MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
IndependentsNov 13, 2018
Longtime CA Retailer Kevin Main Jewelry to Close
Kevin and Kathi Main will retire after the 45-year-old business closes by the end of the year.
Kevin Main Jewelry Design & Studio, which has been located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo for 20 years, will close when all the inventory from the store has been sold.
San Luis Obispo, Calif.—A well-known California retailer is closing up shop after more than four decades in business.
San Luis Obispo jewelers Kevin and Kathi Main of Kevin Main Jewelry Design & Studio are set to retire after the 45-year-old business closes by the end of the year.
Kevin Main first opened Kevin Main Jewelry in 1973 as a small, one-man silver shop in Morro Bay, California. It was there that he honed his skills as a designer, craftsman and businessman.
In November 1998, Kevin and his wife moved the business to San Luis Obispo, opening a showroom in the heart of the city’s downtown. They purchased the building from the owner in 2004 and have since expanded and renovated the space.
Kevin Main Jewelry—which offers custom work as well as brands like Hearts On Fire, Benchmark, Marco Bicego and Alex Sepkus—was voted Best Jewelry Store 12 times in the New Times San Luis Obispo “Best of SLO County” reader poll.
The business will remain open until all of its current inventory is sold, which they expect to happen by the end of the year. They will hold an invitation-only event this Wednesday, Nov. 14 night to kick off their closing sale and then will open to the public at 12 p.m. on Thursday.
The Mains are looking to lease the space as a turnkey operation to someone in the jewelry business, along with the furniture, fixtures, equipment, infrastructure and database, so that all they’d have to do is “put their sign on the door and their inventory in the case,” Kathi Main said.
They added that it is the perfect space for a jewelry retailer, located in a bustling downtown area.
When asked why they felt the time was right to retire, Kevin Main told National Jeweler they wanted to “end on a high note.” 
An ultra-distance bicyclist, he wants to tackle more long distances rides, and he and his wife both want to travel and visit friends, especially those in the industry they have made over the years across the country.
“I love this industry,” he said. “It’s been a great, awesome career.”
Other notable independents that have closed in 2018 include Massachusetts’ Monahan & Co. and Boerne, Texas-based The Green Bull Fine Jewellery Couture.
According to the Jewelers Board of Trade, the total
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
number of business listings in North America (Canada and the United States)—including retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers—was down almost 5 percent in the third quarter of 2018.
In the United States, 39 new retailers opened in the three-month period, as compared with 34 the year earlier, while 155 retailers ceased operations during the quarter, compared with 146 in the prior-year period.
In the United States, 39 new retailers opened in the three-month period, as compared with 34 the year earlier, while 155 retailers ceased operations during the quarter, compared with 146 in the prior-year period.
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.
