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Editor’s note: This article was updated at 9:45 p.m. Friday, March 18, to note that the store will close in mid-April.

 

After 28 years of serving Suffolk, a family-owned jewelry store is closing its doors.

Bruce and Rhonda Bowles said this week that they plan to close D.B. Bowles Jewelers in Suffolk Shopping Center on North Main Street after liquidating its inventory. The store has helped its customers with buying the perfect gift, repairs, engravings and appraisals.

The Bowles did not make the decision lightly, having considered it for the past three years. In 2019 they decided to have one more good year under their belt, then the COVID-19 pandemic happened. This year being a good year for business and health, the Bowles decided that it’s a perfect time to leave the business on a good note.

“We are going to miss the customers,” said Bruce Bowles. “We’ve been doing this a long time and we have enjoyed having their trust and loyalty. Trust is a big word there.”

Bowles has lived in Suffolk since he was 6 years old, growing up in North Suffolk. He got into the jewelry business as a hobby. He was a registered nurse who did jewelry on the side. After his mentor passed away, he decided to start his own store.

With their new free time, the Bowles plan to travel the country, including the West and Northeast, and visit national parks. They wanted to retire while they were still young and mobile enough to travel and enjoy their earned time off.

“I’ve been telling everyone when they ask, it’s very bittersweet,” Bruce said.

The Bowles had conversations with a few potential buyers for the store but couldn’t find the “right fit.” The retirement sale is expected to run through mid-April to get rid of the last of their inventory and for customers to come in to say goodbye.