It heralds the end of an era.
Nettleton’s Jewellery, a much-loved and enduring family business, is closing after 106 years.  Its owners are retiring.
“As they say, we’re not as young as we used to be,” smiles co-owner Geoff Nettleton.
“We thought it would be a good idea while we still had our health to enjoy life for a bit and have a holiday, a couple of days off and maybe a lunch hour,” laughs Geoff’s brother Cameron.
The Nettleton brothers try to slow down their pace in the store, but customers still keep them busy every day: changing watch batteries, appraising family heirlooms and selling gifts for every occasion.
This is the legacy of a retail diamond in which jewelry lovers have dazzled for more than a century.
“We’re the third generation in Ottawa,” Cameron said.
“My grandfather came to Ottawa in 1916 from his father’s store in Penetanguishene which opened in 1896.” 
Nettleton’s grandfather, George, and a business partner opened Nettleton and Haskett Watchmakers on Queen Street, Ottawa, and would later move the business to Bank Street.
A chronograph sold by JE Nettleton in his Penetanguishene store opened in 1896. His son George, along with a business partner, opened Nettleton and Hackett Watchmakers in 1916 on Queen St.  Pacific and Grand Trunk Railways.  (Is provided)
The shop was perhaps best known for its inspections of watches used by employees of the Canadian National, Canadian Pacific and Grand Trunk Railways. 
“Employees would have to come back every six weeks back then to update their card, make sure they had their watch on and their watch was on time so the trains ran on time because there were no computers, Cameron Nettleton said.
(Left to right) Cameron, Douglas, Geoff and Richard Nettleton.  Douglas took over the business from his father, George, in 1947. His sons began working with their father in the 1970s. The store has been operating in Ottawa since 1916. (Photo: Canadian Jeweler Magazine) When George died in 1947, his son Douglas would take the reins.  His sons Richard, Cameron and Jeff joined the family business in the 1970s.
“1975.  I got married in October and in the middle of November, my wife said to me “If you don’t get a job, go work for your father”.  Forty-seven years later here I am,” Cameron said.
“I started in the garage at the age of 15 doing repairs and later went full time,” said Geoff.  “I liked working with my hands and working with clients, so it was easy to arrange.”
Jeff and Cameron’s brother Richard remains a co-owner but has already retired.
“We were extremely lucky.  We have been our own bosses all our lives and have met so many wonderful people.  But after working for 48 years, it’s time to enjoy ourselves and our families,” said Geoff.
Nettletons outside the family store Westgate Mall, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Nettleton’s Jewellery.  (Is provided)
Over the years, the Nettleton family had stores in various locations around town.
His downtown stores were particularly popular with shoppers.
“My God, downtown at Bank and Albert there was a ring department, a watch department, a crystal department and a spare repair shop,” Geoff said.
“When most office workers had an hour and a half for lunch, between 11:30 and 1:30, the store was packed.  You would catch your breath afterwards.  It was great,” said Geoff.
The family’s Westgate Shopping Center store has been open for 35 years and is now its only location. 
A familiar Douglas Nettleton refrain still fuels the Nettleton brothers’ shifts at the shop.
He always said “The customer always comes first.  The customer is always right,” Cameron said.
And those customers meant everything to the Nettletons.  The family business has always been at the center of joyous celebrations.
“We just got out of the hospital and very often we get a gentleman saying, ‘My wife just gave birth and I need to buy her a present,’” Geoff said with a smile.
“It’s just wonderful.”
Loyal customers are at the heart of Nettleton’s Jewelery in Ottawa’s Westgate Shopping Centre.  (Joel Haslam CTV Ottawa)
Nettleton’s lease is up soon, the Westgate shopping center is undergoing changes and the brothers are in good health.  
The time is right, they say, for this next chapter to begin.
“We’re going to leave on our own terms and get out before the game.”
Until the shop closes early in the New Year, the brothers will continue to serve their loyal customers.
“We’d like to thank them for 106 years and helping us stay as long as we have,” Cameron said.  “They’ve been nice to us and we like to think we’ve been nice to them.  That’s what keeps them coming back.”
The next generation of Nettletons have chosen careers outside of the jewelry retail industry.
“As we keep saying, we sent our kids to school and they all have jobs with pensions and benefits,” Cameron laughed.
When the doors finally close at Nettleton’s Jewellery, brothers Cameron, Richard and Geoff will look to the future with excitement, valuing the most precious jewel of all – life.
“Spend more time with my wife, my children, my grandchildren and my father,” Geoff said with a big smile.
“I’ll read a newspaper cover to cover, take my time, and then it’s snacks and Chardonnay at 4 o’clock.”