IndependentsMar 23, 2022
Downtown Minneapolis Jeweler Gittelson Is MovingIndependentsApr 07, 2022
To Celebrate 100 Years, This Retailer Is Giving Away $10K
Samuelson’s Diamonds & Estate Buyers has created a $10,000 grant that will go to another family-owned business in the Baltimore area.
Baltimore—Samuelson’s Diamonds & Estate Buyers is celebrating its centennial this year, and it wants to mark the milestone by helping another local family-owned business.
The third-generation jeweler announced Wednesday it has established a $10,000 grant that will go to a brick-and-mortar business in the Baltimore area.
The winner will be selected in May and invited as a VIP to the retailer’s 100th anniversary party, where Samuelson’s will reveal their identity to the public.
“We were looking for a way to celebrate our 100-year milestone in a unique and meaningful way,” CEO Ron Samuelson said.
“Giving to charity is something we have always done but making a meaningful contribution to a local family business that shares our values and entrepreneurial spirit is a more actionable way to pay it forward and celebrate this rare milestone.”
To enter, applicants must submit a short video about their family business and meet the following requirements: in business at least 10 years; have a Maryland business license and a physical location based in the City of Baltimore or Baltimore County; and have at least two family members working in the business.
The deadline for entry is May 2. For more information, visit the Samuelson’s website.
The third-generation jeweler announced Wednesday it has established a $10,000 grant that will go to a brick-and-mortar business in the Baltimore area.
The winner will be selected in May and invited as a VIP to the retailer’s 100th anniversary party, where Samuelson’s will reveal their identity to the public.
“We were looking for a way to celebrate our 100-year milestone in a unique and meaningful way,” CEO Ron Samuelson said.
“Giving to charity is something we have always done but making a meaningful contribution to a local family business that shares our values and entrepreneurial spirit is a more actionable way to pay it forward and celebrate this rare milestone.”
To enter, applicants must submit a short video about their family business and meet the following requirements: in business at least 10 years; have a Maryland business license and a physical location based in the City of Baltimore or Baltimore County; and have at least two family members working in the business.
The deadline for entry is May 2. For more information, visit the Samuelson’s website.
Milton Samuelson in front of the original Samuelson’s store, located on Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Avenue. He opened the store in 1922.
The second and third generation members of the business, Steve Samuelson (left) and his son Ron, in front of the Baltimore Street store.
Milton Samuelson opened the first Samuelson’s store on Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore in 1922.
His son, Steve Samuelson, joined the business in 1962.
In 1972, the retailer moved downtown to Baltimore Street, where it operated as a traditional pawn shop, buying and selling guitars, antiques and collectibles, and jewelry.
Today, the jeweler has two locations in Maryland and one in Virginia, and an appointment-centric business model focused on buying and selling fine jewelry.
The company said it reached 100 years by adhering to three core values—trust, integrity, and transparency—and by abiding by one key rule.
“My grandfather, Milton Samuelson, always said, ‘You gotta change with the times.’ Change is constant and you need to adapt to the current business climate without changing your core values,” Ron said.
“One rule that has kept the family together is to never engage in family politics, and we have not broken that rule. We all have tremendous respect for one another and value the views and expertise we each bring to the table.”
Steve, now 80, still comes into the office regularly and serves as president of the company while Ron’s son Ethan Samuelson, who is in college, works for the family business in the summer. He has helped Samuelson’s build its online presence.
The retailer has an e-commerce site, does virtual appointments, and sells its jewelry on Etsy and 1stDibs.
“I am so proud of our team and how we continue to grow despite the many challenges that we have faced over our 100-year history. To get to this milestone and still have a strong business and family bond is what keeps me going every day,” Steve said.
“We look forward to the future and celebrating 100 more years in business.”
The retailer has an e-commerce site, does virtual appointments, and sells its jewelry on Etsy and 1stDibs.
“I am so proud of our team and how we continue to grow despite the many challenges that we have faced over our 100-year history. To get to this milestone and still have a strong business and family bond is what keeps me going every day,” Steve said.
“We look forward to the future and celebrating 100 more years in business.”
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
