Our Story

The Hamilton Legacy


Four generations of family ownership.

Since 1912

A Century of Milestones

From a single storefront on South Broad Street to five destinations in New Jersey and Florida, four generations of the Siegel family have guided Hamilton.

  1. 1912

    Hamilton Jewelers is founded in Trenton, New Jersey.

  2. 1927

    Irving Siegel purchases Hamilton on September 3, 1927 for $15,750. The store is located at 122 South Broad Street.

  3. 1930

    Irving hires the first Hamilton Jewelers employee.

  4. 1933

    Hamilton undergoes a modernization at its South Broad Street location. In the midst of the Great Depression, Hamilton still makes the investment to turn the property into a showplace of retail merchandising.

  5. 1945

    Hamilton relocates to the corner of Broad and Hanover Street in Trenton, NJ.

  6. 1946

    Hamilton establishes a relationship with Rolex Watch Company.

  7. The First Generation

    I believe a man is measured by the legacy that he leaves to his family, his friends, and his community. Being a good citizen, a fair merchant, and a supportive civic member … these are the pillars that I hope to have imparted to our business.
    Irving Siegel
  8. 1955

    Martin Siegel joins his father’s company and begins a tenure that will extend through 2014 and beyond.

  9. 1957

    On October 27, 1957, a large fire requiring the service of over 200 firefighters ravages Hamilton as well as several other businesses.

  10. 1958

    Hamilton Jewelers re-opens its doors in a new state-of-the-art location to an anxious crowd.

  11. 1962

    Hamilton celebrates its 50th year as a family-owned business.

  12. 1964

    Hamilton designs a commemorative medallion for the State of New Jersey Tercentenary Celebration.

  13. 1965

    Hamilton continues to lead the industry in revolutionary newspaper advertising in color.

  14. 1977

    Irving Siegel retires to his longtime winter home in Palm Beach. The boredom of not meeting and greeting clients every day compels him to open a store on world-famous Worth Avenue.

  15. The Second Generation

    It’s all about the client … always has been and always will be. I want Hamilton to be known as the store that treats clients like family and the place where guests feel welcomed and appreciated. We are proud to have played a role in so many important client memories.
    Martin Siegel
  16. 1982

    Hank Siegel joins the company in a full-time role, becoming the third generation of the Siegel family to lead Hamilton.

  17. 1986

    Hamilton opens a third residence in a landmark building in Princeton, NJ, at 92 Nassau Street.

  18. 1988

    Hamilton becomes one of the first tenants at The Gardens Mall, which soon becomes the cornerstone of retail development in the city of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

  19. 1991

    Hamilton develops its corporate culture with a defined Vision, Mission, and Core Values Statement that refines the company’s strategic goals as a family-owned business.

  20. 1993

    Hank Siegel becomes President of Hamilton Jewelers.

  21. 1995

    Hamilton expands its flagship Princeton location on Nassau Street.

  22. 2003

    Hamilton Jewelers opens its fifth store location in downtown Red Bank, New Jersey.

  23. 2010

    Hamilton’s Palm Beach Gardens location receives a complete renovation and expansion.

  24. 2012

    Hamilton celebrates its centennial anniversary as a family-owned business.

  25. 2013

    Hamilton Jewelers wins the 2013 New Jersey Family Business of the Year award.

  26. The Third Generation

    At the end of the day, I believe we have woven a thread of integrity, value, and service to our clients and communities over the past 100 years. It is an honor to carry forth the foundation that my grandfather began, and we look forward to serving our clients for the next century.
    Hank Siegel
  27. 2015

    H1912, part of the Hamilton Jewelers Family of Brands, launches at 104 Nassau Street, specializing in vintage jewelry and pre-owned watches.

  28. 2017

    Andrew Siegel joins the company as Director of Business Strategy and Operations, beginning the fourth generation of the Siegel family legacy at Hamilton Jewelers.

  29. 2022

    Hamilton Home opens at 33 Witherspoon Street, the newest addition to the Hamilton Jewelers Family of Brands, dedicated to gifts for all occasions.

  30. 2022

    Hamilton Jewelers celebrates 110 years in business with the launch of its Capsule Collection commemorating the milestone.

  31. 2023

    With a focus on providing present and future clients with experience and service unlike any other, a years-long renovation culminates in a grand re-opening at our flagship location.

  32. The Fourth Generation

    Helping someone to find that perfect something, to be a part of their journey and their experience, makes everything worth it.
    Andrew Siegel

From the Archive

Hamilton Through the Years


Hamilton Jewelers history: 1912 and 1927, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 1930, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 1933, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 1945, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 1946 and 1955, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 1957, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 1962 and 1964, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 1965, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 1977 and 1982, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 1986 and 1988, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 1991 to 1995, archival photos and period jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 2003 and 2010, archival photos and jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 2012 and 2013, photos and jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 2015 and 2017, photos and jewelry
Hamilton Jewelers history: 2022 and 2023, photos and jewelry

Princeton & Palm Beach

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