Page 50 - midJersey Business - January 2015

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Time Frame

A LOOK BACK AT HISTORICAL MID-JERSEY BUSINESSES

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OPENED: 1912 LOCATION: Trenton
SIGNIFICANCE: Irving Siegel, a former errand boy,
purchased the business on Sept.
3, 1927, for $15,750 in notes
payable to the former owners.

HAMILTON JEWELERS

A mid-Jersey icon for more than 100 years

H

amilton Jewelers has been tile store. Hamilton forged a practical Jewelers of America, the national trade
family-owned and oper- business with items ranging from clocks association for businesses serving the ine

ated for three generations. and pocket watches to ine wedding and jewelry marketplace, recently inducted
Originally founded in engagement rings.
Hamilton Jewelers into its JA 100 Club.

1912 in Trenton as George When Siegel purchased the irm, Hamil- The JA 100 Club was established in 1995
Marks Inc., the store was
ton began to stake its claim as a prominent to honor JA Member jewelry stores that

purchased by Irving Siegel in 1927 and purveyor of the world’s inest brands
have been in continuous operation for a
was located at 122 S. Broad St. In 1945, in timepieces as well, beginning with a century or longer and have set an example

Hamilton relocated to the corner of Broad relationship he established with Patek of high professional distinction throughout
and Hanover Streets in Trenton and began Philippe in 1938—one of the country’s several generations in their communities.

forging relationships with manufacturers irst independent retailers to carry the “Hamilton Jewelers has been an
like the Rolex Watch Company.
renowned maker of ine Swiss timepieces.
integral part of its community for three

Hamilton began with diverse product In 1955, Irving’s son, Martin Siegel, generations, something that sets it apart

oferings, at a time in history when most joined the business, and in 1982, Martin’s from today’s average jewelry store or re-
cities in America had a butcher, a cobbler, son, Hank, followed and is now president tailer,” says JA President and CEO David

a banker, a barber, and a general mercan-
and CEO.
J. Bonaparte.

48 business
midJersey