What's The Story?
The Helfer family has been importing diamonds and making jewelry for three generations starting with Gregg's Grandfather David Helfer. David opened his first wholesale office in downtown Chicago in 1933. In 1939 he opened his first retail store in Kankakee, Illinois. Over the next 20 years, David opened more than fifteen stores throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa making the family one of the first independently owned chain of jewelry stores in the area. Gregg's parents continued the family business throughout the 60's, 70's and 80's consolidating their stores to the Chicago region. Waiting in the wings was their oldest son Gregg who had ventured off in other ventures including jewelry. In 1999, after working in the jewelry industry on his own for over 12 years, Gregg continued the family tradition by opening a private office in the historic Maller's building at Chicago's Jewelers Row. In 2000, after working in the jewelry industry on his own for over 12 years, Gregg continued the family tradition by opening a private office in the historic Maller's building on Chicago's Jewelers Row.
In 2003, Gregg's growing family wholesale, internet and retail business moved to a larger office and showroom space to enhance the overall customer experience. In 2003, Gregg also welcomed his brother Michael into the business. With Michael's 20 plus years of sales and marketing background, he oversees the daily operations of the company and the new business expansion. Upon Gregg's passing in 2016, Michael became the new owner of Gregg Helfer Ltd....prepared to offer his services to new generation of clients.
Affiliations and Services:
Education: BA-Liberal Arts-University of Wisconsin
Affiliations and Certifications: Jewelers of AmericaBetter Business Bureau - Chicago ChapterGemological Institute of AmericaIllinois and Chicago Jewelers AssociationThe Jewelers Board of Trade
Services Provided:Engagement Ring and Custom Design Services, full jewelry repair services, jewelry appraisal services, CAD (Computer Aided Design), Wax Modeling, Custom Jewelry Casting, GIA Certified Diamonds