Jordan, 58, says there are several reasons why the two have decided to not only close the jewelry store but also end their longtime partnership.

"We just don't want the same things anymore," Jordan says. "I need to do things that will get me toward retirement within the next eight years and I'm working on a couple of ideas to get there."

One of those ideas includes the possibility of purchasing a laser welder, which costs around $35,000, to weld jewelry pieces together using a laser beam. According to Jordan, this type of equipment is very rare in the Bay Area. He is thinking of using the equipment to build a laser repair business and market it to stores across the country.

"My real love is working at the bench," he says. "I will probably start doing that three days a week.

At 42 years old, Brooks says she plans to stay in the jewelry business for many years. And, she says the partnership's end is just a "good financial business decision."

Her plan is to start a new jewelry business in Willow Glen by next spring, although it's still unknown whether she will stay in the same location, 1302 Lincoln Ave., or move to another spot in downtown Willow Glen.

Her new store will likely feature custom, higher-end jewelry, and she already has some ideas on how she will change the way the business is run.

"When I open the new store, I will probably change the management and have more sales help," she says.

The current 'going out of business sale' began on Nov. 4 and will continue until the store has sold most of its merchandise. But the business must have all its merchandise sold by mid-January or the remaining items will be turned over to a liquidator for sale.

According to Jordan, no item in the store is being sold for more than 50 percent of its original price. In fact, many items are on sale at 70 percent off.

The business has been built almost entirely on referrals from customers and it currently boasts a customer mailing list of around 7,000 names.

"One of the things I'll really miss is the personal contact with the people," Jordan says. "We have had a very loyal following and we both love Willow Glen."

Brooks says within the first half-hour that the business opened on the first day of the sale, 40 to 50 customers stormed into the store, with many of them wondering why it was closing. And many longtime customers have already told Brooks to keep them on her mailing list so they can follow her to the next store she opens.

"You could see their facial expressions that first day, saying, 'Get over here and tell me what's going on,'" she says.

One customer who is sad to see the business depart but happy for the sale is Mark, a local resident who asked that his last name be withheld so his wife's Christmas surprise isn't spoiled if she reads the story. Mark says he is planning to purchase a pair of diamond earrings for her. He said couldn't pass up the great prices being offered.

"My sister-in-law works at the store, and the sale is great timing for the holidays," he says.

It seems both Brooks and Jordan are ready to professionally move on but many customers aren't so eager to see the partnership disappear. Now, many will just have to wait and see what Brooks' next move will be.