Business & Tech
Prominent Farmington Jeweler Retiring, Sells Store To Local Jeweler
The jewelry industry veteran has sold his store to another jeweler in Farmington, with his retirement becoming official at year's end.
FARMINGTON, CT — After more than four decades in the profession, the man behind the Farmington Jewelers store in Unionville is stepping into retirement.
Farmington Jewelers owner Gary Palumbo said he is retiring from the 1680 Farmington Ave. store after 42 years in the industry. His last day will be Dec 31.
He shared the news earlier last week.
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“I’m excited to announce that I’ll be retiring on Dec. 31, 2025,” Palumbo wrote. “To celebrate, I’m hosting a retirement sale from now through the end of the year, with in-store discounts increasing each week. Thank you to all my wonderful customers for making this 42-year journey such a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Your support has meant the world to me.”
Born in New Britain and raised in Plainville, he learned the trade from his father, Joe Palumbo, who owned J.P. Jewelers and later Joval Jewelers with his wife, Valena.
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Gary Palumbo went on to own and operate Main Street Jewelers in New Britain for over 20 years before opening Farmington Jewelers.
While Palumbo is putting away his jeweler's loupe, it doesn't mean the end of the store itself.
Magda Pivo, owner and designer of Magdalene Pivoine, a fine-jewelry designer based in Farmington at 128 Garden St., will be taking over Farmington Jewelers.
“It is an honor to carry forward Gary’s legacy of trust, craftsmanship, and community. Farmington Jewelers has been a pillar of the town for decades, and I am committed to preserving the warmth of this family-owned tradition while bringing a fresh, elevated design approach for today’s clients,” Pivo said in a statement.
Thursday, Pivo told Patch she will keep the store's name as is.
"I will be keeping the Farmington Jewelers location and name for customer familiarity," she said.
" I will also be carrying my own Magdalene Pivoine pieces and will have signage and product displays within the store.
"I will be purchasing new inventory from the same brands, so none of Gary’s existing inventory will be transferred to me."
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