Sad, but true — designer goldsmith Timothy Grannis and his wife, Susan Hurd are closing their store, Grannis Gallery, Fine Jewelry, on Bank Street in Burlington.

They sent a letter to loyal customers that arrived yesterday, announcing a going-out-of-business sale. Apparently they're making a public announcement on Thursday. From the letter:

Our entire inventory of fine diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires as well as our extraordinary collection of designer jewely will be sold at SAVINGS OF UP TO 60% OFF, bringing you the BEST JEWELRY VALUE for your dollar in New England. Our entire inventory MUST BE SOLD!

Reached by phone, Hurd said that the sale wasn't a response to the recent economic downturn; they've been wanting to get out of retail for awhile. The store has been for sale for the past year and half. Getting out now, she said, is a way of "de-stressing." No word on what will happen to their storefront.

On a personal level, I'm sorry to see them go. My partner and I know Tim's daughter, Rebecca — in fact, she made our civil union rings. Here's a picture of mine. The design is one of her father's, from his "Lake Champlain" series. It's hard to tell from this angle, but it's meant to recall the Adirondack mountains, as you'd see them across Lake Champlain.

Thanks, Grannis Gallery, for all of your good work over the years. You will definitely be missed.