Robbins Diamonds

Still Rockin' After All These Years!

It may have started with the relative back in Russia who worked for Faberge’, renowned jeweler to the Czar. In any case, when our family emigrated to the U.S.A. in the early 1900’s, they set up a jewelry business.

It was over 80 years ago that my dad Leo grabbed hold of America’s brass ring of opportunity. The newly arrived citizen was taken in tow by an uncle who was already established on Philadelphia’s Jewelers Row. Dad trained as a watchmaker and eventually opened a small booth in The Pennsylvania Diamond Exchange at 723 Sansom Street, selling watches and jewelry.

In 1949, after a stint in the Navy during WWII, he set up his first storefront, “Leo Robbins Jeweler” at 137 S. 8th Street. Three years later, he moved to a giant space on the corner of 8th & Walnut Sts.

I worked in the store from an early age. Other kids were playing baseball but the Robbins family credo was to “eat…breathe…and live” the jewelry business! I got married, had some kids, and our small “mom & pop” business remained on that corner.

No good story is complete without some adversity. In 1974, the country was going into a deep recession. Dad and Mom retired. With business down, many companies just “tightened their belts”. Not us! We decided to distinguish ourselves from all the other jewelers. To avoid confusion with other stores named Robbins, we officially became ”Robbins 8th & Walnut”---our Name and our Address.

We started telling our story on radio, TV and in newspapers. And there was plenty to tell! In 1977, we developed “The Smartest Way to Buy a Diamond”—an ultra-practical set of customer guidelines that clearly explained just what makes one diamond worth more than another. This unique, buyer-friendly guide eliminated all the confusion and risky guesswork. To spread the word, we teamed up with the popular singing group “The Dovells” and took to the airwaves. This was also when I started wearing that diamond in my beard. Our slogan became “Robbins Rocks!” and the campaign was a hit. Did it make me a “Rock Star”? Today, many people still recognize my face and voice and remember those jingles!

In 1986 we opened our first branch store at Roosevelt Mall in Northeast Philadelphia. We’re now known as “ROBBINS DIAMONDS” and we have stores in Pennsylvania…New Jersey…and Delaware. I focus on planning and marketing and Leo’s grandsons, granddaughters-in-law, and great grandson are actively involved in the family business. Our extended family includes some members of our management staff who have been with us for over 20 years. With these young people at the helm, we look forward to a “gem” of a future, serving your needs and those of the Greater Philadelphia Community for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Jerry Robbins