About Us
Albert's Diamond Jewelers is a treasured Chicagoland jewelry shopping destination, located in Northwest Indiana only thirty minutes from downtown Chicago! Established in 1905, Albert's has grown from a tiny storefront in East Chicago, Indiana to one of the largest and most successful family-owned jewelers in the entire country. Albert's Diamond Jewelers has one location in Schererville.
In an often fast-paced world, Albert’s prides itself on remaining steadfast in our commitment to creating a warm and personal experience for every individual who walks through our door. Times may change, but our dedication to the very best in customer care and attention never will. We are thankful to those who patron our store, and feel honored to be part of the Northwest Indiana community. To show our appreciation, we’ve recognized students and public servants for their achievements throughout the year, and with your help, we’ve raised over 2 million dollars to fund research for Multiple Sclerosis. We are committed to both our customers and our community. We are dedicated to creating a shopping experience that allows those who visit Albert’s Diamond Jewelers to enter as customers, but leave as members of the Albert’s family. Although Albert’s flagship store is now one of the largest jewelry stores in the entire country, it feels more like a gathering place for friends, neighbors and couples in our community. You’ll feel that warmth at one of our many special events this season, or anytime you drop by to visit.
Our special relationships with world renowned designers allow us to stay ahead of the latest trends in jewelry design and timepiece innovations. You’ll see many of these spectacular new designs in our showcases. Albert’s offers the most prestigious brands including Cartier, TAG Heuer, IWC, Breitling, David Yurman, Roberto Coin, John Hardy and Mikimoto. Our family of jewelry experts is committed to sharing their knowledge, expertise and guidance in offering each customer an exceptional value with unsurpassed quality. Come and see what all of the talk is about—we can't wait to see you at Albert's!
“Thank you for being in business and treating people the way you do, no matter if they are just looking or ready to buy that day. Read More — Mario G. Segneri”
A Chat with Fred
In 1905, Albert Rubinstein hung his shingle at the corner of Main Street and Broadway in East Chicago's Indiana Harbor neighborhood. More than a century later, the business still is known as Albert's Jewelers, and has been owned and operated by the Halpern family since 1960. The follow excerpts were taken from a Chicago Post-Tribune article in which Fred Halpern was interviewed:
“I was born and raised in Chicago and went to South Shore High School,” Halpern began. “My father was in the jewelry business in Chicago. A guy named Bernie Davis managed one of Dad's stores.”
“Davis was a great basketball player for Northwestern, but he loved the horses and loved the girls. He left my father and bought a store in Indiana Harbor called Albert's.”
How did Davis fare? “He got in (some financial) trouble ... plus, in '59, the mills closed down because of the steel strike. Davis went bankrupt. At the time, I'm a 21-year old junior at the University of Alabama who was working summer help at Republic Steel. My dad tells me, ‘We own that store in Indiana now; you got it.”
Bad for Davis, but good for you. “It was a bankrupt store with no inventory and no customers. My first year, we did $27,000 worth of business. I didn't get paid.”
“I lived at home with my parents at 78th and Yates. The second year, I did $36,000. I still didn't get paid. The only stuff we sold was called memorandum.”
Explain, please. “A person would come around and say: 'Freddy, here's $100 worth of merchandise. If you sell it, you pay me at the end of the week.' There were times they shut off my water or electricity — no money.”
What did you do? “I said to (heck) with this (stuff); either I'm gonna make it or I'm not. I started staying open until after every movie theater closed. All the other jewelry stores were closed; everything was closed but me. If a guy came out of the movies with his girlfriend ... he could buy her a pair of earrings for a buck.”
The secret to your success? “A positive mental attitude. You have to believe there is nothing you can't do. Also, be honest with your customers and find a way to outhustle your competition. I wasn't smarter than my competition, but I stayed open until almost midnight.”
The Story of Albert's Diamond Jewelers
1905
Albert's Jewelers is founded in East Chicago, IN
1960
Fred Halpern takes over Albert's
1968
Fred and Donna Halpern marry on Valentine's Day. This date is commemorated each year with couples getting married at Albert's.
1987
Albert's begins using the slogan, "See you at Albert's"
1995
Joshua Halpern graduates and joins Albert's Jewelers full-time. Albert's Jewelers name officially changes to Albert's Diamond Jewelers and new logo is unveiled
2002
Albert's Diamond Jewelers Moves to Schererville, IN.
Albert's Jewelers is renamed Albert's Diamond Jewelers. New logo is unveiled.
2010
Joshua Halpern takes over as President of Albert's Diamond Jewelers
Albert's Diamond Jewelers opens a store in Westfield Southlake Mall
2012
Albert's Diamond Jewelers hold grand opening for newer, bigger location in Westfield Southlake Mall
Albert's trademarks "See you at Albert's"
Albert's Diamond Jewelers Schererville location begins 9000 square feet expansion.
