The Story of Chicago’s Jewelers Row – From Gilded Age Luxury to Modern Gold Trade
For more than a century, Jewelers Row has been Chicago’s shining corridor of precious metals and fine craftsmanship. Nestled along Wabash Avenue between Washington and Monroe, this legendary stretch in the Loop has served as the city’s jewelry and gold-trading hub since the late 1800s. Its story mirrors Chicago itself—ambitious, industrious, and always reinventing.
Origins in the Gilded Age
The origins of Jewelers Row date back to the late 19th century, when Chicago was rebuilding after the Great Fire of 1871. The city’s population was booming, fortunes were being made in steel and railroads, and a new class of merchants and professionals emerged who wanted to display their success with fine jewelry and watches.
Wabash Avenue, with its close proximity to State Street’s retail core and the financial institutions along LaSalle, became the natural gathering point for watchmakers, goldsmiths, and diamond merchants. By the 1890s, entire buildings were dedicated to jewelry manufacturing and sales—each floor housing craftsmen who specialized in engraving, polishing, casting, and setting stones by hand.
The Jewelers Building and Mallers Building
Perhaps no two structures symbolize Jewelers Row better than the Jewelers Building (35 E. Wabash) and the Mallers Building (5 S. Wabash). Completed in 1912, the Mallers Building was designed to consolidate dozens of independent jewelers under one secure, prestigious roof. For much of the 20th century, it was the beating heart of Chicago’s jewelry trade—a vertical marketplace where customers could shop for engagement rings, wholesale diamonds, and fine gold pieces, all in one place.
The Jewelers Building, another architectural gem nearby, originally offered an innovative automobile elevator system that allowed jewelers to drive directly into the building for security reasons—a sign of how valuable the merchandise inside truly was.
A Hub of Craftsmanship and Trust
For generations, Jewelers Row was more than just a place to shop—it was a community of artisans. Watchmakers repaired heirlooms passed down through families; designers created custom engagement rings by hand; appraisers helped clients understand the true worth of gold and gemstones. Every storefront represented decades of family tradition, skill, and personal service.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Jewelers Row was at its height. Advertising slogans like “Chicago’s Wabash Avenue—Where Diamonds Are Born” drew visitors from all over the Midwest. Brides-to-be, coin collectors, and even professional traders would make the trip to the Loop to do business with trusted names passed down through generations.
The Changing Face of Jewelers Row
Like much of downtown Chicago, Jewelers Row began to evolve in the late 20th century. Rising rents, changing shopping habits, and the growth of the internet slowly transformed the area. Many jewelers moved to suburban locations or began operating by appointment only, focusing on private sales, custom design, and high-end gold buying.
Still, the historic atmosphere remains—ornate building façades, classic signage, and the quiet buzz of industry behind polished brass doors. It’s a living monument to the city’s entrepreneurial past. Yet, for modern sellers of gold and jewelry, the downtown location isn’t as convenient as it once was.
A New Era: Selling Gold Beyond the Loop
Today, Chicago’s gold and jewelry market has expanded far beyond Jewelers Row. Most people looking to sell gold coins, bullion, or jewelry no longer want to battle downtown traffic, pay for parking, or navigate high-rise security. They prefer a faster, easier, and more personal experience—one that still offers expertise, accurate testing, and top dollar for their items.
That’s where Sell Gold Chicago comes in. Designed for convenience and trust, Sell Gold Chicago provides professional evaluations for gold coins, scrap jewelry, bullion, and estate pieces—without the hassle of going downtown. Our location makes it simple for anyone in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs to sell gold safely and confidently.
Customers appreciate our secure environment, advanced testing methods (XRF, magnet, and acid tests), transparent pricing, and immediate payment. You’ll receive the same level of professionalism once found on Jewelers Row—only now it’s accessible, comfortable, and stress-free.
The Tradition Continues—Just in a Better Location
While the legacy of Jewelers Row will always remain a vital part of Chicago’s history, the future of gold trading is about accessibility, honesty, and efficiency. Whether you’re selling a few pieces of old jewelry or an entire collection, Sell Gold Chicago keeps the city’s proud tradition of precious-metal expertise alive—just outside the congestion of the Loop.
If you’re ready to sell gold coins, jewelry, or bullion, skip the downtown parking meters and the crowded elevators. Visit Sell Gold Chicago today for straightforward appraisals and top cash offers—the modern evolution of Chicago’s historic gold market.