Neighborhood jewelers’ sales dulled by dazzling gold prices

Chicago-area jewelers say skyrocketing gold prices are hitting their small businesses hard.

And if the trend continues, some say they will be forced to close up shop.

"Everybody is hurting right now, especially the small [jewelry stores],” said George Lysakowski, owner of Signature Jewelers in Arlington Heights. “The big ones are not getting affected but the small ones, like me, are going to get hurt,” he said, noting that the rise in the price of gold has been driving away customers.

The news doesn’t seem to be any better for Mike Min, owner of MK Jewelry on Chicago’s South Side. "Gold is getting expensive. Business is not much these days," he said.

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