Like the Diamonds It Sells, Jewelers’ Row Is Forever

Tucked away on a few blocks of brick-paved streets is one of Philadelphia’s greatest gems: Jewelers’ Row. It is only a short walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and one block west of Independence Hall.

The longest continuously operating shop in America’s oldest diamond district, wholesaler I. Gansky and Co., dates back to 1851. Since then, more than 300 retailers, wholesalers, and craftsmen have taken up shop on Sansom Street, between Seventh and Eighth streets, and on Eighth Street between Chestnut and Walnut streets.

To get to Jewelers’ Row from the convention center, which is at the corner of Market and 11th, walk east on Market to Eighth Street. Turn right, and Sansom Street is a block and a half ahead of you.

Many shops are open seven days a week, generally from around 9:30 a.m. till about 8 p.m. during the week, although hours at individual shops vary. On weekends most shops open around 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. and close by 6 p.m.

The variety and selection of the shops are well known, not only throughout North America, but also the world. Diamonds of every shape, size, and price are abundant, either as loose stones or mounted in your choice of thousands of settings, ranging from the traditional to contemporary. Several shops also feature antique pieces as well.

The selection is not limited to a girl’s best friend, however. Precious stones of all types, including the finest quality emeralds, rubies, sapphires, opals, onyx, and topaz, can be found. Many shops carry a good selection of gold, silver, and platinum jewelry as well, and watches ranging in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars are plentiful also.

Local residents advise that there are many bargains to be had in most of the shops; however, shoppers are cautioned to “shop around.” Negotiating is almost always welcome, even if salespersons in some of the shops scoff at a customer’s first attempts.

If you are browsing through these generally peaceful side streets, be mindful that some establishments are exclusively wholesalers and do not sell directly to the public.

Some of the better-known establishments in Jewelers’ Row include Safian and Rudolph, on the corner of Seventh and Sansom streets. This shop is said to carry a $1 million inventory offering “a selection of diamonds and precious color gems unmatched in the area.” The 50-year-old family-owned store offers nearly 1,500 mountings, and custom mountings are a specialty.

The Sydney Rosen Salon at 712 Sansom Street has divided its impressive collection of stones into three salons: “the Perfect Stone,” featuring gems of one-half carat or larger with exquisite color, cut, and clarity; “the Pragmatist,” which features stones that strike a balance between quality and size; and “the Rock Room,” which, simply stated, goes for “big.” Depending upon which salon you visit, you’ll find stones priced from just over $1,000 to well over $26,000; for those discriminating customers who don’t need to ask the price, a select collection of ideal gems is on reserve.

At Eighth and Sansom streets, you’ll find Harry Sable, the “king of the wedding bands.” Harry and now his son have been selling engagement rings, diamond rings, gold and platinum jewelry, and watches for nearly 60 years.

Over on Chestnut Street, at 717, is the Jack Kellmer Co., specializing in diamonds and gold jewelry at significantly discounted prices.

If you want to venture a bit farther up Chestnut Street, outside the boundaries of Jewelers’ Row, you’ll find two landmarks of both Philadelphia and the jewelry world. J.E. Caldwell has been in business at 1339 Chestnut since 1839. The store is adorned with antique hand-blown crystal chandeliers by Baccarat, making the salon almost as elegant as the merchandise itself. In addition to traditional and contemporary jewelry, Caldwell boasts one of the city’s largest selections of gifts and stationery.

At 16th and Chestnut streets is the old-line Bailey Banks and Biddle. This particular BBB location is a bit different from those added to many high-end malls throughout the country during the late 1980s and 1990s. Since 1832 this store has carried one of the company’s largest collections of diamond and gold jewelry, as well as objets d’art, silver, porcelain, and crystal.

Whether you are “just looking, thank you” or shopping for a great deal on quality gems, the selection of fine jewelry available in Philadelphia is enormous, rivaling that of New York and surpassing that of Chicago or the West Coast—except perhaps Southern California. ▪