Business Details
Your Trusted Jewelry & Watch Repair Experts in Richmond, VA
Founded in 1865 by William H. Cowardin, our business began as a modest watch and jewelry shop rooted in principles of honesty, hard work, and exceptional service. Over 150 years later, we remain a family-operated enterprise, with five generations dedicated to preserving these core values while adapting to modern needs. Our expertise spans fine jewelry creation, intricate repair work, and timepiece restoration, performed by skilled artisans trained in traditional techniques.We take pride in offering personalized service, from custom design consultations to meticulous hand engraving, ensuring each client receives heirloom-quality craftsmanship. Our Richmond, Virginia location serves as both a testament to our enduring legacy and a hub for contemporary jewelry solutions, combining historical artistry with modern innovation.
Services
Jewelry Repair
Watch Restoration
Custom Design
Jewelry Cleaning
Ring Sizing
Chain Repair
Stone Setting
Hand Engraving
Watch Battery Replacement
Antique Jewelry Restoration
Highlights and features
- We offer over 150 years of continuous family-owned jewelry expertise
- Our in-house artisans perform complex repairs and custom designs
- We maintain traditional craftsmanship techniques passed through generations
- We provide immediate minor repair services while you wait
- Our team specializes in restoring historic jewelry pieces
Services
Jewelry Repair
Our expert bench jewelers handle all types of jewelry repairs, from simple chain soldering to complex prong rebuilding. We specialize in preserving antique pieces while maintaining structural integrity. Our same-day service for minor repairs ensures minimal wait time for customers needing quick fixes.
Watch Restoration
We restore vintage and modern timepieces to working condition, including battery replacement, crystal repair, and band adjustments. Our watchmakers preserve historical accuracy while incorporating modern components when necessary. Comprehensive cleaning and overhaul services extend the life of cherished heirloom watches.
Custom Design
Create unique pieces through our custom design process, where artisans translate client visions into wearable art. We specialize in engagement rings, family heirlooms, and commemorative jewelry using traditional hand-drawing techniques combined with modern CAD technology. Each design receives personalized attention from concept to completion.
Antique Jewelry Restoration
Preserve historical jewelry pieces with specialized restoration techniques passed through five generations. Our experts handle delicate repairs while maintaining original craftsmanship characteristics. We source period-appropriate materials to ensure authentic restoration of antique rings, necklaces, and watches.
Hand Engraving
Add personalized touches through traditional hand engraving, a skill perfected by our artisans since the 19th century. We offer intricate monogramming, message engraving, and decorative detailing on rings, watches, and jewelry pieces. This service preserves the artistry of manual engraving in the digital age.
People
L. Taylor Cowardin
Fifth Generation Owner
Great-great-grandson of founder William H. Cowardin, Taylor continues the family legacy with over 20 years of jewelry expertise. He combines traditional craftsmanship with modern business practices to maintain the company's reputation for excellence.
Questions
What jewelry repair services do you offer?
We handle all jewelry repairs including ring sizing, chain soldering, prong rebuilding, and stone setting. Most minor repairs completed while you wait.
Do you repair antique or vintage jewelry?
Yes, our artisans specialize in antique jewelry restoration using traditional techniques while preserving historical integrity and craftsmanship.
Can you create custom jewelry designs?
We offer custom design services where our jewelers translate your vision into unique pieces using hand-drawing and modern CAD technology.
What watch repair services are available?
We perform complete watch restoration, battery replacement, crystal repair, and band adjustments for both modern and vintage timepieces.
How long have you been in business?
Since 1865, we've operated continuously as a family-owned business, making us Richmond's oldest jewelry establishment.
What are your store hours?
We're open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Reviews (4)
Troy Baker
Jun 19, 2022
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Brought in my platinum wedding band to get resized a few months ago and they did an amazing job for a great price, and faster than expected too. I had to come back in for them to adjust the size just a little bit but they did that right away for me while I waited which was very nice. I recommend this place to my friends and family now for similar services!
David Hall
Apr 29, 2022
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Brian, Taylor and entire staff are unbelievable. If you're looking for quality jewelry, impeccable service at a very competitive price don't waste your time at any other store in Richmond. Quality watches, engagement rings and estate jewelry are a few of the pieces that they have help me with over the last decades. Seriously the only store I go to for our jewelry. David Hall David
Jane
Mar 16, 2022
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I'm a 20 year old young woman with died hair and several piercings- one of which is a pair of diamonds my mother gifted to me when I turned 18. The screw backs tended to fall off, and other jewelers have tried to swindle me into resetting the diamonds and other services I didn't need. Cowardin's has always treated me with the same respect and kindness as their older customers and provide excellent service, even when I walked in after working at a bakery with an icing-stained apron. They are a trustworthy and incredibly professional business, and I highly recommend them.
Steve Parker
Mar 05, 2022
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Prominently displayed in the showroom is a faux oil painting reproduction picture of Cowardin's founder in the regalia of the Richmond Howitzers as they were outfitted between their stint as part of the confederate army of Northern Virginia and their return to federal service for WWI. The Howitzer's were a darling of the Lost Cause movement and a statue dedicated to them and sculpted by William Ludwell Sheppard "artist of the Lost Cause" was removed from Park Avenue and Harrison Street in 2020.
The painting at Cowardin's is no doubt there to celebrate their history by casting a bright light on the particularly racist history the painting evokes. Other than that the showroom was clean and did not smell bad.
The painting at Cowardin's is no doubt there to celebrate their history by casting a bright light on the particularly racist history the painting evokes. Other than that the showroom was clean and did not smell bad.
