Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has alerted local consumers that his office would be working on their behalf if any property, be it jewelry or money, is under possession of Christian Bernard Jewelers, who recently closed due to bankruptcy.

The jewelry retailer recently filed a voluntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey and subsequently closed both of its Connecticut stores as well as its stores in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, New York, Washington DC, Illinois and Missouri immediately after Christmas. While the company has yet to announce its possible liquidation plans, Blumenthal warned consumers that his office would be monitoring the bankruptcy proceeding and advocate on behalf of consumers, if necessary.

"I will fight for consumers who made payments for merchandise or have other valid claims to full value," says Blumenthal, adding, "At Christian Bernard's two Connecticut stores, holiday shoppers hoping to exchange, refund or alter gifts quickly discovered ‘store closed' signs after Christmas."
Therefore, says Blumenthal, consumers should immediately contact his office if the jewelry retailer has possession of any consumers' property, "including jewelry that may have been turned over for repairs, adjustments or layaways."

Christian Bernard Jewelers operated 15 stores throughout the United States.