Our Story
1915-1929
Everybody knows that no two snowflakes are alike. But did you know that diamonds
share the same unique quality? Of all the diamonds formed billions of years ago
in the center of the earth, only a few survived the hazardous journey to the
surface. In order to produce just a one carat polished diamond of gem quality,
approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed. The diamond is then
shipped to craftsmen to begin the cutting. A diamond's beauty depends on the way
it reflects and refracts light. It must be polished so that it reflects light
directly to the eye, while also allowing light to bounce around freely inside
and emerge from the top. When cutting and polishing, each stone will lose about
50% of its original weight.
Morris Helzberg opened the first Helzberg jewelry store in 1915. His young son,
Barnett, often worked in the shop on Saturdays. When his father became ill,
Barnett found himself responsible for the entire operation at the age of 14. By
the time his older brother Gilbert returned from the war to join the business,
Barnett had become an exuberant businessman. An aggressive promoter, he ran
large newspaper ads touting the slogan "Meet The Helzberg Boys, Wear Diamonds,"
and making offers such as free "aeroplane" rides with purchase. By 1925,
Helzberg's had expanded. Gilbert moved to Wichita to open a new store. Barnett
remained in Kansas City, moved the Kansas store to a new location, then opened a
store in Topeka. In 1928, Barnett made his biggest move to a store at 11th and
Walnut in Kansas City, MO. The Helzberg name was quickly becoming known as a
prominent jeweler in the Midwest.
