IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseIndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To Close
Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico is set to close after nearly 100 years in business. (Image courtesy of Butterfield Jewelers’ Facebook page)
Albuquerque, N.M.—Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is closing after 97 years in business.
The company was founded in 1928 by Ernest Bernard Butterfield Sr. in Pana, Illinois. He had managed jewelry stores in Indiana and Illinois prior to opening his own store, according to the jeweler.
In 1945, he moved his family to Albuquerque and opened a jewelry store across from the University of New Mexico.
His son, Ernest Bernard “Bernie” Butterfield Jr., joined the family business after graduating from high school.
Bernie had studied watchmaking at Precision Instrument Laboratory in Los Angeles and at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
When his father died in 1954, Bernie took over the business, running the store until his retirement in 2018.
He served as president, treasurer, and a board member of the New Mexico Jewelers Association, and was active in Jewelers of America, according to his online obituary.
In 1975, the store relocated to a shopping center, which Bernie acquired and renamed “Butterfield Plaza” to celebrate the jeweler’s 65 years in business.
His wife, Anne, alongside his son Mike, daughter Theresa, and son-in-law Bill later joined the business, working alongside three master goldsmiths and three master watchmakers.
Bernie died in May 2021 at age 92, while Anne died in December 2024 at age 95.
Mike Butterfield, Bernie’s son and grandson of the store’s founder, ran Butterfield Jewelers for several years.
His sister, Theresa Butterfield, and her husband, Bill, have run the store since 2020.
The Butterfield family announced their plan to retire on the jeweler’s social media channels. The store is currently holding a going-out-of-business sale.
“The news is bittersweet because we’ve built lasting friendships with a lot of customers over the years,” Mike said.
“I’m sure this will be an emotional time for everyone.”
Related stories will be right here …
The company was founded in 1928 by Ernest Bernard Butterfield Sr. in Pana, Illinois. He had managed jewelry stores in Indiana and Illinois prior to opening his own store, according to the jeweler.
In 1945, he moved his family to Albuquerque and opened a jewelry store across from the University of New Mexico.
His son, Ernest Bernard “Bernie” Butterfield Jr., joined the family business after graduating from high school.
Bernie had studied watchmaking at Precision Instrument Laboratory in Los Angeles and at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
When his father died in 1954, Bernie took over the business, running the store until his retirement in 2018.
He served as president, treasurer, and a board member of the New Mexico Jewelers Association, and was active in Jewelers of America, according to his online obituary.
In 1975, the store relocated to a shopping center, which Bernie acquired and renamed “Butterfield Plaza” to celebrate the jeweler’s 65 years in business.
His wife, Anne, alongside his son Mike, daughter Theresa, and son-in-law Bill later joined the business, working alongside three master goldsmiths and three master watchmakers.
Bernie died in May 2021 at age 92, while Anne died in December 2024 at age 95.
Mike Butterfield, Bernie’s son and grandson of the store’s founder, ran Butterfield Jewelers for several years.
His sister, Theresa Butterfield, and her husband, Bill, have run the store since 2020.
The Butterfield family announced their plan to retire on the jeweler’s social media channels. The store is currently holding a going-out-of-business sale.
“The news is bittersweet because we’ve built lasting friendships with a lot of customers over the years,” Mike said.
“I’m sure this will be an emotional time for everyone.”
The jeweler highlighted its history of community service.
In 2025, Butterfield Jewelers received the Golden Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau serving New Mexico and Southwest Colorado.
“Our father believed in running a successful business but also serving the community in other ways,” said Mike. “He really took that to heart in everything he did.”
Theresa also established the Butterfield Endowed Music Scholarship at the University of New Mexico’s Department of Music in honor of her late father, who was fond of classical and jazz music.
It supports students studying music education.
“Our grandfather started this business with a belief in treating people right,” Mike said.
“Generations of customers helped us keep that belief alive. Our family is grateful for the strong support we’ve received from the community for so long.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
