Martin Binder Jeweler

Since opening our doors in 1940, three generations of the Binder family have helped Martin Binder Jeweler grow from a small watchmaking shop to a Valparaiso, Indiana destination for the finest diamonds, jewelry, Swiss-made timepieces, writing instruments, and gift-ware. We're known for our direct purchase diamonds, traveling to diamond sightholders four times a year-a buying strategy that allows Martin Binder's to beat or match diamond pricing from any retailer or other 'diamond wholesaler'.

In our beautiful new store on Highway 30 in Valparaiso, let us set your diamond in a beautiful A.Jaffe engagement ring, or help you find the perfect Forevermark diamond jewelry. We have beautiful finished jewelry and timepieces too, and are proud to be authorized distributors of renowned collections including Rolex, Tudor, PANDORA, and introducing Bell & Ross timepieces, and LAGOS, and Marco Bicego designs.

Through the years, our customers tell us of our reputation for treating our customers with honesty and integrity. Read more about our family history here. Based on our long-standing commitment to tradition and excellence, and while following the Golden Rule, when you come into our store, expect nothing less than outstanding quality and kind, impeccable service.

 Online shoppers can enjoy free shipping, complimentary gift packaging, and convenient payment options, plus a 30-day return policy that ensures that you are 100% satisfied with your purchase. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to help online and in-store shoppers select the perfect piece of jewelry or gift-ware. Additionally, we can perform a wide variety of services in house--from custom jewelry design and engraving to jewelry repairs and watch servicing.

In March, 2014 we moved to a larger space on U.S. 30. In this free-standing location, our guests enjoy a 75-space parking lot with easy access to highways. Nine thousand square feet will houses expanded engagement services featuring Forevermark diamonds and our 'Be Engaged' bridal experience. Browse in our luxurious ROLEX boutique, two personal showrooms, a kids play area, and a PANDORA shop. Enjoy a refreshing beverage and watch the game in our customer lounge.

 We have new workshops for more efficient repair services, and a state-of-the art custom design experience. Best of all, our tripled show   space will finally let us bring you even more popular and affordable jewelry collections.

Our History

You could say the jewelry business ticks in our family’s genes, and somehow, an old grandfather clock became the center of our story. In 1938 my grandfather, Martin Binder, after paying the annual tuition fee of $225, earned his degree in horological science from the Elgin National Watch Company Watchmakers College. Soon after, he began his internship in Gary, Indiana at Kuppler’s Jewelry, the store owned by his sister, Jeanne Kuppler. 

When his sister hired pretty Mary Helfrich to help with part-time jewelry sales, the rest, they say ‘is history’, because the watchmaker and salesgirl fell in love. Martin Binder and Mary Helfrich married in Gary and began a marriage and business partnership that spanned over thirty years, eight store expansions, more philanthropic events than grains of sand on Porter Beach, and three children—who all went on to become career jewelers in the family business.

But first, back in Gary, Martin’s reputation as a skilled watchmaker grew—so much that in 1940, Martin ventured out to open his own watchmaking shop, Binder’s, in nearby Hobart, Indiana. My grandfather then moved his store to Columbia City, Indiana before returning to his roots in Northwest Indiana in 1950. There in Valparaiso—its population buoyed by the bursting steel industry—my grandfather hung his blue and neon-lit jeweler’s sign outside the red brick Bondi building across from the downtown courthouse, making his retail home the small 300 square foot storefront on the Franklin Street side of the Lincolnway building.