Bracelets are on clearance at Murphey the Jeweler, which is closing its business Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) at 3 p.m. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

For customers and employees of Murphey the Jeweler in Tyler, news of the more than 150-year-old business permanently closing its doors felt devastating.

Longtime customer Sharon Simmons of Bullard said she’s been coming to the shop for years to buy rings, watches and earrings and have her jewelry cleaned.

“I hate that they’re closing,” Simmons said. “It breaks my heart. I love the people. They’re wonderful people.”

Kim Benson, current owner of the shop, made the announcement Dec. 10 on the shop’s Facebook page that the business would close Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) at 3 p.m.

“This was a decision that did not come easily and we are still coming to grips with it today,” the statement reads. “We want to sincerely thank each and every one of you who have supported this historic business for over 150 years. It has been our pleasure.”

Benson was a 20-year employee before purchasing the business from the Murphey family two years ago.

“I’ve worked here my entire adult life,” she said. “It was extremely difficult, but we couldn’t go on the way it was.”

Benson said the transition in ownership was a seamless process.

The shop has been in the Times Square Shopping Center (5201 S. Broadway Ave., Suite 140) for about 6 1/2 years. There was a previous location in the Broadway Market Center for about 12 years. It was on Spring Street in downtown Tyler before moving to the Broadway Avenue area, Benson said.

The business received a Texas historical marker in 1985, according to the Texas Historical Commission website.

The shop is one of the oldest retail establishments in East Texas.

North Carolina native Archibald Michael Murphey opened the business in January 1868 on Ferguson and Broadway. He married Elizabeth Findley in Rusk in 1853 and they moved to Tyler in 1868, according to the marker.

The marker reads that Murphey indicated he began as a watchmaker as early as 1851 and was possibly his father’s apprentice.

Murphey’s sons, Arch, Orville and Pinkney, continued the family business. A younger son, George Reaves Murphey, took over the store by the early 20th century.

In 1919, George Reaves Murphey moved the shop to the location on Spring Street, which is where the marker was received.

The shop has been a family business throughout its history, the marker states.

Murphey the Jeweler is also a member of the Jewelers of America 100 Club, which celebrates jewelry companies that have had a continuous operation of at least 100 years, according to the Jewelers of America website.

The jewelry organization website states these stores often are family jewelry businesses spanning generations and they owe their success to professionalism and high ethical standards.

Benson said the business was declining for about four years. Nine-month construction on the parking lot at the shopping center hurt the shop as well.

“I love this job. I love it because of the people I’ve worked with over the years,” she said. “We’re lucky to have such great employees over the years.”

There also have been several regular customers throughout the store’s history.

“Many of them have become our friends over the years. We’ve had many of them cry with us over the last week or so,” she said.

Matt Bowdin has been a bench jeweler at Murphey the Jeweler for over seven years. He’s been a jeweler for 25 years.

“It’s a comfortable place to work in,” he said. “This has by far been the best work environment.”

He repairs jewelry and creates custom jewelry for customers.

“They let me grow,” Bowdin said. “It’s a good environment to grow in. Working here has actually made me a better jeweler.”

One of the most notable qualities of Murphey the Jeweler is its personal service, customers say.

“We truly care about them,” Benson said. “We always try to find people (as employees) who care for what they do.”

Quality products over quantity was an utmost priority, she said. “Every piece was selected by us. We’ve always had custom designs. We always had a jeweler in our store.”

Overall, Benson says she’s enjoyed the relationships made in the shop with both customers and staff.

“I just want everyone to know we’re very appreciative of everyone for helping to keep us in business,” she said.

Benson said they will be selling as much as they can, including tools, equipment and furniture.

Rick Murphey the Jeweler, a shop that separated from Murphey the Jeweler about 20 years ago, will remain open, Benson said.