Suburban Jewelers Launches Closing Sale

Suburban Jewelers, a city destination for fine jewelry and collectibles since 1961, is closing its doors.

Suburban Jewelers is the third fine jewelry store to close downtown, following Park Jewelers and Golden Jewelers. Since the passing of Irving Cohen in 2009, his daughter Elissa has operated Suburban Jewelers. She is a certified gemologist and will remain in the jewelry profession as an appraiser and consultant, she said Thursday. She will remain in contact with her customers after the closing, which will be final in early 2014.

I want to be reachable," she said.

Here she is discussing business concerns with Chris Christie during his first run for governor.

Besides fine jewelry, the store features Lenox china and giftware.

It has a large collection of Lladro porcelain figurines.

Another collection features African-American figurines.

There is also a collection based on Norman Rockwell paintings.

What does the fox say? One of several animal and bird figurines.

Elissa, called Lisa by many downtown colleagues, served on the Chamber of Commerce and was involved with the Special Improvement District since it began. She currently serves as vice president.

She told Plaintalker she considered Plainfield her home, because she spent so much time here.

In a mailer to customers, she says she did not take the decision to close lightly, but wants to pursue new endeavors and start a new chapter in her life.

A customer picking up a Lenox Christmas ornament Thursday said she appreciated Lisa's help when a diamond fell out of her ring. In addition to fixing it, Lisa helped the city resident learn more about settings and how to be sure of quality.

"I trust her," the customer said.

Recently engaged, Lisa said she plans to be married in October 2014. Regarding the difficult decision to close, she said, "I want to go out at the top of my game."

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will be open on three Sundays next month, Dec. 8, 15 and 22 from noon to 5 p.m. Items are up to 70 percent off for the closing sale.

Suburban Jewelers is located at 126 East Front Street, with parking at Lot 6 off East Second Street. Phone: (908) 756-1774.

--Bernice