Butterfield Jewelers Closes After 97 Years, Ending Three Generations of Family Legacy

Butterfield Jewelers, a beloved family-run jewelry store in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is set to close after 97 years of dedicated service. The announcement came via social media, signaling the retirement of the third generation of the Butterfield family from the business founded in 1928.

A Legacy Rooted in Service and Family

The story of Butterfield Jewelers began in 1928 when Ernest Bernard Butterfield Sr. opened the first store in Pana, Illinois. After gaining experience managing jewelry stores in Indiana and Illinois, Ernest Sr. moved his family to Albuquerque in 1945, establishing a new location across from the University of New Mexico. Initially settling in Albuquerque due to its dry climate, the family quickly put down roots.

Ernest Sr.’s son, Ernest Bernard “Bernie” Butterfield Jr., joined the business after high school. Having studied watchmaking, Bernie took the reins in 1954 after his father’s passing. He ran the store for decades, earning accolades for his service to the New Mexico Jewelers Association and Jewelers of America. In 1975, Bernie relocated the store to a shopping center he eventually acquired and renamed Butterfield Plaza. He was later joined by his wife, Anne, their son Mike, daughter Theresa, and son-in-law Bill, working alongside skilled goldsmiths and watchmakers.

Bernie Butterfield Jr. passed away in May 2021 at the age of 92, and Anne Butterfield passed in December 2024 at 95. The business was subsequently managed by Bernie’s son, Mike Butterfield, and later by his daughter, Theresa Butterfield, and her husband, Bill, who have overseen operations since 2020.

A Bittersweet Farewell

The decision to close was driven by the retirement of the current generation and the absence of a fourth generation interested in carrying the business forward. Mike Butterfield explained, “We didn’t really want to sell the store, and we just felt like — let’s just go out on a high note and celebrate.”

The store has been holding a liquidation sale, with discounts of up to 70% off, which began on February 3rd. The response has been overwhelming, with loyal customers and new patrons filling the store to say goodbye and take advantage of the sales. Many customers shared stories of purchasing engagement rings, class rings, and jewelry for their children and grandchildren, highlighting the multi-generational relationships built over the years.

“The news is bittersweet because we’ve built lasting friendships with a lot of customers over the years,” Mike Butterfield shared. “I’m sure this will be an emotional time for everyone.” Another customer, Nichole Garcia, who has been buying jewelry from Butterfield’s for nearly 20 years, described the experience as “surreal” and expressed her gratitude for the family’s service.

Community Impact and Enduring Values

Beyond its commercial success, Butterfield Jewelers has a history of community involvement. The store was recognized with the Golden Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau in 2025 for its commitment to community service. Mike Butterfield emphasized his father’s belief in running a successful business while also serving the community. In honor of Bernie Butterfield Jr.’s passion for music, Theresa Butterfield established the Butterfield Endowed Music Scholarship at the University of New Mexico’s Department of Music.

The family’s core philosophy, instilled by Ernest Butterfield Sr., was to treat people right. This principle fostered lifelong customer relationships and a deep sense of community gratitude. As Mike Butterfield stated, “Our grandfather started this business with a belief in treating people right. Generations of customers helped us keep that belief alive. Our family is grateful for the strong support we’ve received from the community for so long.”

While the physical store will close once all inventory is sold, the family notes that the legacy of Butterfield Jewelers will endure through the cherished pieces of jewelry that have marked significant moments in their customers’ lives.