Lacy & Co.—for years considered one of America’s premier independent jewelers—will close after Christmas, says owner Ellen Lacy.

The 66-year-old El Paso, Texas-based store now features a “Going out of Business” banner on its website.

Lacy, a former president of the American Gem Society, tells JCK that the time was right for her to retire.

“Our health is fine but we have enough friends whose health isn’t,” she says. “And running a business takes a lot of work if you are going to do it well. So we thought about it and we thought the only time we would be able to do this effectively is Christmastime.”

She says that while she was unable to sell the store, business remains strong.

“We have never had a down year,” she says. “Even without this, we would still be having the biggest year we ever had.”

Lacy became emotional when thinking about her years at the store, and says she hopes to still attend trade events like the AGS Conclave.

“It’s been a great business and we have wonderful friends,” she says.

Her customers, she says, have said expressed shock.

“People are just stunned,” she says. “I said, ‘Did you think we are going to live forever?’”

JCK