Independents

After 45 Years, Johnstown, PA Jeweler Calls It Quits

IndependentsNov 19, 2019

After 45 Years, Johnstown, PA Jeweler Calls It Quits

J. Dennis Petimezas ended up in the jewelry industry by chance but chose to stay.

20191119_Watchmakers_retirement_sale.jpg
The store-closing sale at Watchmaker’s Diamonds & Jewelry in Johnstown, Pennsylvania started Nov. 7. Longtime owner J. Dennis Petimezas, who has owned the store since 1975, is retiring.

Johnstown, Pa.—After 45 years in the jewelry business, a career that began with an entry-level position at a chain store in Little Rock, Arkansas is winding down.

J. Dennis Petimezas, owner of Watchmaker’s Diamonds & Jewelry in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, announced earlier this month the store he has owned and operated since the mid-‘70s will close at the end of the year.

It’s a bittersweet moment for the longtime jeweler, who got into jewelry by accident one day while job hunting in his mid-20s.


Watchmaker’s Diamonds & Jewelry owner J. Dennis Petimezas (center) will retire and close his Johnstown, Pennsylvania jewelry store at the end of the year.The 69-year-old Petimezas grew up in Little Rock, where his grandparents moved to after immigrating to the United States from Greece.

One day in 1974, a 24-year-old unemployed-but-nattily-attired Petimezas wandered into the Gordon’s Jewelers store in between job interviews to get his Cross pen refilled.

At that time, Gordon’s was the “powerhouse of chains,” as Petimezas put it.

It remained independent until 1989, when Zale Corp. acquired the Houston-based chain. Signet Jewelers Ltd. bought Zale in 2014 and still operates a handful of Gordon’s Jewelers stores today.

Apparently believing the suit he was wearing was an indication he had money, the salesman showed him a diamond ring, but Petimezas told him: “You’re showing the wrong man; I don’t even have a job.”

That soon changed. That particular Gordon’s store was hiring a porter, so Petimezas applied and got the job, running pieces between the store and the repair center for fixing.

He enrolled in both the manager course at Gordon’s and the GIA Diamonds course, and rose quickly up the ranks, supervising the turnaround of a store in Pine Bluff, Arkansas before heading north to open a new Gordon’s store in Johnstown, a town located about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh.

By mid-1975, Petimezas was ready to branch out on his own, going into business with Mike Rose, owner of Watchmakers Shop, which sold primarily timepieces.

Shortly thereafter, the jeweler used all the money he had to buy Rose out of the business, expanded the scope of the store and changed its named to Watchmaker’s Diamonds & Jewelry.

It wasn’t an easy time to be a jeweler, particularly in Western Pennsylvania, where the collapse of the coal and steel industries had left the area economically depressed and a flood decimated the town—again—in 1977.

(Johnstown has survived three major floods, in 1977, 1936 and 1889, which is typically the disaster people are talking about when they refer to the Johnstown flood.)

Petimezas credits his survival to continuing his education in the jewelry industry, his willingness to change and adapt, and GCAL founder and President Don Palmieri.

In fact, he credits Palmieri, whom he describes as a friend and mentor, with jump-starting his career in the industry. Palmieri did not charge him to grade the parcel of emeralds Petimezas sold to have the money he needed to buy a share in Rose’s store.

“If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have had the capital to buy into that business,” he said, noting that he’s turned to Palmieri for advice many times over the years.

Petimezas also is involved in numerous industry organizations, like the Pennsylvania Jewelers Association, and traveled to trade shows regularly to see what’s new and attend education sessions so he can learn from his peers.

“Every six or seven years, you have to assess: Where are you, and where is everybody else?,” he said. “You need to be where they are.”

That is, of course, until you decide you just don’t have one more reinvention left in you.

The Retirement Trigger
Petimezas said he first considered retiring in 2015 when he had his 65th birthday celebration.

He said the store did two months of business in nine hours. The sale was so successful—the “most unbelievable day,” he said—he temporarily shelved the idea of retiring.

But he knew the time was coming so he started working with professionals in the industry to lay the groundwork for retirement.

His “it’s-time” moment came during a trip to New York City with his wife, Dee Dee, in 2018.

One evening in the city, they were walking around in the Bryant Park area when a weather alert about a massive snowfall went out, seemingly sending the whole city to seek shelter.

But the Petimezases opted to stay out and then walk back to their hotel. They found themselves almost totally alone in New York City—a moment that is both rare and delightful—strolling through emptied streets as the first flakes began to fall.

“It was just such a perfect night and I thought, I got to make more nights like this, more times like this. It’s time to retire.”

Petimezas also knew if he wanted to continue in the business, then he’d have to reinvent himself again, bring in new concepts and product lines and take it to the next level in terms of technology.

“I weighed another investment to move forward again versus the return of that investment. My age, 69, also factored in,” he explained. “It is my time to retire.”

He decided 2019 would be his last year in business.


When Petimezas bought into Watchmaker’s Diamonds and Jewelry, the store was in the Galleria Mall. In 2002, he moved it to a free-standing building on Johnstown’s Scalp Avenue that was triple the size.


The store-closing sale at Watchmaker’s Diamonds and Jewelry started Nov. 7 and will continue through the end of the year.

Petimezas declined to say which company is conducting his going-out-of-business sale, but he did share that he has had one expression of interest from someone who actually wants to buy his business as well as multiple offers for jobs and to buy his building.

(He owns the shopping plaza in which his 3,000-square-foot store is located and has two tenants to whom he leases space.)

As for what he’ll do after, he joked that he’s going to go work for Dee Dee, sweeping the floors at the Johnstown beauty salon she owns.

But in reality, he knows he’s going to stay involved in the jewelry industry in some capacity.

“How do you not?” he asks. “What that capacity will be, I don’t know. But you can’t get out of this business when it’s in your blood.”
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Exterior and entryway of Boucheron’s Los Angeles Flagship
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast Flagship

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

Exterior of Marco Bicego Milan Flagship
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan Flagship

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Chrono24 Time Is Our Thing campaign image
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New Campaign

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Bernadette Mack
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive Director

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Counterfeit Pandora jewelry in bags and boxes
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry Network

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

Cast Issa Rae
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for Relaunch

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Eve Goldberg, Matthew Denatale, Willie Lopez, Benjamin Goldberg
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship Program

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

Claire’s store
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report Says

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Mindi Mond Spike Earrings
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot Rubies

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

The Story of Everything Campaign, Toadstool Mushroom and Cosmic Egg
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry Sales

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Morgan Keefe
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education Scholarship

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Jeff Preolo, David Stout, Levi Higgs, David Benavides
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

Blake Graham and Jessica Kohoutek
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy