Diehl's Jewelers

The only Master Graduate Gemologist Appraiser (GIA/IJO) in the area, owner and jewelry designer Kris Schmid continues his family’s tradition started by his grandmother Eleanor Diehl in 1946.

Kris designs his own collection as well as custom designing for his clients.
The Diehl’s Jewelers story begins in the early 20th century, when our great grandfather opened up Samuel L. Diehl Jewelers & Opticians in Pen Argyl, PA.

One of his sons, Robert W. Diehl, became a watchmaker. He opened Diehl’s Jewelers in Somerville, NJ in 1940. Robert and his wife, Eleanor Diehl, decided to open a second store in Bernardsville, NJ in 1946. Back then they had to buy an existing business to get into town, so they bought out the dry cleaner in town and became Diehl’s Jewelers and Dry Cleaners, located at 20 Olcott Square.

Eleanor operated the store with her friend Albert LaCoste. They spent many years serving the community as the only jeweler and only dry cleaner in town. Robert closed his store in 1948 and went on to found The Ticker Shop in Cranford. He also worked for other jewelers, like Frost Jewelers in Irvington.

Diehl’s Jewelers dropped the dry cleaning and moved to 30 Olcott Square in 1960. Eleanor was known for her personalized service, redesigning skills and her repertoire of dirty jokes.

In 1987 Eleanor and Al were ready to retire. They asked Eleanor’s daughter, Nora Diehl Schmid, if she wanted to buy the business. She asked her son, Kris, if he was interested. Al and Eleanor were going to stay on through 1988. Unfortunately, Eleanor passed away in late 1987. At the end of 1987 Nora, her husband Bob, Kris and his fiancee Kelly Coles took over the store.

Bob decided to retire at the end of 2004. Heidi was added to our staff in 2005. She helps with buying, sales, designing, and pearl and bead stringing.

On March 1st, 2006 we moved the store to 24 Olcott Square after 45 years. The new location gives us a fresh, vibrant new look.

In 2009 Heidi left the shop to pursue her rapidly expanding editing business and in 2010 Jeremy went part time to manage a fencing academy. We hired Andrea Davenport full time in 2010. Andrea has a Master's Degree in Art and Education from Montclair University, where she developed her love of metalsmithing. She has worked in the sales end of our industry, taught jewelry workshops and designs her own line of jewelry.

In 2012 Andrea left to move to western Massachusetts and Heidi returned to the shop.

Diehl’s is still a small town family store with its friendly, knowledgeable service. We pride ourselves on offering unique designs with great values. Not only do we carry unusual pieces from several designers, but all three of us create designs for the store.

Services

Gold, Silver, Platinum, Titanium, Diamond, Colored Stone, Designer, Pearl, Bead, and Estate Jewelry
Clocks, Watches, Silver, Pewter, and Crystal Giftware, Jewelry Boxes, and Baby Gifts
Jewelry, Gemstone, Watch and Clock Repair
New Laser Jewelry Repair In House
Pearl and Bead Restringing
New Certified High-End Watch Repair
Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Baum & Mercier, Omega, Concord, Corum, Boucheron, Piaget, Rado, Ebel, Gucci, Hamilton, Movado, Tissot - Cleaning, Oil and Adjustment only on Tag Heuer and Cartier
Custom Design
Remounting
Special Orders
Gold Buying and Estate Jewelry Brokering
Corporate Gifts
Custom Logo Watches
Bridal Party Gifts
Watch Batteries and Bands
Baby Shoe Bronzing
Trophies
Engraving-Hand and Machine and Crystal items purchased here
Appraisals
Shipping

Complementary Services

Gift Wrapping
Jewelry Cleaning and Inspection
Ring Removal(cutting)
Layaway
Ear Piercing
Wish Lists
Hint Cards
Exclusive E-mail Specials
Records of Previous Sales
Public Speaking Engagements