Independents

Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

IndependentsDec 19, 2024

Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

DeVries Jewelers
DeVries Jewelers, a fifth-generation, family-owned retailer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, just opened a new, larger store. Here, Dennis DeVries, the former owner, cuts the ribbon alongside his sons and current owners, Dan and Dave DeVries, and other guests. (Image courtesy of Kate English Photography)
Grand Rapids, Mich.—DeVries Jewelers has opened its new store, just in time for the holiday rush. 

The fifth-generation, family-owned independent jeweler in Grand Rapids, Michigan, cut the ribbon on its new two-story store last week, located down the street from its previous location.

Looking to expand into a bigger space, co-owners and brothers Dan and Dave DeVries purchased a property down the street with more than triple the space, with demolition beginning in January of this year.

It was time for an update, Dan DeVries said in an interview with National Jeweler, as the retailer has been in business since 1901 and had been in its previous location since 1955.

“This obviously is a major update, but it’s a little more fitting for where we’ve grown our business to,” said Dan.

“It's kind of like we’re real now. We stepped out of ‘mom and pop’ into ‘Oh, they’re real jewelers now.’”

Construction on the new store began in February, with help from Grand Rapids-based Pinnacle Construction Group and interior design firm r.o.i. Design.  

It was important for the jeweler to use local businesses, he said.

DeVries Jewelers closed its previous location on Nov. 25, and had a soft opening for the new store on Nov. 29, with an official dedication held on Dec. 11.

Opening a new location that close to Christmas may not be for the faint of heart.

The initial plan was to hold a grand opening before Thanksgiving, but there was a special project holding up the works.

The jeweler wanted to bring its well-known and well-loved horseshoe-shaped circa 1950s jewelry case into its new space. But it needed refurbishing, which took a bit longer than expected.

The jeweler also was waiting on the delivery of other showcases to fill the space, but as the holiday season crept closer, a decision had to be made.

It was a labor of love, and there was the temptation to wait until everything was perfect for a grand opening, said Dan, but a January debut would be too late.

“It put a lot of pressure on us, but at the end of the day, I think it was the right move,” he said.

The new location has more than triple the space of its previous store, bringing it from a one-story store measuring 1,600 square feet to a two-story space of 6,000 square feet.


DeVries Jewelers’ new storefront has a brick exterior and high windows to complement the historic building architecture on Leonard Street.

Though the store has moved three times in its history, the locations always have been within the same two blocks of Leonard Street.

Its vaulted main floor showroom spans 2,150 feet, with a dedicated bridal department, and a second-floor balcony that overlooks the showroom.

The retailer now has the space to introduce more jewelry lines, including Sloane Street Jewelry, Jennifer Dawes Design, Amden Jewelry, and Yael Design, and expand the area for the Frederick Sage line.

The main floor also features an on-site repair shop and service area.

The second floor includes an event space, which can host trunk shows or other shopping events, and a bar for special occasions.

The retailer also has a private parking lot with 25 spaces, in addition to a 50-space lot shared with other local businesses.

Dan said it’s been an adjustment working in a larger space, away from the familiar layout of the old store.

To better serve customers in the new store, the jeweler has plans to expand its team.

The store currently employs 13 people, both part-time and full-time, and plans to hire four to five additional employees for the new location.

The updated store has attracted some new customers, said Dan, and welcomed back longtime clients.

“The feedback has been really good. I’ve been talking [to my customer base] about doing this for the last 10 years so a lot of my regular customers, they’re super excited for us,” he said.

“I don’t know how many bouquets of flowers we’ve been sent, which is really kind of crazy. I should be sending them something, and they’re sending me something.”

The jeweler has invested in its community, said Dan, and said the locals appreciate it.

Grand Rapids Chamber Membership Engagement Manager Todd Anderson attended the opening event, alongside other officials, to congratulate the retailer on its contributions to Leonard Street.

“Family-owned, multi-generational businesses like DeVries Jewelers are the backbone of this community,” Anderson said at the store’s grand opening. 

“DeVries invested in Grand Rapids’ West Side neighborhood more than 120 years ago, way before the West Side was the hot development market that it is today. The Grand Rapids Chamber thanks DeVries Jewelers for its personal investment in Grand Rapids, the West Side, and the Leonard Street business corridor, and we appreciate how the business has helped grow the neighborhood to what it is today.”

DeVries Jewelers was founded in 1901 by Siebern DeVries, great-grandfather of the current owners.

Siebern started off selling jewelry and eyeglasses, as well as offering repair services for jewelry, glasses, and clocks. By 1921, he was exclusively selling jewelry.

He passed away at age 42 due to pneumonia, leaving the store to his wife Cornelia, who ran it for 20 years, including through the Great Depression.

Their son Gerald took over the family business in 1935, followed by his son Dennis in the late 1980s. 

Dennis’ sons, Dan and Dave, took ownership of the store in 2008. Dan’s son Paul is the general manager.

“While our new space is a far cry from our previous store, we’re still the same business that our customers know and trust as one of the oldest family-owned jewelers in West Michigan,” Dave, co-owner and a West Side resident, said in a statement.

His brother shares that sentiment.

“We’re not any different than where we were before. We’re the same ding-dongs wearing jeans and Birkenstocks. We’re just in a little fancier space,” Dan said.

The Latest

Stock image of an empty clothing store
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff Concerns

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.

2025 Instore Jewelry Show Graphic
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and Focus

Now called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.

GemWorld GemGuide logo
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian Emeralds

It includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Tiffany & Co. Sea Turtle Ring
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue Book

The “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Golconda Blue
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From Auction

The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.

National Jeweler Columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7M

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.

Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry

U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

Suzanne Kalan Tech Ring Jacket Collection
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket Collection

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

JCK Industry Fund
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant Recipients

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

×

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