ColumnistsFeb 19, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
IndependentsAug 25, 2017
Govberg Jewelers Opens New Headquarters in Philly Suburbs
The space underwent 18 months of renovation to better reflect its vision of tech-enabled luxury commerce, including a watch “trading floor.”
Govberg Jewelers’ renovated headquarters in the suburbs of Philadelphia features a “trading floor” on the second level, where associates engage with clients across the world.
Bala Cynwyd, Pa.--After an $8.5 million investment and 18 months of renovation and construction, retailer Govberg Jewelers has opened its new headquarters in a Philadelphia suburb.
Located in Bala Cynwyd, the three-story, 20,000-square-foot building is a shared workplace that brings together departments that previously were spread among five facilities: pre-owned watches, marketing, technology, finance, administration and watchmaking.
All floors have five-foot tall windows that span the entire perimeter of the building, allowing sunlight to flood the first-floor state-of-the-art watchmaking facility, where nine Swiss-trained watchmakers and refinishers service and repair hundreds of timepieces every month.
The second floor houses Govberg’s operations, administration and the digitally-focused pre-owned watch department, where concierge-style associates engage with clients across the world from what the company is referring to as its “trading floor.”
Here, the team of “traders” acquires luxury timepieces from private collections and estates while also accepting watch trade-ins and new purchases.
Meanwhile, the third floor houses the company’s executive department--marketing, technology and finance--where community spaces, conference rooms and designated lounge areas are an integral part of the floorplan to allow for collaboration, productivity and creativity, the company said.
The space’s décor reflects both its main point of business for more than 100 years through design features like wall clocks by the watch brands that Govberg Jewelers represents, as well as its embrace of startup culture, with aspects like autographed sports memorabilia from legendary athletes, playful artwork and life-sized superheroes found around the office.
CEO Danny Govberg said, “The move is part of our long-term vision for tech-enabled luxury commerce as we become more agile and focused on introducing new concepts to the marketplace. We recognize today’s customer wants a trusted partner to buy, sell and trade luxury pre-owned watches with convenience and ease. Our new headquarters provides space and resources to scale these services in a manner unique to the watch category.”
Govberg Jewelers celebrated its 100th anniversary last year but received attention for the modern, technology-driven way it answers the demands of today’s consumers. It was mentioned in an article from The New York Times about Swiss watchmakers beginning to sell online, a space for which it provides a model with its omnichannel approach.
In 2015, the company launched its own app, Govberg OnTime, geared toward tech-savvy shoppers. It offered
a platform for buyers who want to buy, trade and sell new and pre-owned watches, allowing users to see how much a specific watch sold for over a twelve-month period and giving them a benchmark to price their own watch for resale.
This spring, it was rebranded as WatchBox by Govberg, as it also redesigned its functionality, user experience and aesthetic--the watch pricing guide feature has a more advanced proprietary algorithm that factors secondary market analysis, estimated market value and recent market sales for more than 80,000 unique models, and that data is supplemented with descriptions and details of each model, related news articles and purchase availability. They also updated the shopping feature.
This spring, it was rebranded as WatchBox by Govberg, as it also redesigned its functionality, user experience and aesthetic--the watch pricing guide feature has a more advanced proprietary algorithm that factors secondary market analysis, estimated market value and recent market sales for more than 80,000 unique models, and that data is supplemented with descriptions and details of each model, related news articles and purchase availability. They also updated the shopping feature.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
