F & G Richards

WINSTED — F & G Richards, located at 572 Main St., is one of the longest continuously running merchants in Winsted. The jewelry store, which is approximately 1,200 square feet in two rooms, is owned and operated by Fred W. Richards and his daughter, Korie Valickis. The location has been a jewelry store since 1898, transitioning through many owners. Previously the store was owned by Richard’s father, Fred P. Richards.A short period after his father purchased the store, the great flood of 1955 hit the area and devastated Winsted.“The water was up so high in my father’s store that the jewelry cases were lifted right up and pulled out through the windows and washed away,” Richards said. “It was devastating, but somehow my father regrouped and started again. There was no flood insurance at that time.”Richards said that he grew up in the store.“It was an extension of my home, just like it is for my three grandchildren today,” Richards said.He said that did not know that he was going to take over the business from his father. “When I was only 17 years old I dated a girl who happened to work at another jewelry store and her employer learned that my father also owned a jewelry store and talked me into going to school to be a jeweler,” Richards said. “I went to Bowman Tech in Lancaster, Pa., and studied horology. The curriculum was very intense.”Richard said he took four years to study watch and clock repair.“I learned to make parts for watches by hand,” he said. “I took over the business in 1963 from my father. My daughter came on board in 1983, and she too grew up in the store.”Valickis is now married to Gary Valickis, and they have three children of their own who can be seen running about the store after school. “You never know, one of them may want to continue in the business,” Valickis said. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”Richards and Valickis said their store differs from the big box stores.“We are all about quality and service,” Richards said. “If a piece has to be returned for any reason, there is never a question. We sincerely care about the products we sell.”F & G Richards offers a large variety of jewelry, including reflection beads, necklaces, earrings, watches, silver frames and medical alert items.The store’s specialty is wedding rings in gold, sterling silver and tungsten. The store also offers repair services to most watches and gift engraving.The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.For more information call 860-379-5366.