Word of the closure of Black, Starr & Frost’s Newport Beach, Calif., store yesterday was met with shock and sadness from AGS Conclave attendees

In a statement released last night, chairman Alfredo Molina explained the move.

“We have made the difficult decision to close our Newport Beach salon following extensive negotiations with the landlord in which we were unable to come to a feasible agreement,” he said. “We are exploring retail options in Orange County, as well as future expansion into new markets. Black, Starr & Frost has proudly served Orange County for 28 years and is committed to continuing to serve the community, including chairing the upcoming American Heart Association Heart Ball gala on June 10 at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Black, Starr & Frost’s Phoenix location will remain open.” 

Black, Starr & Frost is America’s longest continually operating jeweler having opened up shop in 1810 in New York City, and is the focus of the recently published book 1810: Celebrating Two Centuries of American Luxury.

JCK