Caldwell Jewelry Store to Close by Year's End

Update: Great news! J. Harris Jewelers was able to remain open and continues to serve the West Essex community from this Caldwell location.

The Chelius brothers have been in the jewelry business for more than a quarter-century and have seen all kinds of ups and downs in the economy—but nothing quite like this.

“People are simply not out shopping,” said Jack Chelius this week when asked about the decision to shutter , the fine jewelry shop he owns with his younger brother, Jeff. Prior to opening at 293 Bloomfield Ave., in Caldwell, six years ago, they were located in Morristown for two decades.

The brothers will keep the store open through the end of the year, hoping to attract some holiday shoppers looking for bargains; at this time all of their merchandise is discounted by 30 to 50 percent.

Chelius said perennial merchant complaints, such as high rent and lack of parking, are not to blame for the business’s demise.

“The main reason is really just that the economic downtown has deteriorated sales,” he said.

Chelius said the decline began when the recession kicked in back in 2007, adding that sales have dropped 40% or better since then.

Unemployment, the skyrocketing cost of gas and the increased value of gold have all impacted consumers willingness and ability to spend.

“All these factors are affecting people’s certainty,” he said.

Chelius said he hears about this uncertainty from his customers as well as fellow small business owners who find themselves in similar conditions.

“This is more severe than anything we have ever experienced. We’ve had recessions and up and down cycles and you weather the storm and usually things pick up again. But this has dragged on for so long,” he said.

The brothers grew up in Essex Fells and graduated from . After traveling to and from Morristown for 20 years, they decided to set up shop in downtown Caldwell to be closer to their homes. Located at a busy t-shaped interesection, the storefront is for many the first thing they see when driving into town.

Jeff Chelius, who now lives in Caldwell, specializes in custom designs and repairs. He will be continuing in the industry, freelancing for other jewelers. Jack, a resident of Montclair, however, is not certain what he will be doing once the store closes at the end of December.

“It’s very stressful, very much so,” he said. “You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. It’s not fun. It’s not something we are enjoying.”

Still, Chelius remains grateful for the customers who have supported his business through the years and said the thing he will miss most are the relationships he has developed.

“It’s with great regret that we make this decision, but we are left with no alternative,” he said.