Business & Tech
Ridgefield Retail Icon Closes After 74 Years
Craig's Fine Jewelry, a Ridgefield Main Street icon for nearly 75 years, closed permanently this week.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — A Ridgefield Main Street icon for nearly 75 years has shuttered.
Craig's Fine Jewelry at 394 Main Street closed permanently this week. A sign on the front door announced there would be no "going out of business" sale.
The jewelry store opened in 1950, making it one of the oldest businesses on Ridgefield's historic main drag. It was founded by Helen Craig, who passed the business down to her son Norman and his wife, Elsie. The couple left the business to their three children. In 2004, their son Bill Craig became the shop's sole owner.
The front door sign thanked customers "…from the bottom of our hearts for your loyal support and for making us part of your special occasions for 74 years."
In a 2010 interview, Craig told Patch he had learned something new every day he worked in the store.
"The art of gemology doesn't happen overnight – it's not an exact science," Craig said.
An institution in Ridgefield, Craig's Fine Jewelry had also developed a sterling reputation nationwide. In 2013, the store received the Centurion Jewelry Show’s inaugural first Retailer of the Year award.
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