Siegel Jewelers was founded in downtown Grand Rapids in 1889 by Joseph Siegel. Joseph came to America by himself from Russia in 1881 at the age of 17. With the advent of the railroads, Joseph’s skill as a superior watchmaker became invaluable to passengers needing an accurate timepiece to ensure that they did not miss their trains. Siegel Jewelers soon added jewelry, diamonds, silver, and eyeglasses to their shop, and many of Grand Rapids’ most prominent citizens became loyal customers. 

Reflective of Joseph’s success was the purchase of a summer home near Lake Michigan, which he enjoyed with his wife, Ethel, and their 3 children. This cottage is still being used by Joseph’s descendants.

His son, Arthur, became an optometrist, providing eyeglasses and vision services to the community in addition to watch repair. An interesting anecdote is that in 1936 Arthur (who was an officer in the Amateur Boxing Association) went to New York to petition the United States Olympic Committee to boycott the Olympic Games in Nazi Germany.

Shortly after WWI, Joseph's two sons, Norton and Arthur, joined him in the business. They also became active in various service organizations in Grand Rapids. Siegel Jewelers’ smart business practices enabled the store to survive the depression when most jewelry stores failed.  Read more. 

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