The family jewelry business will still offer custom design and repairs

After 35 years in business, fine jewelry store McWhorter Jewelers in Ramona, Calif., has shuttered its retail location—but will continue retailing and servicing jewelry online.

Co-owners Arthur and Mary Ellen McWhorter told The San Diego Union-Tribune that online competition—and a desire for a less stressful daily work life—precipitated their decision to shutter the store.

“Things are changing now,” said Mary Ellen. “People don’t go shopping in a store anymore; they do it online.” And, she added, “Arthur has been in the back room for 35 years, and now he wants to be able to be out [and] meet people like he used to.”

The business will continue to offer custom-designed jewelry, restorations (including antique restorations), and repairs for new and existing clients—through an as-yet-to-be-built website. 

Arthur began working as a jeweler at 18, apprenticing early on with a jeweler for Tiffany & Co.

The couple has had some major challenges in the past few decades: Their home was destroyed in the Witch Creek fire, which swept San Diego in 2007. And in 2008, Arthur was diagnosed with leukemia; he was in the hospital for eight weeks (he’s now in remission). 

“We really want to thank the community for supporting us for 35 years and continuing to,” said Mary Ellen. “We will always be here for our customers who need us. All they have to do is call.”

Photo of Arthur and Mary Ellen McWhorter by Karen Brainard, courtesy of The San Diego Union-Tribune

Emili Vesilind

JCK Senior Editor