Snowed - but open!

Boy did we get snowed this week! As soon as we had gotten ourselves out from under the first blast, Tuesday comes and hits us again. We even had to close on Wednesday and last Saturday! The Baltimore Business Journal was not above noticing the adverse effect this may have on businesses, including ourselves:

Ron Samuelson, owner of Samuelson’s Diamonds in Baltimore, said shoppers are maxed out after Christmas shopping already, and doesn’t expect to gain a lot of Valentine’s Day business. Samuelson recalled the weekend in December before Christmas Day, when snow hurt retailers looking to gain from the last-minute shopper.

“Now it’s a double whammy, and downtown is pretty bad,” Samuelson said. His West Baltimore Street store was closed Wednesday.

Last Saturday was the first day Samuelson had ever closed the store, he said.

Undaunted, though, we’re back! And our Fans on Facebook may have heard:

we’re open for business. the main roads are fine so come on down and say hi, free beer and MAJOR discounts if you do!

We’re just sayin’ – if you’re in the ‘hood, don’t be shy. And if you’re not in the neighborhood, there’s really not much else to do once you’re done digging out.

I guess we learned our lesson! For the most entertainment-per-minute you’ll ever get in a weather report, check this local forecast out (you won’t be disappointed.)

And remember not to buy *absolutely* every carton of milk and loaf of bread in the store, people – we’re going to be under for a max of 2, 3 days (if that) and really, we both know you go to the store only maybe twice a week. Just buy the normal amount.

Then again, if some people really are going to hibernate we’re not here to judge.

We Love Big Diamonds!

We want to give a special shout out to all of our Washington DC customers from here in Ravensland. We went down there last week and bought some great jewelry.

People were also selling a lot of gold coins (like Krugerrands), silver flatware (Gorham, Steiff, and my favorite silver pattern Kirk Old Maryland Engraved.)

And diamonds…yeah we bought some big ones! Rounds, cushion cuts, princess cuts and everything in between.

Now it’s time to get those diamonds re-cut to “Samuelson’s Diamonds Proportions” and make them the brightest and best diamonds on earth! If you are in Baltimore or Washington DC and want to sell your diamonds, silver or gold, give us a holler and we will be happy to take a look at your jewelry!

… Samuelson’s Diamonds Downtown … a Baltimore institution for almost ninety years, has been very busy lately. In addition to relocating and renovating its own store, the family-owned company has invested in several properties on the 400 block of West Baltimore Street …

Ron Samuelson, the scion of the diamond dynasty, promises a PNC Bank, a Five Guys, and a Panera. Reputed to be somewhat excitable, but endearing, Mr. Samuelson also promises to play the video of your favorite song when you come visit the new store, which the family hopes to open later this year.

Samuelson’s Diamonds maintains its commitment to the redevelopment and reinvigorating of the downtown business district.

The original article is located here, “Urban Discoveries Blog – Development Spotlight: 400 West Baltimore”

Editor’s note: The new address is 419 West Baltimore Street.

Samuelson’s Diamonds, a Baltimore, Md.-based retail jeweler, was chosen as a finalist in the contest for its use of a viral marketing campaign.

The brand created a Facebook fan page simply called “Diamonds,” so that anyone searching for that term could become a fan, thus expanding the retailer’s exposure to a global audience.

The page currently counts more than 260,000 fans worldwide, with diamond enthusiasts in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and everywhere in between connecting with the retailer.

Samuelson’s adds frequent posts, updating its friends on giveaways and photos of new diamond designs that link fans over to Samuelson’s own Web site, SamuelsonsDiamonds.com.

Samuelson’s Diamonds continues its role as innovator in the field of online advertising.

The original article is available here: ‘Delamina’s online ad tops ‘Best Of’ list | National Jeweler‘

Check out this, shall we say, exclusive footage:

Also, we’ve got some photos, showing the process of going from ‘guts’ to ‘glory’ (literally.)

We’ll be right across the street, brand new place, all kinds of goodies – and a web site redesign. I mention this because it will be more than a simple change of colors and fonts. That’s a understatement. Look for it.

Update: speaking of the new store, Ron has a bit more of an in-depth update over at Ramble On Ron, with some Baltimore and Samuelson history as well.

I think we can all take a lesson from the one of Baltimore’s most storied and gifted athletes. Not that he needs the money, but with a huge opportunity in front of him, he has chosen to “ride the wave” of his fame where it makes the most sense. With the US sending so much of its business to China in the last 10 years, the Peoples Republic has seen economic growth beyond imagination. They have the resources to continue consuming at an increased rate. Mazda knows that and so does Michael. So, for those of us trying to either make ends meet or capitalize on business opportunities, be like Mike. Look outside your narrow world and find places where spending is still growing, or at least not drying up. For us, that means capitalizing on the availability of diamonds and fine jewelry from suppliers that are eager to move inventory, and then passing those great deals on to our customers. And remember, Michael Phelps didn’t win 8 Gold Medals by himself. It took teamwork. So use the networks and friends you have to find help and support in your business endeavors. Get on Facebook (if you aren’t already), send emails, whatever it takes to stay in touch and stay relevant. I wish you all the best of luck in these challenging times!

You can head out to a mall, or break your bank in NYC, but if you’re getting married in Baltimore, just hop on the bus and buy your ring on Baltimore Street. The latest of three generations of Samuelsons has moved the store into the 21st century while keeping it simple. They don’t breathe down your neck, they don’t spend a lot of money prettying the place up (although there are plans for upgrading), but the options are there: If you want less expensive, they’ve got less expensive. If you want class, there’s that, too. And if you don’t know anything about rings, they won’t make you feel like an idiot. But maybe you were an idiot for getting hitched to begin with. In that event, Samuelson’s isn’t a bad place to sell your ring either.

Samuelson’s Diamonds maintains its comittment to quality, selection and excellent prices for all of our customers.

(Note: The award was last given in 2008.)

The original article is here, ‘Best Place to Get An Engagement Ring: Samuelsons Diamonds | Baltimore City Paper‘