levine have decided to close their business after “recent life-changing events” led the couple to re-evaluate their priorities and shift their focus to personal matters, said the jeweler in a press release.
Van Cott Jewelers was founded in 1914 in Binghamton, New York, and later was acquired by the Levine family.
The Levine family's jewelry history begins with Rubine “Ruby” Levine, who had immigrated to New York City in 1905. He had worked in a jewelry factory until World War I broke out.
When he returned home, having been honorably discharged from the Army, he went upstate to Binghamton, New York, and established the Ruby Jewelry Co.
“His success resulted from his integrity and humanity as he diligently went door to door selling anything from wedding rings and religious items to eyeglasses,” said the jeweler’s website.
He was fluent in eight languages and his jewelry business catered to fellow immigrants who worked at The Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company.
His son, Herbert, joined the business in 1950.
In 1969, Herbert bought an established jeweler, Van Cott Jewelers of Binghamton, from Kenneth Van Cott, a gemologist and would-be president of the American Gemological Society.
Herbert would also become president of the American Gem Society and serve with Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
In 1979, third-generation jewelers Bill and Birdie entered the family business, where they have worked for the last 46 years.
The jeweler moved to Vestal, New York, in 1993, setting up shop in the Town Square Mall.
“My grandfather Ruby always taught us that it was better to make friends than customers,” said Bill. “My dad, Herbert, believed that everyone should leave our store with a smile.”
“Birdie and I want to thank all our smiling friends, literally thousands and thousands over the past 46 years, who have made our dreams come true.”
Related stories will be right here …
Vestal, N.Y.—Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is closing its doors after 111 years.
Owners Bill and Birdie Levine have decided to close their business after “recent life-changing events” led the couple to re-evaluate their priorities and shift their focus to personal matters, said the jeweler in a press release.
Van Cott Jewelers was founded in 1914 in Binghamton, New York, and later was acquired by the Levine family.
The Levine family's jewelry history begins with Rubine “Ruby” Levine, who had immigrated to New York City in 1905. He had worked in a jewelry factory until World War I broke out.
When he returned home, having been honorably discharged from the Army, he went upstate to Binghamton, New York, and established the Ruby Jewelry Co.
“His success resulted from his integrity and humanity as he diligently went door to door selling anything from wedding rings and religious items to eyeglasses,” said the jeweler’s website.
He was fluent in eight languages and his jewelry business catered to fellow immigrants who worked at The Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company.
His son, Herbert, joined the business in 1950.
In 1969, Herbert bought an established jeweler, Van Cott Jewelers of Binghamton, from Kenneth Van Cott, a gemologist and would-be president of the American Gemological Society.
Herbert would also become president of the American Gem Society and serve with Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
In 1979, third-generation jewelers Bill and Birdie entered the family business, where they have worked for the last 46 years.
The jeweler moved to Vestal, New York, in 1993, setting up shop in the Town Square Mall.
“My grandfather Ruby always taught us that it was better to make friends than customers,” said Bill. “My dad, Herbert, believed that everyone should leave our store with a smile.”
“Birdie and I want to thank all our smiling friends, literally thousands and thousands over the past 46 years, who have made our dreams come true.”
Bill and Birdie grew the store to three locations with a total of more than 50 employees. It currently operates one location at the Town Square Mall in Vestal, New York.
“The driving force of Van Cott Jewelers is Birdie. Her passion for helping people, her expertise in buying rare gemstones and diamonds, then creating unique designs has made her one of the leading jewelry professionals in the Northeast,” said the jeweler.
The store is currently hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
Serving the families in the community has been the greatest honor of their lives, said the jeweler.
“Thank you for your loyalty, your friendship, and for allowing us to grow alongside you through the years,” said the jeweler.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
