Helzberg Diamonds was founded more than 100 years ago, and since then we’re committed to delight our customers with high-quality service and jewelry. Because we understand how special it is to give and receive fine jewelry, we want you to treasure the experience for years to come.
A history of success
1915
Morris Helzberg opened his first store in Kansas City.
1930
Helzberg created the Certified Perfect Diamonds Program – diamonds that the jewelry industry labeled as perfect under 10 power magnification.
1948
Helzberg opened Helzberg’s House of Treasures on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City. The store was built on three levels and sold jewelry, fine china and silver.
1959
Helzberg operated 15 stores in six markets, along with a mail order division.
1967
Barnett Jr. proposed to Shirley Bush. The euphoria he felt about his engagement to Shirley led to an idea for an ad – a lapel button with the words I AM LOVED®. The advertising concept was “buy her a diamond or give her a button, but in any case, tell her she’s loved”. Within weeks of its launch, this modest promotion became a national phenomenon that put Helzberg Diamonds on the map.
1970s
Pursuing its ambitious expansion plan, Helzberg opened on average three new mall stores every year. He operated 42 stores in 16 states by the end of the 1970s.
1982
Helzberg continued to have success during the following decade by stressing the importance of difference in the marketplace, backing the concept with unique jewelry, a rate new gem, the Royal Azel. Inspired by the Royal Azel’s success, Helzberg Limited Edition was introduced.
1990
Helzberg counts 101 stores across 22 states.
1995
After a chance meeting on the streets of New York City, Barnett sold the company to Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett – leaving the company with a tremendous opportunity for grown.
1996
Helzberg launched its first e-commerce site – helzberg.com
1999
Helzberg reached 200 stores.
2009
Highly regarded jewelry industry expert and outstanding multi-store retail executive, Beryl Raff was chosen by Warren Buffett to take over the leadership of Helzberg Diamonds.
2010
With more than 220 stores and a retail website, Helzberg became the first nationwide jeweler to qualify for membership in the American Gem Society.
2012
Helzberg opens its first outlet store at Woodburn Premium Outlets in Woodburn, Oregon.
2015
Helzberg Diamonds repositioned the brand around a new tagline – Here’s to Love – reflecting our common purpose of making people feel loved and helping them celebrate life’s happiest moments.