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our story

For over a century, our mission has been to make people feel loved. Since the first Helzberg Diamonds opened over a century ago, we've grown into a family of over 200 jewelry stores across the nation. With more than 100 years of diamond expertise, we've created a legacy built on trust, knowledge and high quality diamonds at an incredible price.

1915

On a mission to help spread love to as many people as possible, Morris Helzberg opens the first Helzberg Jewelry Store on Minnesota Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.

1930s

We debut the Certified Perfect Diamonds Program, which labels diamonds as perfect under 10 power magnification.

1944

To help jewelers across the nation better serve their customers, Barnett Helzberg plays a pivotal role in founding the Diamond Council of America.

1948

Helzberg's House of Treasures opens on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, selling jewelry, fine china and silver.

1967

When Barnett Helzberg Jr. proposes to Shirley Bush, the love he feels sparks a thought: Everyone should feel like this. Everyone should feel loved. This romantic notion inspires the now-iconic I AM LOVED lapel button featuring Helzberg Jr.'s own words, “Buy her a diamond or give her a button, but in any case, tell her she's loved.”

People all over the U.S. and around the world start sharing their love with the famous pins. They're still available today: We'd love to give you one (for free!) at your local Helzberg store.

1970s

Helzberg Diamonds rapidly expands, averaging three new store openings each year.

1982

Following the popularity of the Royal Azel gemstone, we introduce the Helzberg Limited Edition Collection.

1990

We successfully open 101 stores across 22 states.

1996

Helzberg Diamonds is acquired by Warren Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway.

1999

Helzberg.com launches, ushering in a new digital era for the company.

2009

Warren Buffett handpicks Beryl Raff to take over leadership of the company. She is widely recognized throughout the jewelry industry as an outstanding merchant.

2009

We become a national sponsor of the Make-A-Wish® Foundation of America, focusing our primary charitable giving on granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Giving includes our annual holiday fundraiser where we donate $5 from every I Am Loved bear purchase to Make-A-Wish®.

2012

To further serve our customers with a wider assortment of product at incredible prices, we debut our first Outlet store. We now have 23 Outlet stores nationwide.

2015

We continue our love affair of offering exclusive engagement rings for every style and budget by partnering with celebrated fashion designers like Zac Posen and others.

2019

We ordain our Associates so couples can not only find the ring, but get hitched at Helzberg while they're at it! As of 2020, we've helped over 100 happy couples tie the knot.

a future full of possibilities

Whether it's using innovative AR technology to virtually try on rings or responding to the rising demand for lab grown diamonds, the future of Helzberg Diamonds looks brighter than ever before. We can't wait to see what the next one hundred years will bring!