After more than a century of love stories, milestones, and sparkling memories, Van Cott Jewelers of Vestal has announced it will close its doors, marking the end of an extraordinary 111-year legacy in the Southern Tier.
Founded over a century ago and acquired by the Levine family in 1969, Van Cott quickly became the most trusted name in fine jewelry across the region. At the heart of it all was Bill Levine, who didn’t realize just how much the business would come to mean to him—or to the community.
“We were the number one jeweler in this community for 40 years. Van Cott has been the number one jewelry brand for over 100 years,” Bill said in an interview with 12 News.
The love story of Van Cott also includes Bill and his wife, Birdie, who met at the Gemological Institute of America and bonded over a shared dream of owning a jewelry store. That dream flourished into a beloved institution woven into the fabric of the community.
“I just love the customers so much,” Birdie shared. “Everybody that comes in the store is just so happy to be here.”
Though the decision to close was difficult, the company emphasized that it was necessary—expressing heartfelt gratitude in a message to its loyal customers on Facebook:
“We’ve been part of so many special moments—helping you pick out the perfect engagement ring, celebrating milestones, or simply finding the piece of jewelry that makes your heart sing.”
As Van Cott Jewelers prepares to bid farewell, its legacy will live on in every diamond given, every anniversary remembered, and every smile shared across the counter.
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