(PRESS RELEASE) PRINCETON, NJ — Hamilton Jewelers opened the doors to its Princeton flagship with a fresh new look, following a multi-year renovation of the historic building. The 4th-generation, family-owned fine jewelry and watch retailer hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the special occasion, honoring its long-standing role as a community leader and to celebrate its future. The store has updated existing spaces and added a wide range of new features that support the company’s long-term growth; the news comes on the heels of its recent 110-year anniversary, an expansion of its gift business and the opening of a new storefront for Hamilton Home. While the overall footprint of the store did not change – noteworthy considering the landmark building dates to 1896 – Hamilton captured additional square footage by cleverly redesigning its showroom, and now boasts an additional 1500 square feet of display area.
With the current configuration, Hamilton has added several new environments, including custom-designed spaces created in collaboration with renowned brand partners Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Bulgari and David Yurman; an updated salon for engagement ring and wedding band shopping that now includes bespoke bridal design; a reimagined Hamilton jewelry salon with a range of exceptional jewelry collections from classic diamonds to exquisite gemstones from the Private Reserve Collection; and a new concept for designer jewelry with the Hamilton Curate room, which showcases cutting-edge creations from emerging designers as well as collections from long standing designer jewelry partners exclusive to Hamilton Jewelers in the U.S. market. In keeping with the luxury brand experience, new hospitality includes several bar service areas, as well as private presentation spaces, and even unexpected, signature touches such as a custom white tea scent that welcomes visitors upon arrival.
Hamilton’s redesign was thoughtfully developed from both a front- and back-of-house experience. The store now has a revamped timepiece service center, with expanded capacity for additional watchmakers and updated testing capabilities, along with a new, separate watch polishing room with the latest equipment to ensure restoration to factory specification. The company has also upgraded its jewelry workshop with additional capacity for jewelers and an engraver, as well as a dedicated polishing room with the latest technology and equipment.
The renovation did not come without its challenges, however; with the building’s longstanding history in Princeton, several layers of approvals were needed to restore certain areas of the exterior areas, such as the entry from Witherspoon Street. The company also had to redesign the interior spaces in phases to keep business operating smoothly and so as not to disrupt the client experience; actual construction was done in phases from 2018 through April 2023.
Says Hank Siegel, president and C.E.O. of Hamilton Jewelers, “After almost seven years of design, planning, construction, coordination, and millwork fabrication, we are thrilled to introduce the next iteration of Hamilton’s Princeton flagship with a redesign that pays tribute to a remarkable past and ushers in a bright future. This remodel seeks to respect the elegance of the famous Lower Pyne building and the surrounding environs of Nassau Street, while serving as an updated destination for shoppers from the town, region, country, and world.”
“We have always taken pride in making our clients feel at home with our amazing associates leading the way in that experience; now, those associates can welcome clients into an environment of inviting luxury befitting of the elevated and welcoming Hamilton experience we are known for.”
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Hamilton tapped Tom Pulk of Pulk Design, who has worked with the company for many years, and is known for designing many luxury stores around the world, to oversee the renovation.
The full team is listed below:
- Architect: Callison, New York and Joshua Zinder Architecture and Design, Princeton
- Designer: Tom Pulk Design, New York
- Lighting: Lighting Workshop, New York
- Construction: ML-7 Construction, Princeton, and Milex Construction, Langhorne, PA
- Shopfitting and millwork: CSM Concepts and Gilbert
Adds Andrew Siegel, chief operating officer of Hamilton Jewelers, “Having just celebrated our 110th year as a family-owned business, it is fitting that the completion of the renovated flagship location in Princeton launches Hamilton into the future. The new design brings with it presentations of new collections, as well as an ability for our experienced team, many of whom have served our guests for 10, 20 or even 30 years, to provide the level of personalized attention to detail in a new environment that is reflective of our history but embodies modern elegance and sensibility that our clients from the Princeton region and visitors from all 50 states and around the world expect.”
About Hamilton Jewelers
Hamilton Jewelers is a nationally recognized, leading jewelry and watch retailer specializing in best-in-class luxury goods and offering exceptional, personalized service. Founded in 1912 by Irving Siegel, Hamilton has passed along its tradition of excellence through four generations of the Siegel family. Hamilton showcases collections from the world’s most prestigious designer brands, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Mikimoto, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Breitling, and Bulgari, as well as a select group of contemporary designers such as David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Temple St. Clair, Pomellato and Ippolita. In addition, the company offers its own ‘Exclusively Hamilton’ collections, designed and manufactured in-house; as well as a selection of antique and estate jewelry, timepieces and giftable items.
The brand portfolio includes three free-standing Hamilton Jewelers boutiques, one in Princeton, New Jersey and two in Palm Beach, Florida; H1912 – also in Princeton – a mecca for vintage fine jewelry and watches; and a specialty gift and insignia business. Giving back is a core tenet of the Hamilton brand. The company supports its local communities through a range of philanthropic endeavors and emphasizes environmental and social responsibility throughout its operation. Hamilton is a proud member of the Responsible Jewellery Council and Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
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