CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
IndependentsAug 29, 2018
2 Notable Independent Retailers Shuttering
Monahan & Co. has served Massachusetts for more than 200 years, while The Green Bull Fine Jewellery Couture is a beloved fixture in Texas Hill Country.
The Green Bull, located in Texas Hill Country, is one of two notable independent fine jewelry retailers in the midst of closing.
New York—Two notable jewelry retailers, one in Massachusetts and the other in Texas, are closing.
Monahan & Co. opened in Worcester, Massachusetts on Oct. 10, 1815 after goldsmith Jeremiah O’Neill Patrick Monahan immigrated to the area from Dublin, Ireland.
Five generations later, current owner Michael Monahan, Jeremiah’s great- great-grandson (who was, coincidentally, born on Oct. 10), said the store is “undisputedly the oldest family-owned and -operated jewelry store in America.”
Monahan & Co. has received much recognition over its 200-plus years in business, earning letters and visits from politicians like John F. Kennedy Jr. and athletes like Muhammad Ali. Monahan said that at one point, a sitting governor of Massachusetts issued a proclamation that, statewide, Oct. 10 is Monahan Day.
The store is famed for its Cape Cod gold ball bracelet and Monahan said it was Jeremiah Monahan who introduced the famous Irish Claddagh ring, depicting a heart, two hands and a crown, to the United States in the 19th century.
The store moved from Worcester to Harwich, Massachusetts in the 1970s, right on Route 28, Cape Cod’s main drag.
Monahan said his “unique and historical store violates every single rule of displaying jewelry.”
Rather than displaying a few items in a case and letting product “breathe” as is suggested, Monahan will stock 300 to 400 pieces per display while a silver jewelry case “might have 1,000 pieces inside.”
Monahan’s Cape Cod customers love the treasure hunt of digging through the store’s many items.
Those not interested in jewelry enjoy looking around the historic building, which has antique cars parked outside and pictures of the store’s famous patrons on the walls. 
He explained that the digital era has made operating a brick-and-mortar independent more difficult than ever.
“Fifteen-hundred packages a week are coming into Harwich Port,” he noted, and many of them from companies like Amazon. “The internet has really hurt the mom-and-pop stores. You can see the handwriting on the wall.”
Still, he sees the necessity of selling online. His daughter, who also resides in Florida, plans to operate an online version of the store beginning in October at MonahanJewelers.com and at TheCapeCodBracelet.com.
For now, Monahan is
operating a “Store Closing Forever” sale, without the help of any liquidators. Sept. 30 will be the store’s last day.
In Boerne, Texas, about 30 miles outside of San Antonio in Texas Hill Country, the Gowen family has owned and operated The Green Bull Fine Jewellery Couture for 21 years.
Located at 325 South Main St. in a circa 1898 livery stable the Gowens renovated, the store is a local mecca for jewelry from designers like Sethi Couture, Gabriel & Co. and Meira T, as well as owner Jerry Gowen’s own designs.
Gowen has been dedicated to a career in design since creating a tie tack for his father when he was 6 years old.
He went on to earn a degree in theology while also studying painting and sculpture. He studied jewelry technology at the Texas Jewelry Institute and was winner of the Texas State Design competition in 1997, the same year he and his family opened The Green Bull.
The store was known for its warm, friendly attitude, garnering several awards over the years. It was voted “Best Jeweler” in Kendall County for 20 years in a row and included in the Fodor’s Travel Guide “Favorite Shopping” list. InStore magazine designated The Green Bull as one of “America’s Coolest Stores” in 2009.
“We are so grateful for the accolades,” Gowen said in a press release, “but unfortunately our sales have dropped dramatically over the past three years. The jewelry that we manufacture here, the custom design and repairs have kept us busy. However, our other jewelry sales of beautiful fine jewelry and engagement rings have almost disappeared.
“This is an incredibly sad time for me, my wife Kathryn our daughter Emma, our son Sandis, and our staff. I have the same passion for this store today as I did on the day we opened it. But difficult times call for difficult decisions, and this was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make … our only choice is to close our doors in Boerne forever.”
The Green Bull is in the midst of a going-out-of-business liquidation sale, in which the store’s multimillion-dollar inventory of diamonds, gemstone jewelry and timepieces are being offered for up to 60 percent off retail.
The Gowens also will sell the historic livery stable that houses The Green Bull.
For further information on the sale, contact the store at 830-249-7393.
In Boerne, Texas, about 30 miles outside of San Antonio in Texas Hill Country, the Gowen family has owned and operated The Green Bull Fine Jewellery Couture for 21 years.
Located at 325 South Main St. in a circa 1898 livery stable the Gowens renovated, the store is a local mecca for jewelry from designers like Sethi Couture, Gabriel & Co. and Meira T, as well as owner Jerry Gowen’s own designs.
Gowen has been dedicated to a career in design since creating a tie tack for his father when he was 6 years old.
He went on to earn a degree in theology while also studying painting and sculpture. He studied jewelry technology at the Texas Jewelry Institute and was winner of the Texas State Design competition in 1997, the same year he and his family opened The Green Bull.
The store was known for its warm, friendly attitude, garnering several awards over the years. It was voted “Best Jeweler” in Kendall County for 20 years in a row and included in the Fodor’s Travel Guide “Favorite Shopping” list. InStore magazine designated The Green Bull as one of “America’s Coolest Stores” in 2009.
“We are so grateful for the accolades,” Gowen said in a press release, “but unfortunately our sales have dropped dramatically over the past three years. The jewelry that we manufacture here, the custom design and repairs have kept us busy. However, our other jewelry sales of beautiful fine jewelry and engagement rings have almost disappeared.
“This is an incredibly sad time for me, my wife Kathryn our daughter Emma, our son Sandis, and our staff. I have the same passion for this store today as I did on the day we opened it. But difficult times call for difficult decisions, and this was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make … our only choice is to close our doors in Boerne forever.”
The Green Bull is in the midst of a going-out-of-business liquidation sale, in which the store’s multimillion-dollar inventory of diamonds, gemstone jewelry and timepieces are being offered for up to 60 percent off retail.
The Gowens also will sell the historic livery stable that houses The Green Bull.
For further information on the sale, contact the store at 830-249-7393.
More on Independents
The Latest
Supplier BulletinAug 06, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
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.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
