Finding a jeweler you actually trust feels like finding a needle in a haystack, especially when every big-box mall store promises "forever" but delivers something that feels a bit... mass-produced. If you’ve spent any time in Berkeley County, you’ve definitely heard the name Bechdel Jewelers Inwood WV. It’s basically a local landmark at this point.
But there’s been some chatter lately. People are asking if they're still the same shop they were twenty years ago, or if things changed after they teamed up with Nelson Coleman. Honestly, it's a fair question. When a family business evolves, locals notice.
The truth is, Bechdel Jewelers has a history that reads more like a classic American success story than a corporate retail plan. It all started with Charlie Bechdel. He wasn't even a jeweler by trade at first—he was a twenty-year Air Force veteran who spent time as an air traffic controller. While he was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War, he got hooked on the world of gemstones. He learned to cut and polish them, and by the time he retired from the military in 1974, he had a new mission.
He opened Bechdel Jewelers in Inwood back in 1975. Think about that for a second. That's over fifty years of history in one spot.
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Why Bechdel Jewelers Inwood WV Still Matters in 2026
You might think a small-town shop would eventually get swallowed up by online giants or the shiny retailers in Martinsburg. Surprisingly, it’s been the opposite. Bechdel’s has managed to stay relevant by leaning into the stuff you just can't get from a website: actual human expertise and a jeweler who knows your name.
A few years ago, the shop entered a new chapter. It became a Nelson Coleman Company. Now, if you’re not from the jewelry world, that might sound like just another corporate merger. It's actually a partnership with one of the oldest jewelry families in Maryland—Nelson Coleman has been around since 1856.
The Inwood location at 8064 Winchester Ave kept its name because, let’s be real, everyone in town still calls it Bechdel's. The merger basically gave the local shop a massive upgrade in inventory, especially when it comes to estate jewelry and high-end custom design capabilities, without losing that "neighborly" feel Charlie started decades ago.
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The Custom Ring Obsession
If you go there for an engagement ring, you’re probably looking for something specific. Most people in the Inwood area currently gravitate toward halo settings with a Round Cut Diamond. It’s the "it" look right now because the halo makes the center stone look huge, and the round cut gives off the most sparkle.
What's cool about their process is that it’s not just "pick a ring and pay." Their in-house jewelers usually take about one to two weeks to finalize a custom order once the design is set. That’s a pretty fast turnaround compared to the month-long waits you find at luxury boutiques in the city.
What about the "Bad" Reviews?
You'll see some talk online about wait times. Kinda inevitable, right? When a place is the go-to spot for an entire county, Saturday mornings can get a little hectic. If you show up at 11:00 AM on a Saturday in December, yeah, you’re probably going to wait. The staff is known for being super friendly and "going above and beyond," as one regular named Zack put it, but they’re still humans.
The Legacy of David Ettinger
It's impossible to talk about Bechdel Jewelers without mentioning David Ettinger. He was the longtime owner and the son-in-law of Charlie Bechdel. David passed away recently, in early 2024, at the age of 69.
He was the kind of guy people described as an "instant friend." He wasn't just a businessman; he was a craftsman who actually cared about the community. His passing was a big hit to the local business scene, but his wife, Lori, and the rest of the team have kept the gears turning. That's the thing about a legacy—it survives the people who built it if the foundation is solid enough.
What They Actually Do (Beyond Selling Diamonds)
Most people think of jewelers only when they’re getting married or if they've messed up and need an anniversary gift fast. But Bechdel’s handles a lot of the "un-glamorous" stuff that keeps your heirlooms from falling apart.
- Jewelry and Watch Repair: They have certified jewelers on-site. This is huge because many mall stores actually ship your jewelry off to a central warehouse, which is nerve-wracking.
- Buying Gold and Diamonds: If you have old jewelry sitting in a drawer that you’ll never wear again, they buy gold, silver, and gemstones.
- Appraisals: Necessary for insurance. They do formal appraisals so you actually know what your stuff is worth in today's market.
- Estate Jewelry: Because of the Nelson Coleman connection, they have access to incredible vintage pieces from the Art Deco and Victorian eras.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning to head over to the Winchester Avenue shop, don't just wing it. Here is how to actually get the best experience:
- Book an Appointment: Seriously. They have an online booking system now through the Nelson Coleman site. It guarantees you get a dedicated person’s attention so you aren't standing around while someone else gets their watch battery changed.
- The "Christmas Rule": If you’re proposing during the holidays, buy the ring before December starts. Not just for the deals, but because the shop gets slammed. You want your sizing and polishing done without the holiday rush stress.
- Ask About the "Estate" Case: Even if you think you want something brand new, look at the estate section. You can often find a much higher-quality stone or a unique setting for a fraction of the price of a new "designer" piece.
- Bring Your Papers: If you’re bringing in a piece for repair or trade-in, bring any GIA certificates or old appraisals you have. It speeds up the process significantly.
Bechdel Jewelers Inwood WV is open Tuesday through Saturday (they’re closed Sundays and Mondays). They’ve survived economic crashes, ownership changes, and the rise of the internet by basically being the "old reliable" of the Eastern Panhandle. Whether you need a $10,000 diamond or just a $20 watch band adjustment, they treat the tasks with the same level of seriousness. That's why people still drive in from Martinsburg, Charles Town, and even over the line from Virginia just to see them.
Next Steps for You: Check your jewelry box for any pieces with loose stones or dull metal. Take them into the Inwood location for a professional cleaning and inspection—they can often spot a worn-down prong before you lose a diamond. If you're looking for a specific custom design, bring in a few photos or a Pinterest board so the jeweler can give you an accurate quote on the spot.