Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Family-Owned Jewelry Store in Charlottesville
Tuel Jewelers has been a trusted name in Charlottesville, Virginia since 1945, providing exceptional jewelry and watch services to our community. Founded by certified watchmaker Roy P. Tuel as a railroad watch repair shop, our business has evolved into a full-service jewelry destination while maintaining the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Our team of certified professionals specializes in jewelry repair, custom design, and fine watch services, combining technical expertise with personalized attention to detail. As a family-owned business for over 70 years, we take pride in our legacy of excellence and our deep connections to the local community. Our accreditations with organizations like Jewelers of America and the Gemological Institute of America reflect our dedication to ethical practices and industry standards.Whether you're seeking a unique custom piece, professional repair services, or guidance in selecting fine jewelry, our experienced staff is here to provide knowledgeable, trustworthy service. We offer a comprehensive range of services including jewelry and watch repair, custom design, engraving, and corporate gifting solutions. Our store features an extensive collection of fine jewelry in diamonds, pearls, platinum, gold, and silver, along with specialized items like Jefferson cups and mint julep cups. With decades of combined experience and a commitment to continuing education, our team maintains the highest level of expertise in jewelry craftsmanship and customer service. This enduring dedication to excellence has made us a preferred choice for generations of customers seeking quality jewelry services in central Virginia.
Services
Jewelry Repair
Watch Repair
Custom Jewelry Design
Gift Certificates
Layaway Program
Corporate Gifts
Jewelry Cleaning
Engraving Services
Silver Repair
Battery Replacement
Details
- Year established: 1945
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1945 with deep local roots
- Certified professionals with specialized jewelry training
- Custom design services using client's own materials
- Comprehensive jewelry and watch repair capabilities
- Active community involvement and ethical business practices
Associations and certifications
- Jewelers of America (JA)
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
What people say
Family heirlooms
Personable and professional
Great prices
Quick visit
Special things
Services
Jewelry Repair
Our expert jewelers provide comprehensive repair services for gold, silver, and platinum jewelry. We specialize in ring resizing, stone replacement, restoration of antique pieces, and custom modifications. Our technicians use precision tools and traditional techniques to maintain the integrity of your valuable items while ensuring they remain wearable and beautiful. With decades of experience, we handle both simple repairs and complex restorations with equal care and attention to detail.
Watch Repair
Tuel Jewelers offers complete watch repair services for both quartz and mechanical timepieces. Our certified watchmakers perform cleaning, adjustments, crystal replacement, and band modifications. We provide quick battery replacements while you wait and maintain vintage watches with specialized care. Our expertise includes repairing both modern and antique timepieces, ensuring accurate performance and extended lifespan for your valuable watches.
Custom Jewelry Design
Create unique jewelry pieces tailored to your specifications through our custom design service. We specialize in family rings, class rings, and personalized gifts using your existing stones or new materials. Our designers work closely with clients to transform ideas into wearable art, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. From concept sketches to final production, we guide you through every step of the creation process.
Gift Certificates
Our gift certificate program provides flexible gifting options for special occasions. Available through the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association programs, these certificates allow recipients to select their perfect piece from our collection. We also accept major credit card gift cards for added convenience, making it easy to give the gift of fine jewelry with personalized value.
Layaway Program
Our no-fee layaway program makes fine jewelry purchases more accessible. With a 20% down payment and monthly installments, customers can secure special items while saving over time. This program offers a practical solution for purchasing high-quality jewelry without immediate full payment, with guaranteed availability of selected items throughout the payment period.
People
Frances G. Loose
Former Owner
Mrs. Loose began working at Tuel Jewelers in 1953, eventually purchasing the business in 1975. She maintained the company's quality standards while expanding its services, working alongside her family until her passing in 2018. Her GIA certification and business acumen helped establish Tuel Jewelers' reputation for excellence.
Mary Loose DeViney
Current Owner
Mary DeViney brings extensive jewelry expertise as a GIA-certified graduate and holder of multiple industry certifications. With formal appraisal training and technical skills in jewelry making, she continues her family's legacy while maintaining active involvement in local business organizations and community service initiatives.
Hunter A.W. Loose
Current Owner
Hunter Loose represents the fourth generation of jewelers in his family. Combining inherited expertise with modern business practices, he helps maintain Tuel Jewelers' position as a leading local jewelry destination while upholding the technical excellence and customer service standards established by previous generations.
Questions
What jewelry repair services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive jewelry repair including resizing, stone replacement, restoration, and antique piece repairs for gold, silver, and platinum items.
Do you repair watches and clocks?
Yes, we repair all watch types including quartz and mechanical, plus small clocks with services like cleaning, crystal replacement, and battery changes.
Can you create custom jewelry designs?
Our custom design service creates personalized pieces using your specifications or existing stones, including family rings and special occasion jewelry.
What payment options are available?
We accept Visa and MasterCard, offer gift certificates through local programs, and provide a no-fee layaway plan for larger purchases.
What are your store hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, closed Saturdays and Sundays. Emergency services available during business hours.
Do you offer engraving services?
Yes, we provide complimentary engraving on purchased items during November and December, with custom engraving available year-round.
Reviews (4)
Chaz B.
Apr 26, 2022
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Charged a premium price for a half repair. Just needed the original tiny screw for a random watch. Screw came is shiny not matte. Not a bit deal but the cost was to replace original. Really lovely lady. Just not a value. I will go back, just be specific about my repair.
Marisa Vrooman
May 08, 2021
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I took my young son there to buy his first gold chain. He'd been saving up for a very long time. Mary was incredibly kind, patient, and let him find the piece that really spoke to him. She even included a lovely box for storage and showed him how to keep his necklace clean. He's been following her advice diligently ever since. The knowledge and care that Tuel offers is a true gem in our small city. Bonus - we got to pet the little Frenchie!
Stephen Wilson
Dec 14, 2020
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Great customer service. I had a table clock that had died and couldn't change battery myself. They did it in 15 minutes for a very fair price and guaranteed it for a year!
Rose Avante
Dec 01, 2020
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Store owners did not wear masks and mocked us when we politely asked them to wear one. It's unfortunate as we wanted to support a local family-owned business. Will not go back again.
