Fresno jewelry store is closing after 30 years. Here’s why — and what’s on sale
A jewelry store in Fresno is closing after more than 30 years in business.
The Vault Fine Jewelers, 724 West Shaw Ave. in Fresno, will hold a “multi-million dollar” going-out-of-business sale before officially shutting its doors, the business said in a Nov. 11 news release.
“Everything must go,” the release said.
Here’s what to know.
How did Fresno jewelry store get its start?
According to the release, Gary and Elaine Yervan found their way into the fine jewelry business through different routes.
Elaine Yergan worked as a buyer for the Gottschalks department store chain before assuming ownership of a fashion jewelry store in 1988, the release said, while her husband “left behind a career in the auto industry to join her in the business.”
The couple opened The Vault Fine Jewelers in Fig Garden Village in 1991, “always adhering to the principle of their company motto, ‘Customer first and service excellence,’ ” the release said.
According to the release, the Yervyans were active members of the Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce.
They also supported local nonprofit organizations including Saint Agnes Medical Center Foundation, the Fresno Rescue Mission and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County.
“We’ve made and donated countless crosses, diamond tennis necklaces, diamond earrings, pendants and bracelets to local organizations throughout the years,” Gary Yervan said in the release. “We just like to give back to the community for what they have been so kind to give to us; their commitment to patronizing our store.”
“It means more to us than just a way to give back to the community, it comes from the heart. It really does,” he added.
Why is The Vault Fine Jewelers closing?
Gary Yervan told The Fresno Bee he and his wife will officially close The Vault Fine Jewelers after selling off the store’s inventory.
At that point, the Yervans will officially retire.
“We built this company together over the past 30 years,” Elaine Yervan said in the release. “We’re looking into our retirement years and decided that it’s time for us to close. Dissolving a successful business was a very hard decision to make, but we’re getting to a point in our lives where we would like to do other things.”
“What I’m really going to miss is the people,” Gary Yervan told The Bee via phone on Wednesday, Nov. 19. “They are why we’ve always done this. It’s not about the cost of the item. It’s about being here for the people and treating others as you want to be treated.”
Customers react to news of retirement
On social media, several customers wished the Yervans a happy retirement and expressed sorrow that the longtime jewelry business is closing.
“I’m torn ... happy for (you) to enjoy retirement but sad because you’re (the) only jewelry store I’ve gone to for over 20 years,” Victorine Sanders wrote in a comment on a Nov. 13 Facebook post announcing the closure. “I’ve made some wonderful friends. I wish you only the best.”
What’s on sale at Fig Garden gem shop?
The Vault Fine Jewelers’ entire “collection of fine diamond and colored gemstone jewelry, gold and platinum designed jewelry and more will be offered at prices of up to 50% off,” the business said.
Brands include Tacori, A. Jaffee, Gabriel & Co., Roberto Coin and Triton wedding bands.
Loose natural and lab-grown diamonds will also be available for sale, along with colored gemstones.
“The sale provides one last opportunity to purchase holiday gifts of the quality The Vault is known for, at prices never before possible,” Gary Yervan said in the release.
The Yervans said they’re looking forward to “helping their clients find one last perfect gift at The Vault.”
“A gift from the Vault is a gift from the heart,” The Vault Fine Jewelers said in a Tuesday, Nov. 18, Instagram post.
The sale began Thursday, Nov. 13, and will continue until all stock is gone.
You can learn more about the sale by calling 559-225-5362.
The store will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
“We are very thankful for the support of our clients and friends throughout the years,” Elaine Yervan said. “We love them and wish everyone well, but we must move with the changing of times. And as we age gracefully, we will have our memories, which will last forever.”
