Stores

-- JCK Online, 2/1/2010 2:00:00 AM

EAST

Wayne Ruder, 56, owner for 20 years of The Ruder and Co. Jewelry and Antiques, in Baltimore, was shot and killed in his store in December, according to a local news report. Police found no signs of forced entry or missing merchandise and are calling the killing a mystery.

Northeastern Fine Jewelry, a four-store chain based in Albany, N.Y., recently introduced a special Siena-theme charm bracelet, named for the local college. Ten percent of the proceeds go to Siena athletics, and each bracelet includes a starter charm—a sterling silver basketball.

SOUTH

Herbert Jewelers, a store based in Fort Valley, Ga., since 1945, will close at the end of the year, according to a local news source, because the owners do not have a family member who wants to take over.

Burton Jewelers, a nearly century-old jeweler located in Laurel, Miss., is closing, according to a local news report. Owner Timothy D. “Doyle” Webb plans to continue being a business owner in the local community, the report said.

MIDWEST

Police suspect the unusual thefts at Cincinnati area jewelry stores this week were committed by two men who likely were working together, according to a local news report. The crimes involved men selling gold jewelry that was then switched for similar—but fake—items.

CHAINS

Gem Diamonds has agreed to sell the fancy yellow production from its Ellendale mine to Laurelton Diamonds, the diamond sourcing and polishing subsidiary of Tiffany & Co. The agreement is effective from December 2009 and will run for the economic life of the Ellendale mine. The mine's remaining commercial production will continue to be marketed through existing channels.