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
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
