When copywriter Mary Frances Gerety came up with the slogan “Diamonds are forever,” during the 1940s, she had no idea the impact it would have. In fact, the famous saying is used for marketing a variety of stunning diamond jewelry even today.
And while most folks may have heard of the renowned Clark Building in Pittsburgh, few are aware of its intriguing past. The place is riddled with a fascinating history and is home to many diamond jewelry stores even today.
Those who happen to be diamond and history enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn more about this remarkable place and how it became famous.
A brief history
The famous Clark Building at Liberty Avenue & 7th Street in Pittsburgh, PA, has roots in Hollywood. It was built in 1928 by James Clark, owner of the renowned MGM Film Studio, and named after him. Initially, it housed the regional headquarters of the Warner Brothers in a stunning penthouse suite equipped with a viewing room.
The mezzanine screening room was early on used to screen MGM movies. Scores of famous actors came in and out of the building regularly, frequently stopping by the Warner Brothers’ office. It was a magnificent sight for ordinary folks in the area to behold.
Over the course of time, the film business migrated from the building to other areas and cities. Consequently, Clark Building became known as the Pittsburgh Jewelry District, being home once upon a time to over seventy jewelry stores.
Since then, it has been the go-to place for people looking to buy engagement rings, wedding bands, or diamond necklaces, among other things. This jewelry trade is a memorable part of the building’s rich history and culture. It is what connects the traders with residents in the area.
And while it is fascinating to wonder where diamonds come from, it is equally mind-boggling to actually behold one with the naked eye. Just one visit to any of the diamond stores here, and you’ll better understand this impact.
Jewelers of Clark Building maintaining tradition
The jewelers of this remarkable building have for long held onto their tradition of offering quality gems. They have satisfied many customers’ need for a distinctive wedding or engagement ring or a unique piece of jewelry to mark a critical moment in their lives. Suppose, for instance, a bar mitzvah, graduation ceremony, or first communion.
But much before any piece of beautiful custom jewelry is cast, the idea for its delicate design and intricacies begins in the designer’s creative imagination. This ingenious pattern is then put down in impeccable detail on a piece of paper.
All jewelers do this because they know the value of a solid blueprint before the actual piece can be worked on. Several of them have decades of experience in the field, being able to tell one stone from another with their eyes closed. Invariably, they have been working with gold, silver, and various gemstones for countless generations.
The Clark Building jewelers take pride in their diamond jewelry trade, offering endless custom-made designs to folks all over the country. Most people who order custom jewelry get a better product because it isn’t mass-produced.
Most of the stores’ house family heirlooms, inspired by cultures around the world and are proudly worn by the owner’s loved ones from time to time.
What it is currently like
From the original count of seventy, the number of jewelry stores in this iconic building has come down to about fifteen or sixteen. But while they may be fewer in number now, they are nonetheless thriving all the same. Situated on the lower floors of this famed building, these stores are different from the ones selling online. They have etched a niche for themselves as being among the most fantastic producers of stunning jewelry pieces.
The locals trust jewelers here, and even tourists stop by regularly. However, if you plan to visit the place yourself, it is recommended that you do so in the afternoon. That’s because parking spots begin to open up here after half-past one. You can enjoy strolling through the building with the assurance your vehicle is parked safely nearby.
Besides the jewelry stores, the building also houses a city charter school, the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, and two other schools. Furthermore, there are luxury apartments on the top floors of the 23-story building, operated by the PMC property management.
Residents flock in and out of the ornately designed doors and corridors, enjoying high-class amenities such as granite countertops, rooftop decks, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a hotel-style boutique lobby.
Popular diamond jewelry sold here
The famous Clark Building diamond jewelers offer a range of custom-made diamond baubles. Some of their popular services include:
- Engagement rings – Options range from white gold setting to vintage Edwardian engagement ring. Couples can browse through a vast collection of pretty rings.
- Bridal sets – Again, the choice of spectacular rings is sky-high. Popular specimens include Yellow Gold Bezel set to a White Gold Marquise Diamond Halo ring.
- Wedding bands – You can either choose from their collection or have your wedding bands custom-made. Typically, many couples prefer the latter because the unique ring design ensures that only they have such ones.
- Loose diamonds – Stores sell loose diamonds of different carats, shapes, and sizes. You will also find adorable heart-shaped ones.
- Design and services – Besides custom designs, several stores in the building offer appraisal and repair services. Certified antique experts and gemologists on-site conduct an unbiased inspection on the diamonds you wish to have evaluated.
The bottom line
The jewelers here have managed to hold on to the rich legacy left behind by their predecessors. Presently, all these jewelers, retailers, and wholesalers in the building have banded together and are working with other Downtown groups. The idea is to increase foot traffic to their stores in this current age of online shopping.
Several of the jewelers in the building offer services online as well. But while most people may prefer to shop for a wide variety of things online, buying precious jewelry is done best at the store. You have the option to browse through collections not currently available online, hold a couple of gems in your hand, and have a clear, up-close look at their dazzling beauty.
