In October 1999, Art's Diamond Jewelers celebrated a milestone. They will have been doing business for 75 years. And in doing so, they have become a part of Stark County's History.

The chain of jewelry stores started in 1924 when Abe Art, a Dutch immigrant, opened the first credit jewelers in downtown Alliance.

"His dream was to make quality jewelry available to everyone," says Alan Meltzer, the president of the Art's chain. His idea was to build the business based upon the ability to make the purchase of fine jewelry easier through credit."

In the Late 1920's, The Salem store was opened and Art's three sons, Herbert, Norman and Melvin joined the family business. Abe Art retired in 1946 and the next year the headquarters moved to Canton, establishing a large department store with a complete jewelry department.

Under the direction of Herbert Art and Norman Art, a second Canton location opened on North Market in 1961. In 1972 the third Canton store opened in what was then called Mellett Mall-now called Canton Centre Mall. Art's Diamond Jewelers is also a member of the Leading Jewelers Guild, a comprehensive buying and advertising organization based in Los Angeles. Meltzer has served as president of this organization and has been on it's executive board for the last ten years.

Many items on these pages are enlarged to show magnificent detail. Also, diamond weights are approximate.

© 2001 Art's Diamond Jewelers