Inwood, West Virginia, October 17 – Bechdel Jewelers, a cherished institution in the local community, is set to close its doors after nearly 50 years of dedicated service. The decision to retire as business owners comes from David and Lori Ettinger, marking the end of an era for this beloved jewelry store.
The story of Bechdel Jewelers is rooted in family and a remarkable journey. Charles Bechdel, Lori’s father, laid the foundation for the store’s legacy in 1975. What makes his path into the world of jewelry unique is its origin. Serving as an air traffic controller in Thailand during the Vietnam War, he discovered a newfound passion for stone cutting at a local lapidary shop. As his military station shifted to West Virginia, Charles delved into metalsmithing and acquired the skills for jewelry repairs.
From these humble beginnings, Bechdel Jewelers flourished, becoming a beacon of trust and reliability in the local community. Charles was celebrated for his generosity, and his store earned a reputation for fairness and integrity.
Upon Charles Bechdel’s passing, Lori and her husband, David, proudly assumed the mantle of the family business. Their dedication to upholding the store’s heritage of trust and service has been unwavering.
For the couple, some of their most cherished memories as store owners include traveling to Antwerp to procure rare and exceptional diamonds for their customers and crafting exquisite custom jewelry pieces. David Ettinger expressed their gratitude for the privilege of being part of significant life events for their patrons, spanning engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations.
Reflecting on the invaluable support from the local community, David shared, “Our customers have supported this business for generations, and it’s been very special.”
As a token of their appreciation, Bechdel Jewelers is extending a heartfelt thank you to the community with a going-out-of-business sale, commencing on October 21. During this sale, the entire inventory of the store, featuring a diverse range of gemstone jewelry, watches, engagement rings, pearls, and estate jewelry, will be offered at discounts of up to 70 percent.
Bechdel Jewelers’ legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of the local community as they bid farewell to an establishment that has been an integral part of their lives for close to five decades.
