MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
