Butterfield Jewelers

Butterfield Jewelers was founded in 1928 in Pana, Illinois by Ernest Bernard Butterfield Sr. after managing jewelry stores in Indiana and Illinois. In 1945, the Butterfield family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and opened their store across from the University of New Mexico. His son, Ernest Bernard Butterfield, Jr. (Bernie), joined his father in business after graduating from Albuquerque High School. He studied watchmaking at Precision Instrument Laboratory, Los Angeles and Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois. He also attended the University of New Mexico School of Business. Bernie took over the operation of the family business upon the death of his father in 1954. The firm affiliated with the American Gem Society in 1966 and currently has six titleholders. The store moved in 1975, and Bernie acquired and renamed the center Butterfield Plaza to mark 65 years of business. In addition to Bernie and his wife, Anne, employees include a son, a daughter, and a son-in-law. Also on staff are three Master Goldsmiths and three Master Watchmakers who are Swiss trained. Quality, personal service is the top priority at Butterfield Jewelers.