Independents

To Celebrate 100 Years, This Retailer Is Giving Away $10K

IndependentsApr 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.


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.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

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 Latest

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith
ColumnistsJan 22, 2025
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Fare in 2024?

Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.

Los Angeles wildfires
Policies & IssuesJan 22, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Steps Up Aid for LA Jewelry Businesses

The company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 graphic
Events & AwardsJan 22, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ Class

Now in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Holiday wrapped gift boxes
SurveysJan 22, 2025
Holiday Sales Hit Record High, Says NRF

Core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.

Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Foundrae Reach for Life collection campaign
CollectionsJan 22, 2025
Foundrae’s New Collection Channels the Power of Now

The “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little Secret

Peter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.

ride_or_die_1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday Campaign

A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’

Lord Jewelry brown and white diamond ring
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha Mousse

Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.

Charms from designer Jenna Blake
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief

From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.

Diamonds Do Good
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board Members

Julia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.

Bucellati necklaces
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday Quarter

The company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.

Picchiotti Classic Blue and Green Necklace
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ Necklace

The necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.

Jameel Mohammed
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer Award

Jameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.

Timex National Park Collection
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park Watches

The watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.

Elizabeth Taylor diamond line bracelet
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction

Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.

JCK open registration graphic
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for Registration

The jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.

Iris Apfel
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel Auction

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.

Macy’s Herald Square New York City store
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround Strategy

The closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee Americans with Disabilities Act guide cover
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

The online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.

Jose Hess Design Award Trophy
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for Submissions

The awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.

Susan Jacques
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025

The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.

Jewelry designer and National Jeweler guest columnist Jules Kim
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and Industry

In this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.

Henry A. Hänni
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni Dies

A pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.

Woman wearing rings on both hands
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall Short

The peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.

Edouard Schneider
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand Officer

Schneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking Gemfields

Gemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy