---
title: "Gittelson Jewelers Celebrates 40 Years in Downtown Minneapolis"
url: https://gittelsonjewelers.com/gittelson-jewelers-celebrates-40-years-in-downtown-minneapolis/
date: 2025-08-14
modified: 2025-08-14
author: "Sammy"
description: "Nestled in the skyway level of downtown Minneapolis, beneath a self-titled red neon sign that reads in script, ‘Gittelson’s’, stands a store that has seen four decades of laughter, love,..."
categories:
  - "Community"
  - "Company Updates"
tags:
  - "40th Anniversary"
  - "downtown Minneapolis jewelry"
  - "Gittelson jewelers"
  - "Minneapolis Jeweler"
image: https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/GITTELSON-40-YEARS-1024x576.png
word_count: 1194
---

# Gittelson Jewelers Celebrates 40 Years in Downtown Minneapolis

Nestled in the skyway level of downtown Minneapolis, beneath a self-titled red neon sign that reads in script, ‘Gittelson’s’, stands a store that has seen four decades of laughter, love, and legacy. The store itself wasn’t flashy. Its charm came not from glittering lights or glass towers, but from its warm oak cases, worn-in counters, and the smiles of those that stood behind the counter. For forty years, this was more than a jewelry store—it was a pillar in the community. A glimpse of something old and something new. Over time, the establishment added an exquisite collection of [fine jewelry](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/fine-jewelry/), watches, and custom jewelry that further solidified its reputation as one of the leading names in Minneapolis jewelry.

[![Gittelson Jewelers Downtown Minneapolis](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Gittelson-Jewelers-1024x720-1.jpg)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Gittelson-Jewelers-1024x720-1.jpg)Gittelson Jewelers 1985

### A Tiny Shop with Big Love

Eugene Gittelson opened the shop in August of 1985, just months after noticing the location while eyeing the bustling lunchtime crowd emerging from the offices above. Most who walked through the door to meet Eugene left with something in hand—often not because of a flashy advertisement, but because of Eugene’s warm personality and decades of sales training (a tradition as comforting as sharing freshly baked cookies; cookies that remind you of home, cookies that evoke warm memories, cookies that symbolize community spirit, cookies that sweeten the experience, and cookies that have become a hallmark of every visit). Beyond that, Eugene knew that jewelry was about more than metal and stones.

### Built on Relationships

From the beginning, Gittelson Jewelers wasn’t just a business—it was a relationship hub. Locals didn’t come in because of ads; they came in because their neighbor told them this was the place to get their engagement ring, their anniversary necklace, their diamond stud earrings, or to find a trusted wedding day diamond jeweler for that once-in-a-lifetime moment. First Eugene and later, his sons Rich and Michael, took the time to connect with each customer that came through the doors, listening to their stories and asking questions that had little to do with karats and cuts and more to do with emotions and meaning. Word-of-mouth was their best advertisement—a genuine page in the story of community life.

[![generational customer relationships at Gittelson Jewelers in the early days circa 1980s](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_9440-1024x576.png)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_9440-scaled.png)

[![Gittelson Jewelers in the 1990s in downtown Minneapolis](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_9439-1024x576.png)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_9439-scaled.png)

### The Early Days…

When Michael was a teenager, he started spending more time at his father’s store, alongside his older brother, Richard. This was the late ’80s—snapshots of Minneapolis at that time do not do it justice. It was a city bustling with shopping, dining, and sports. The Minnesota Twins took home two World Series in ’87 and ’91, Prince was rapidly rising in fame with many shows played at Minneapolis’s own First Ave, and even a simple page in a local advertisement could spread the word about Gittelson’s treasure trove of fine jewelry and watches. Back in the day, both [Prince](https://www.prince.com/) and Kirby Puckett of the [Minnesota Twins](https://www.mlb.com/twins) were customers of Gittelson Jewelers - often coming in late at night for private showings when the rest of the city has drifted off to dreamland.

[![](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_9804-576x1024.jpg)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_9804-scaled.jpg)Early newspaper ads in the Star Tribune offered all the business Gittelson Jewelers could handle.

[![](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_9805-576x1024.jpg)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_9805-scaled.jpg)Michael and Gene Gittelson with Nils Lofgren of Bruce Springsteen.

The skyway and the streets were packed with people on any given day or night. Jewelry trends back then were very iconic: heavy gold chains for both men and women, and large cocktail rings in diamonds and gemstones. ***Think: excess.***

Over the decades, the store became a witness to life’s milestones. There was the young teacher who saved for two years to buy a sapphire ring for his high school sweetheart. A nervous college student came in with his grandmother’s diamond and tears in his eyes, asking for a way to transform it into something his girlfriend would love...

Generations returned, time and again. Some customers had their first earrings made at Gittelson Jewelers. Parents who were once engaged at Gittelson Jewelers walked in 20 years later, with their son or daughter in tow, to be part of choosing the engagement rings and wedding bands for their own kids. Throughout these milestones, a tray of freshly baked cookies was often available at the counter, reinforcing the warm, familial atmosphere of the store.

[![Gene Gittelson and son Richard Gittelson late 1980s in downtown Minneapolis](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Gene-and-Richard-1024x576.jpeg)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Gene-and-Richard-scaled.jpeg)Gene Gittelson and son Richard Gittelson circa 1980s

[![Gene Gittelson with son Michael Gittelson in early 1980s](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Gene-and-Mike-Historical-photo.png)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Gene-and-Mike-Historical-photo.png)Gene & Mike Gittelson circa 1980s

[![Gene and Mike Gittelson at Gittelson Jewelers in Northstar Building Minneapolis](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mike-and-Gene-Raymond-Weil.png)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mike-and-Gene-Raymond-Weil.png)Gene & Mike Gittelson circa 2000s

## Gittelson Jewelers Day in Minneapolis

In 2015, the city of Minneapolis honored Gittelson Jewelers by officially declaring August 7th as "[Gittelson Jewelers Day"](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/city-of-minneapolis-proclaims-gittelson-jewelers-day/) through a formal city resolution. This special recognition celebrated the jeweler’s longstanding commitment to excellence, community engagement, and its significant contributions to the city’s vibrant downtown for over three decades. The proclamation not only acknowledged Gittelson Jewelers’ reputation for quality and service but also highlighted its role as a cherished local business that helped shape the character and spirit of Minneapolis.

[![Gittelson Jewelers Day in Minneapolis. August 7th, 2015](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/gittelsonjewelersday5.jpg)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/gittelsonjewelersday5.jpg)**The city of Minneapolis declares “[Gittelson Jewelers Day](http://www.minneapolismn.gov/www/groups/public/@clerk/documents/webcontent/wcms1p-151811.pdf)” on August 7th, 2015 – Resolution number 2015R-342**

[![Gene Gittelson receiving the proclamation of "Gittelson Jewelers Day"](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/gittelsonjewelersday1.jpg)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/gittelsonjewelersday1.jpg)Gene Gittelson in a moment of pride.

## Minnesotan to Meet: Gittelson Jewelers's Father Son Team

Jamie Yuccas of CBS featured Gene and Michael Gittelson as the first-ever father and son duo on her acclaimed "Minnesotan to Meet" segment, shining a spotlight on their remarkable partnership at [Gittelson Jewelers](https://www.instagram.com/gittelsonj/). During the interview, Yuccas explored the unique dynamic between Gene, the founder, and Michael, his son, delving into their shared passion for the jewelry business and their deep-rooted commitment to serving the Minneapolis community. The segment celebrated their legacy, highlighting how their close-knit collaboration and dedication have made Gittelson Jewelers a beloved institution in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkWgLQkHcVA

### Then and now

This month, August of 2025, the store is celebrating its 40th anniversary and Michael Gittelson has taken over most of the day-to-day operations. Embracing modernity while respecting tradition, he's ushered in a new approach to [custom designed jewelry](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/custom-designed-jewelry/) and engagement rings by expanding into online galleries and offering ethically sourced gems and lab-grown diamonds alongside the classic pieces. Now, with a refined selection that includes custom jewelry options and watches, the store still delivers an experience as warm and inviting as sharing another plate of cookies.

**The core was still connection.**

While jewelry trends today may have changed from those on opening day at Gittelson Jewelers, the reason “why visit Gittelson’s” has not. The world may be moving faster, focused on different things, perhaps not quite as carefree as it once was in 1985. But when you walk through the doors at Gittelson Jewelers, you’ll have the same experience that those who came before you had 40 years ago. A friendly community spot. A place where customer service and our neighbors come first. A place where every engagement, every celebration, and every precious moment is honored—just like that perfect batch of cookies shared among friends.

## Continue Your Legacy. Shop at Gittelson Jewelers.

Continue your own legacy by choosing Gittelson Jewelers, one of Minneapolis’s oldest and most trusted jewelers, located in the heart of downtown. Whether you’re searching for custom-designed jewelry, exquisite ready-to-wear pieces, a pre-owned Rolex, or unique and affordable gifts, Gittelson Jewelers offers a personalized experience that only a family-owned business can provide. Step into their welcoming showroom and discover why generations of Minnesotans have trusted Gittelson Jewelers to help commemorate life’s most meaningful moments.

[![Contact Gittelson Jewelers in downtown Minneapolis](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Gittelson-Blog-Banner.png)](https://gittelsonjewelers.com/contact-us/)