Grand Rapids, Michigan · Est. 1889
132 Years
of Extraordinary
A seventeen-year-old immigrant from Russia. A pocket watch. A city on the rise. What Joseph Siegel built in 1889 became West Michigan's most trusted jewelry store — and a family legacy now entering its sixth generation.
The Origin Story
A Boy from Russia.
A Watch in His Hands.
In 1881, a seventeen-year-old named Joseph Siegel left Russia alone and crossed an ocean to start a new life in America. He carried with him one extraordinary skill: the ability to repair timepieces with a precision that bordered on artistry.
The timing was perfect. America's railroads were expanding at a breathtaking pace, and accurate timekeeping was not a luxury — it was a matter of life and death. Passengers could not afford to miss their trains. Joseph's skill made him invaluable.
In 1889, he opened Siegel Jewelers in downtown Grand Rapids at the Sweets Hotel on 43 Lyon Street. He added jewelry, diamonds, silver, and eyeglasses to his watchmaking practice. Grand Rapids' most prominent citizens became loyal customers. A dynasty was born.
"Our vibrant staff, proud history, and deserved reputation for integrity and reliability ensure that Siegel Jewelers will continue to offer superior customer service for many years to come."
Joseph Siegel
Founder · 1889
Monroe Street, Grand Rapids — circa 1900
Grand Rapids, Michigan
The City That Grew
With the Store
When Joseph Siegel opened his doors in 1889, Grand Rapids was a city of 60,000 people — a booming furniture manufacturing hub on the Grand River. The railroads connected it to Chicago and Detroit. Ambition was everywhere.
Over the next 137 years, Siegel Jewelers moved with the city — from the Sweets Hotel to Canal Street, to Monroe Avenue, to Woodland Mall, to Lake Eastbrook Boulevard. Each move reflected Grand Rapids' own evolution.
Through the Great Depression (when most jewelry stores failed), through two World Wars, through the rise of big-box retail — Siegel Jewelers endured. Not by accident. By integrity.
137 Years & Counting
The Siegel Timeline
Joseph Arrives in America
A seventeen-year-old named Joseph Siegel emigrates from Russia to America, alone. He carries one extraordinary skill: repairing timepieces with artisan precision. The railroads are booming — accurate timekeeping is a matter of life and death. Joseph's skill makes him invaluable.
Age 17. Alone. A new country. A craft that would build a dynasty.
A pocket watch like those Joseph repaired — precision instruments that kept the railroad era running
Monroe Street, Grand Rapids — the heart of commerce where Siegel Jewelers first made its mark
Siegel Jewelers is Born
Joseph Siegel founds Siegel Jewelers in downtown Grand Rapids, opening his first shop at the Sweets Hotel at 43 Lyon Street. He adds jewelry, diamonds, silver, and eyeglasses to his watchmaking practice. Grand Rapids' most prominent citizens quickly become loyal customers.
Grand Rapids, Michigan. A city on the rise. A jeweler for the ages.
Downtown Expansion
Success comes quickly. The store moves to 12 Canal Street, then 17 Canal Street — Joseph and Ethel are listed together as jewelers. Joseph's skill and integrity build a reputation that spreads throughout West Michigan.
Joseph and Ethel. Partners in life and in craft.
Canal Street, Grand Rapids circa 1910 — where Siegel Jewelers served the city's finest families
Joseph Siegel — founder, watchmaker, diamond merchant, patriarch
A Diamond Merchant's Address
The store moves to 207 Monroe Avenue, then 82 Monroe — now bearing the proud sign: "Joseph Siegel Jewelers — Jewelers and Diamond Merchants." After WWI, Joseph's sons Norton and Arthur join the business.
Three generations. One name. One standard of excellence.
Arthur Siegel vs. the Nazi Olympics
Arthur Siegel, an officer in the Amateur Boxing Association, travels to New York to petition the United States Olympic Committee to boycott the 1936 Berlin Olympics in Nazi Germany. The Grand Rapids Press covers the story. The Michigan delegation, including Arthur, votes against American participation.
When it mattered most, the Siegels stood on the right side of history.
The Grand Rapids Press, 1936 — Arthur Siegel's stand against the Nazi Olympics
The kind of store Miller and Leslie built — elegant, personal, unforgettable
Third Generation Takes the Helm
Miller Siegel returns from WWII with a University of Michigan business degree, CPA credentials, and one of the earliest gemologist certifications in the country. His wife Leslie manages and expands the silver, crystal, china, and gift departments. Many Grand Rapids families do their bridal registry at Siegels.
Miller. Leslie. A gemologist. A visionary. A store that became a Grand Rapids institution.
A Young Gerald Ford Buys a Ring
A young Gerald R. Ford — future 38th President of the United States — purchases an engagement ring from Siegel Jewelers. Decades later, a personal letter from President Ford hangs in the store, a testament to a relationship that transcended commerce.
The ring that started a presidential love story. Sold by Siegel Jewelers.
A personal letter from President Gerald R. Ford — one of Siegel's most treasured keepsakes
The Grand Rapids Press, 1968 — "MBM, Siegel Jewelry: First Woodland Lessees"
First Lessees at Woodland Mall
Siegel Jewelers recognizes the national trend toward suburban shopping and opens a second location at the brand-new Woodland Mall Shopping Center — becoming one of its very first tenants. Explosive growth and 5,200 square feet of expanded space propel Siegel to dominance in the Grand Rapids market.
The boldest bet in Siegel history. It paid off beyond anyone's imagination.
Six Generations. One Legacy.
Jim and Joel Siegel (4th generation) consolidated the business to one exceptional store at 2845 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. Jaron and Alicia Siegel (5th generation) brought digital innovation. Shiah and Maya Siegel (6th generation) both joined at age 17 — just like Joseph did in 1881. The circle continues.
Shiah at 17. Maya at 17. Joseph was 17 when it all began.
The Family
Six Generations of Siegels
Joseph Siegel
1889–1918
Founder, Watchmaker, Diamond Merchant
Emigrated from Russia at 17. Built the foundation.
Norton & Arthur Siegel
1918–1946
Civic Leaders, Business Builders
Arthur stood against the Nazi Olympics. Norton expanded the business.
Miller & Leslie Siegel
1946–1979
Gemologist, Gift Department Pioneer
One of the first certified gemologists. Opened Woodland Mall.
Jim & Joel Siegel
1979–2015
Modernizers, Consolidators
Moved to Lake Eastbrook. Built the best single-store experience.
Jaron & Alicia Siegel
2015–Present
Marketing Director, Operations
Brought digital innovation and creative energy to a 130-year legacy.
Shiah & Maya Siegel
2018–Present
The Next Chapter
Both started at age 17 — just like Joseph did in 1881.
What We Believe
The Siegel Values
These are not corporate values written by a committee. They are the principles that six generations of Siegels have lived by — often at personal cost.
Integrity Above All
Joseph Siegel built this store on honesty. Every generation has upheld that standard — even when it was harder than the alternative.
Craftsmanship
We employ full-time bench jewelers and a watchmaker on premises. We don't send your jewelry away. We fix it here, by hand, with pride.
Expertise
Our credentialed gemologist can authenticate and appraise any jewelry or gem on the premises. Knowledge you can trust.
Community
From Arthur Siegel's stand against the Nazi Olympics to Sheryl Siegel's service as Grand Rapids Community Treasurer — we are Grand Rapids.
Family
Six generations of Siegels. Staff members like Jan Quinlan who gave 44 years. We are not a corporation. We are a family.
The Best, Not the Biggest
We chose to be one exceptional store rather than a chain of average ones. Every piece, every repair, every customer gets our full attention.
Recognition
West Michigan's Premier Jeweler
Best Jeweler in West Michigan
Recognized year after year by Grand Rapids readers and industry peers.
Grand Rapids Community Treasurer
Sheryl Siegel elected by the City of Grand Rapids in 2016.
137th Anniversary
Celebrated in 2026 — one of the longest-running family jewelers in Michigan.
Come Be Part of the Story
137 years of extraordinary. And the best chapter is still being written. Visit us at 2845 Lake Eastbrook Blvd, Grand Rapids.
2845 Lake Eastbrook Blvd · Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Mon–Fri 10am–6pm · Sat 10am–5pm · Sun Closed
(616) 942-7190