A mid-Jersey icon for more than 100 years
Hamilton Jewelers has been family-owned and operated for three generations. Originally founded in 1912 in Trenton as George Marks Inc., the store was purchased by Irving Siegel in 1927 and was located at 122 S. Broad St. In 1945, Hamilton relocated to the corner of Broad and Hanover Streets in Trenton and began forging relationships with manufacturers like the Rolex Watch Company.
Hamilton began with diverse product offerings, at a time in history when most cities in America had a butcher, a cobbler, a banker, a barber, and a general mercantile store. Hamilton forged a practical business with items ranging from clocks and pocket watches to fine wedding and engagement rings.
When Siegel purchased the firm, Hamilton began to stake its claim as a prominent purveyor of the world’s finest brands in timepieces as well, beginning with a relationship he established with Patek Philippe in 1938—one of the country’s first independent retailers to carry the renowned maker of fine Swiss timepieces.
In 1955, Irving’s son, Martin Siegel, joined the business, and in 1982, Martin’s son, Hank, followed and is now president and CEO.
Jewelers of America, the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, recently inducted Hamilton Jewelers into its JA 100 Club. The JA 100 Club was established in 1995 to honor JA Member jewelry stores that have been in continuous operation for a century or longer and have set an example of high professional distinction throughout several generations in their communities.
“Hamilton Jewelers has been an integral part of its community for three generations, something that sets it apart from today’s average jewelry store or retailer,” says JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte.