IndependentsNov 07, 2023
Pennsylvania’s David Craig Jewelers to CloseIndependentsNov 14, 2023
Virginia Jeweler to Close After 90 Years
Bowen Jewelry Company’s third-generation owner is heading into retirement.
Bowen Jewelry Company in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia, is closing after nearly a century in business as its owner retires.
Lynchburg, Va.—Virginia jeweler Bowen Jewelry Company is closing its doors after 90 years.
The fine jewelry store is going out of business as third-generation owner Brian “Biff” Bowen Jr. begins his retirement.
In 1933, Charles Wesley Bowen Jr. opened Bowen Jewelry Company.
The watchmaker, goldsmith and hand-engraver was known as one of Lynchburg’s most skilled jewelers.
His son, Brian H. M. Bowen, joined the business in 1946, following a duration of military service during World War II, in which he became a decorated hero.
The father-son duo worked to ensure the Bowen legacy would be remembered as having integrity, honesty, and community.
The store garnered attention well beyond Central Virginia when, in 1956, Brian Bowen arranged for the historic Hope Diamond to make a stop at the store on its way to the Smithsonian. People lined up around the block to see the “prestigious ladies of the town” model the famous 45.52-carat blue diamond.
Related stories will be right here …
The fine jewelry store is going out of business as third-generation owner Brian “Biff” Bowen Jr. begins his retirement.
In 1933, Charles Wesley Bowen Jr. opened Bowen Jewelry Company.
The watchmaker, goldsmith and hand-engraver was known as one of Lynchburg’s most skilled jewelers.
His son, Brian H. M. Bowen, joined the business in 1946, following a duration of military service during World War II, in which he became a decorated hero.
The father-son duo worked to ensure the Bowen legacy would be remembered as having integrity, honesty, and community.
The store garnered attention well beyond Central Virginia when, in 1956, Brian Bowen arranged for the historic Hope Diamond to make a stop at the store on its way to the Smithsonian. People lined up around the block to see the “prestigious ladies of the town” model the famous 45.52-carat blue diamond.
Current owner Biff Bowen returned to Lynchburg in 1988 to work with his father after graduating from the University of Montana, where he studied geology.
Within a few years, he became a Certified Gemologist Appraiser and began buying, appraising, and designing jewelry.
He’s also been an enthusiastic community member.
The company also has been closely involved in the community, supporting fine arts and local nonprofits, including breast cancer awareness efforts, the Children’s Museum, the Miss Virginia Pageant, the local food bank, and more.
Bowen Jewelry Company was the downtown Lynchburg community’s premier destination for births, engagements, anniversaries, memorials, and everything in between, said the company.
The family said it focused on service before sales, building long-lasting, meaningful relationships with clients.
“I’m just so grateful for the friendships, loyalty, and trust that our customers have given us for the last 90 years,” said Biff. “My father once told me that our family never got rich off the jewelry business, but we’ve been rich in friends, and that’s even better.”
Biff plans to stay active in the community in his retirement.
The store is hosting a going-out-of-business sale featuring discounts on gold jewelry, diamonds, silver, gemstones, pearls and more.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
