NORFOLK, Va. — A longtime jeweler in Norfolk's Ghent neighborhood is set to close shop after almost 150 years in business.
Spertner Jeweler on Colley Avenue will close on Dec. 21.
“We’ve been on Colley Avenue for about four and a half years, but Spertner’s has been in Tidewater, Hampton Roads ... since 1879,” said owner Martin Brenner.
While Ghent Antiques will remain open, the jewelry store inside will close. Brenner said the shop holds fond memories for many in the community.
"I have customers come in and say, you know, their parents bought their engagement ring from us," he said.
But, Brenner said it’s time for him to retire from the family business.
“My father was in the business, my grandfather was in the business. So, it’s a little, I guess, bittersweet, as everybody always says,” he said.
The shop is having an "everything must go" sale until it closes its doors for the last time at 5 p.m. on Dec. 21.
Spertner’s isn’t the only longtime shop on the Colley Avenue corridor to close. Colley Discount Pharmacy closed in March after 40 years in business.