Located on the corner of Market and Patrick streets in historic downtown Frederick, MD for more than 70 years, Colonial Jewelers is the area’s largest single source for diamonds, engagement rings, wedding bands, Swiss watches and other fine jewelry.
As a fourth-generation jeweler, they have always operated according to the Golden Rule, to always treat their customers the way they would want to be treated, and with the premise that they would only offer jewelry that they themselves would be proud to own or gift.
From engagement rings and wedding bands to a lifetime of special occasions, Colonial Jewelers will be here for all of your life moments. They take pride in their knowledgeable, friendly staff, their large selection of jewelry, and the vast array of services they offer.
The entire Colonial team is dedicated to making your jewelry buying experience simple, rewarding, and, most importantly… FUN! They hope that you will visit their store and see for yourself… The Colonial Jewelers’ Box… there’s just more in it!
© Happy Little Life Photography
Meet Colonial Jewelers
Colonial Jewelers is a family business with a long history in jewelry making and selling.
Ben Hurwitz, who was a clockmaker in his native Russia, immigrated to the U.S. in 1920. He arrived at the Port of Baltimore and eventually settled in Westminster, where he opened a jewelry store, then called Colombia Jewelers.
By 1948, Ben’s son, Will, and daughter-in-law, Marilyn, opened a second location on North Market Street in downtown Frederick. That second location was a success, and eventually the Frederick store moved to 9 W. Patrick St., while the Westminster store closed.
In 1973, Will and Marilyn’s son, Jeff Hurwitz, entered the business with his wife, Patty, and in 1998, Jeff and Patty again moved the business — this time, across the street to the old Maryland National Bank building at 1 S. Market St., where it stands today.
Jeff Hurwitz, the store’s current president works alongside his wife, Patty, and daughter, Sarah Hurwitz Robey, who joined the business as a fourth-generation staff member in 2003. After becoming a Graduate Gemologist herself through the Gemological Institute of America, she is now the store manager — though she was helping out part-time at the store before she even had a driver’s license.
“I love having the opportunity to help the people of Frederick celebrate some of the best times of their lives, engagements, anniversaries, birthdays and so much more,” said Sarah.
Photo Courtesy: Rebecca Mitchell Photography
Jeff, Patty and Sarah manage the business’ daily operations and their 20-member team.
The Colonial Jewelers of 1948 sold a variety of items, from jewelry and giftware to televisions and home appliances. Today, their inventory is exclusively fine jewelry and watches, and they are recognized as the area’s largest single source for diamonds, engagement rings, wedding bands, Swiss watches and other fine jewelry. They continue to offer jewelry and watch repair, as they did in days of yore, and they sell custom-made jewelry to meet all needs.
© Happy Little Life Photography
The unique jewelry store has two in-house jewelers on staff who create custom jewelry.
We have two very talented, in house jewelers who make engagement and custom jewelry dreams come true! This is not the case for all jewelers so it really sets us apart. Colonial Jewelers is the largest single source for loose diamonds and are committed to making the engagement buying process fun!
“We have something for everyone! We love to help people get engaged but what you might not know is that we have jewelry for everyday wear in every price range!” explained Sarah.
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Mitchell Photography
As a member of the Frederick community, Colonial Jewelers is committed to giving back in many ways.
The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund was established in 1999 by Jeff and Patty Hurwitz, after Patty’s diagnosis of breast cancer. She and Jeff wanted to start a fund to bring the very best breast cancer treatment to Frederick residents.
Believing that early diagnosis was the key to Patty’s successful outcome, the goal of the fund has been to provide the most innovative options in early detection and treatment of breast cancer to the Frederick community. Contributions from the Fund are helping save lives locally. Every dollar donated to the Fund is used for local direct patient care and there are no administrative costs taken from donations.
Over the past 21 years, more than $2.2 million has been raised through community support for the fund and its events.
Colonial also started the Em(brace)let program, 100% of the profits went to support the following local organizations, Frederick Health, Blessings in a Backpack, The Heartly House, I Believe in Me, Love for Lochlin, Mental Health Association, Platoon 22, Phoenix Foundation of Maryland, Sophie and Madigan’s Playground and The Hurwitz Foundation.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so it’s a perfect time to get acquainted with Colonial Jewelers as you support our local retailers.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.