Grannis Gallery is Closing
Sad, but true — designer goldsmith Timothy Grannis and his wife, Susan Hurd are closing their store, Grannis Gallery, Fine Jewelry, on Bank Street in Burlington.
They sent a letter to loyal customers that arrived yesterday, announcing a going-out-of-business sale. Apparently they're making a public announcement on Thursday. From the letter:
Our entire inventory of fine diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires as well as our extraordinary collection of designer jewely will be sold at SAVINGS OF UP TO 60% OFF, bringing you the BEST JEWELRY VALUE for your dollar in New England. Our entire inventory MUST BE SOLD!
Reached by phone, Hurd said that the sale wasn't a response to the
recent economic downturn; they've been wanting to get out of retail for
awhile. The store has been for sale for the past year and half. Getting
out now, she said, is a way of "de-stressing." No word on what will
happen to their storefront.
On a personal level, I'm sorry to see them go. My partner and I know Tim's daughter, Rebecca — in fact, she made our civil union rings. Here's a picture of mine. The design is one of her father's, from his "Lake Champlain" series. It's hard to tell from this angle, but it's meant to recall the Adirondack mountains, as you'd see them across Lake Champlain.
Thanks, Grannis Gallery, for all of your good work over the years. You will definitely be missed.
I won't miss them. They f***ed me over once on a necklace and I'm glad to see the bastards go.
Posted by: Grannishater | November 12, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Completely ignoring the above comment (since perfection is never possible), I would like to say that it really is a pity that the Grannis is closing its doors. It was a wonderful thing for local jewelry smiths to be able to showcase their art, and it was a great source for real collectors to find something truly unique- not an overpriced, multiple-manufactured, chain jewelry store item. Also, every year, the Grannis Gallery would give student jewelers the opportunity to put their work in an annual student exhibition. Tim and his family gave great opportunities to both advanced artists and young ones as well. This gallery will be very missed by many people, and I would like to thank them, congratulate them on doing such a phenomenal job for so long, and wish them the best of luck.
Posted by: Lvos | November 12, 2008 at 07:05 PM
They made my wedding ring. Worked out pretty well.
Posted by: casey | November 13, 2008 at 03:28 PM
they were SUPPOSED to make my wedding ring. however, no one has asked me to marry me yet, so i guess grannis won't be making my ring. sad. good luck to them!
Posted by: Q_Monroe | November 13, 2008 at 03:33 PM
i mean, no one has asked me to marry them yet. i suppose i could ask me to marry me, and then i could get a grannis ring, but it wouldn't be the same.
Posted by: Q_Monroe | November 13, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Timothy and Suzy -- You'll be sorely missed -- Grannis Gallery is an oasis of beauty, creativity and independence. Good luck to you both.
Posted by: Dano | November 13, 2008 at 06:57 PM
We got my engagement ring and both of our wedding bands from Grannis 5 years ago and were so happy to work with Jake on our custom pieces. At least we can still shop with him even though Grannis will be gone. JacobAlbee.com
Posted by: floralartistry | November 16, 2008 at 01:37 PM
That IS a shame!
My partner and I got our rings from them. Believe me......we were certainly not high end customers. But they treated us like we were. They looked after us, were as sweet as could be and excited for us. And every so often we would stop by and they would take these incredible, opulent pieces out for my partner to 'play' with. Knowing full well we could never afford them, but encouraging her to try them on anyhow.
My partner has since died, and I can't help smiling when I pass their shop.
All the very best to them in their life travels!!
Posted by: Nat | November 19, 2008 at 08:14 PM
I am the proud owner of Timothy's "Galaxy" bracelet. It is truly a masterpiece which I will treasure always. Everyone I dealt with in the gallery could not have been nicer. I only regret that I never actually visited the shop in Burlington. I hope they will stay in touch somehow!!! And my very best wishes to all for continued success!
Posted by: jackie | January 24, 2009 at 10:20 PM
we ordered a ring from them in November, they claimed it would be done in December or January. then in Jan they said that it would be in March. Now they are not returning calls and have our money. it seems to me the only kind of artists they are now is scam artists.
Posted by: Ian | March 11, 2009 at 10:35 PM