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
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
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.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
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.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
