THE SYDNEY ROSEN COMPANY: The Family Business

Our father, Sydney Rosen, started his jewelry business in a tiny second floor office on Jeweler’s Row in Philadelphia. Just  a desk and a safe. It was 1947. Peacetime in the nation’s first diamond district. Our father was not formally educated. But he had a "Masters Degree" in life. It was said that our father was as polished as a finely cut diamond, a true gentleman. And a pioneer. People would walk up to his tiny store and get a fascinating lesson in diamonds — a rare experience in 1947. His philosophy, “If it’s not a good diamond, it’s not a good deal” established The Sydney Rosen Company, and in 1955, he opened his first storefront. Back then, I don’t think our father could ever have imagined selling engagement rings and fine diamond jewelry via the Internet. Too impersonal. Our father was a people person. He bought and sold millions of dollars in diamonds by looking someone straight in the eye and listening to the sound of his voice. No contracts. Just a firm handshake. A man was only as good as his word. Our father's word was as good as gold. In the 1950’s and 60’s, our father developed close ties with diamond cutting houses in Antwerp, Belgium, renowned for producing the world’s most brilliant gemstones. Sydney bought direct. About this time, our father said to my brother Steven and I, “I think you boys need a little responsibility. Why don’t you come down to the store?” And so our education began. We learned at his side, observing the consummate teacher, and worked hand in hand with diamond cutters, polishers, jewelry designers — the whole vibrant community of Jeweler’s Row craftsmen. Thirty years later, Steve and I are Graduate Gemologists. And like our father, we’re still on the showroom floor with our customers every day. The diamond cutters in Belgium, Israel and New York are not only suppliers, but friends. Generations of families have come to The Sydney Rosen Company to say “I do.” and “I’d do it again.” It’s a family business in the truest sense, built on special relationships. That's how we want our venture into e-business to continue. We've designed SydneyRosen.com to build trust and confidence. Every diamond in this site has been carefully chosen by my brother and I, and all are independently certified. All the information you need to make an educated purchase online is right here — satisfaction guaranteed. And yet...when you’re ready to make that once-in-a-lifetime purchase, we'd like you to call us. If possible, come to our showroom — the largest and most beautiful on Jeweler’s Row. We may be old fashioned, but we like to meet our customers, and know that the diamond ring you’ve chosen is right for you. And we think you might like to know the folks you’re buying from. We’re always happy to answer questions, and welcome your suggestions about how our site could serve you better. Because like our father, Steve and I know that our business is built on trust.