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Our Story Cornell

Our Story

Cornell's Jewelers timeline

Start Your Story With Cornell's

1923

Due to the need of helping his family, Harry Cornell started working after he graduated from 8th grade. At the age of 16 in 197 Chatham St, Harry started taking in clock repairs for local jewelers as a side job while still working another full time job As an incentive for the jewelers to give Harry the work, he would pick up and deliver the clocks as part of the service he provided.
Cornells Jewelers Rochester, NY

1932

While the world was still suffering from the Great Depression, Harry was owed a year’s worth of back salary from his full time employer. With uncertainty about the future, Harry made arrangements with his employer to take compensation in the form of jewelry merchandise, and decided to go into business full time on his own.

Joined shortly thereafter by his brother, Maurice, Harry spent much of his time traveling regionally calling on jewelers in several states, while Maurice minded their office back in the Burke building in Rochester. In the following years, as the wholesale business grew to many small towns and cities, two other salesman joined the firm, along with a full time secretary and bookkeeper. The company was called “Harry Cornell & Co., Inc. The business grew, selling a wide variety of jewelry items wholesale, specializing in loose diamonds.

1973

David Cornell, Harry’s son, had grown up going to work with his Dad on weekends. He would run errands, getting packages ready for the mail, help with inventory or whatever was needed. When David turned 21, Harry invited David to join the company full time. They both soon realized that David not only had an eye for buying and selling diamonds - he also had a passion for these glittering gemstones made billions of years ago.

1984

Harry and his three partners sold the business to his son, David. The business flourished in those years in the Temple building downtown Rochester.
Cornells Jewelers Rochester, NY
Cornells Jewelers Rochester, NY

1997

In the mid 90’s, the landscape of downtown Rochester was changing and David started looking at real estate for Cornell’s Jewelers to make it more convenient for his growing client.

After 74 years being located in downtown Rochester, Cornell’s moved to the suburban location at 3100 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY after 1 ½ years of renovation. David’s wife, Olivia was on site during the renovation and worked alongside David as they built their dream store from a small showroom in an office building downtown, to the brick free-standing store it is today. Olivia realized after the store was complete that it was time for a career change. Olivia has been in some form of retail business all her life so it wasn’t totally new, though the jewelry component part was. Before the ribbon was cut at the new location Olivia joined David at Cornell’s Jewelers.

2009

After gutting the mishmash of offices at 3100 Monroe Ave in 1996-97, Cornell’s Jewelers was out growing their space and needed more parking. Finally, they obtained a parcel of land next to their building. Another extensive renovation project began on the building, which took over 18 months. Cornell’s Jewelers added 2 three story extensions which earned them the prestigious honor of “COOL STORE "by InStore magazine.

After graduating from Syracuse University, David’s son Michael, went to the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad CA, becoming a Graduate Gemologist. After graduating, Michael moved to NYC, where he gained experience working in the jewelry industry. With the growth of Cornell’s Jewelers, all agreed that Michael would be a great asset to the growing business. With a little coaxing and another ribbon cutting, Michael joined the business moving back from NYC.
Cornells Jewelers Rochester, NY
Cornells Jewelers Rochester, NY

Now

Cornell’s Jewelers: Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence!

For over a century, Cornell’s Jewelers has proudly served the Rochester community, and now, Michael and his wife, Courtney Cornell represent the 3rd generation at the helm. What started as a small showroom in a downtown office building has grown into a premier fine jewelry destination, offering a wide range of services including custom design, jewelry and timepiece repairs, appraisals, estate consulting, bridal services, personal shopping, and more. Our commitment to exceptional service, along with a vast selection of premium brands, has earned Cornell’s Jewelers numerous industry awards.
For three generations, Cornell’s Jewelers has been dedicated to keeping the romance alive! How? By offering only the finest diamonds, jewelry, and timepieces that meet not just the professional eye, but also the discerning taste of every customer who walks through our doors. At Cornell’s, we pride ourselves on quality and value. In fact, less than 1% of the diamonds we evaluate make it into our store, ensuring that only the best is available to you. And because every diamond deserves the perfect setting, we craft stunning designs that bring out the unique beauty of each stone.
Cornell’s Jewelers showcases renowned designers and world-class brands such as Omega, Fana, Tacori, Marco Bicego, and Lagos, bringing international excellence to the Rochester and Upstate New York region. As a certified member of the American Gem Society, we have twice been recognized as New York State’s Favorite Jewelry Retail Store by the New York State Jewelers Association. Harper’s Bazaar has hailed us as a leader in jewelry for our beautiful merchandising and outstanding customer service, and we were ranked 2nd nationwide by INSTORE Magazine in their "Coolest Jewelry Store" contest. When you visit Cornell’s Jewelers, you’re not just getting the best in Rochester—you’re getting the best in the country.

Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine, sipping espresso, nibbling on cookies, or checking the latest sports scores on our TVs, we invite you to experience the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Cornell’s Jewelers unique.

Come see why Love Lives at Cornell’s Jewelers—because your experience is as unique as you are!