Diamonds Are Forever, But This Iconic Main Street Business Is Closing

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A Main Street jewelry store with a reputation far beyond the city limits will close after nearly a century of doing business.

Talner Fine Jewelry & Giftware is one of the longest-standing businesses in New Rochelle, but it will be closing its doors as the owners look to retirement.

Shopkeeper Leonard Italiano founded the store in 1927, and his brother Joseph joined it before taking over its management duties after Leonard died in 1941. The store has been a beloved fixture on Main Street for 97 years.

The ownership was passed down through generations to Arnold Heaps in the 1950s. That's where Albert Tarantino entered the Talner Jewelry story. He began working at the store at the age of 14 and has been there ever since. Brian Heaps joined the business in 1983 after Arnold retired. He and Albert remain as co-owners.

Having served generations of customers over the decades, Heaps and Tarantino said their business philosophy is founded on integrity and exceptional personal service, which keeps shoppers coming back year after year.

"Someone will come in and say, 'My grandmother and mother got their engagement rings here,'" Tarantino explained.

Heaps said that the loyalty that spanned generations was the true measure of their success.

"To have their children and their children's children continue to shop here is something special for us," Heaps said. "It's great to know that people and families have had the confidence in us all these years."

There is a sliver of a silver lining to the city losing one of its most iconic businesses

To mark the passing of an era, Heaps and Tarantino said that Talner Fine Jewelry & Giftware is holding a retirement sale open to the public, starting Thursday. The sale will give longtime and first-time customers one last chance to own a piece of the Talner legacy. The "going away" sale will offer discounts on classic diamonds, estate pieces, contemporary designs and gemstones. Other items for sale include platinum, white, yellow and rose gold rings, bridal jewelry, pendants, earrings and a wide selection of watches and giftware, according to the owners.

"There's something for everyone," Tarantino said. "Expect prices for every budget, from $30,000 jewelry pieces to $10 items."

As Talner Fine Jewelry & Giftware prepares to close, Tarantino and Heaps expressed appreciation for the community's loyalty and support.

Both said they are are looking forward to retirement, but still find the decision to close the store "bittersweet."

"It has been a significant part of our lives and our customers' lives," Tarantino said. "I'm excited for retirement, but it will be a big change for me and the community."

If you want a chance to own a piece of New Rochelle history, the Talner Fine Jewelry & Giftware Retirement Sale starts Thursday at their familiar 565 Main Street location. Sale hours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Tuesday to Saturday. The store is closed Sundays and Mondays.