PLACERVILLE, CA – Randolph Jewelers in Placerville, CA, which opened in 1852, is closing its doors.
The business describes itself in a press release as “the oldest continuously run jewelry store in California.”
Store owner Charles Stephens and his wife, Kathy, who also works at the store, are ready to start a new chapter which includes spending time with family and traveling.
As he looks forward to retirement, Stephens adds, “We are going to miss the customers – helping people acquire some of their most treasured possessions is a wonderful thing to do.”
Store founder F.F. Barss opened the business under a tent on Main Street, and that street has remained its home ever since.
The store originally operated under its founder’s name as FF Barss Jewelers. The Berger family owned the store until 1946 when it was bought by William Randolph and the name changed to Randolph Jewelers.
Stephens bought the store from Randolph in 1981 and kept the name because of its reputation, according to the release.
After serving the community for 166 years, Randolph Jewelers began hosting a closing sale, open to the public, Nov. 30. The sale will continue until all inventory is sold.