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Norfolk, VA--After a presence of 144 years in the Hampton Roads community, Spertner Jewelers is set to close its doors. The family-owned business, managed by Martin Brenner, a third-generation owner, announced its final business day to be December 21.

[Image via Spertner Jewelers/Facebook]

In a report published in The Virginian Pilot, Martin shared his sentiments about the closure, discussing the depth of customer relationships formed over the years, particularly in custom jewelry design and meaningful projects like crafting engagement rings from family heirlooms.

“I’ll miss the customers and the relationships we had because it does become a little more than just a business transaction,” Martin said, per the report. “Especially when you custom design something or you take somebody’s mother’s diamond and you set an engagement ring for their child.”

The store's history dates back to its establishment by Ed Spertner, later joined by Martin's grandfather, Joseph Brenner, and eventually led by Martin's father, Lawrence Brenner, known affectionately as Mr. Wonderful. The store saw various transitions, including a move from downtown to the Southern Shopping Center in the 1950s, expansions to Portsmouth and Pembroke Mall, and operations within Rices Nachmans, a once-popular department store chain.

In recent years, the business shifted focus from a traditional retail model to a more specialized approach, dealing in custom work, special orders, and estate pieces. 

With no fourth-generation successor and the lease at its current location ending, Martin decided it was time to conclude the business. An ongoing sale offers significant discounts, and though Ghent Antiques will retain the jewelry cases, he looks forward to retirement, planning to explore gardening and travel.

Learn more in the report in The Virginian Pilot.