THE TEST OF TIME: “We have been known for our personal attention, always ready to help customers with advice if they want it. They know that they could count on the quality of our products and our service.” Bob Cohen, owner of Freedman’s Jewelers, is shown with his sister and colleague Beverley Levenson in the Pennington store, which will close in February.

By Jean Stratton

An independent business since the early 1900s, Freedman’s Jewelers was originally established in Trenton. It was purchased by Sidney Cohen in 1937, and in 1954, it moved to the Ewing Shopping Center, 962 Parkway Avenue. A year later, Bob Cohen, Sidney’s son, joined the business.

The Cohens opened a second location in 1993 at the Pennington Shopping Center, its current site. This move expanded the clientele, with more customers coming from Hopewell, Pennington, Princeton, Lawrenceville, and Bucks County, Pa.

“Word-of-mouth built our business,” explains current owner Bob Cohen. “We have had many loyal customers over the years, and many are friends.

“When I joined the business, I really learned by doing. This is the best experience.”

Good Hands

Now after 67 years in the business, Cohen has decided to retire at the end of February, but he assures customers that the Cohen family tradition will continue with his son Brian Cohen, who owns the Ewing store. A certified gemologist, he will be the third generation of Cohens to own and operate Freedman’s.

“Your jewelry needs will remain in good hands with Brian,” reports his father. “He has three decades of experience and is very knowledgeable.”

A full service jewelry store, Freedman’s carries a high quality precious and semi-precious selection, including rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and necklaces.

Customers have relied on the store to provide just the right piece of jewelry for a special moment, whether an engagement, wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation — and more.

“People want jewelry for different reasons,” says Cohen. “Some like to wear beautiful jewelry to adorn themselves, others want to pass it on as an heirloom to the next generation. Also, it depends where they are in life financially regarding what they can afford.

“Of course, a piece of jewelry can evoke memories of a special moment in time, or a special person. These are all reasons why it can be so important to so many people.”

Many Styles

Over the years, Freedman’s has offered choices in many styles and price ranges. From delicate to dramatic, basic to bold, there is something for everyone’s taste and budget.

Gorgeous diamonds,
emeralds, sapphires and rubies, along with opals, turquoise, and the always classic pearls in a variety of colors and sizes are all on display.

Gold and sterling silver continue to be in demand, adds Cohen. “People will always want gold and silver. Rings, bracelets, earrings, and pendants are very popular. Gold and silver are durable, but it also depends on how you wear it; that is, if it gets hard use. For example, if you garden a lot and wear your ring or bracelet, that will be harder on it. It makes a difference.”

Also available are selections of tanzanite in beautiful shades of blue and violet and the currently very popular larimar with its aqua coloring reminiscent of the sea. Both are offered in many styles.

Interestingly, charm bracelets and ankle bracelets are still sought after, and Freedman’s has a nice selection. Some things never go out of style!    

Men’s jewelry is also available, including chains and bracelets, as is a variety of watches.

Substantial Savings

If you want a Christmas gift for a special person, a Valentine or birthday remembrance — or something for yourself — this is the time to visit Freedman’s. Substantial savings, from 20 percent to 70 percent, are available now through February.

In addition, Freedman’s has always offered repairs, whether changing a watch battery on-site while you wait, replacing a watchband, or a complex repair of rings and necklaces. This has been a great service for customers, and Cohen attended classes in jewelry repair early in his career.

Cohen is proud to have continued the tradition of his family business over so many years, and he is happy his son will carry on that tradition.

It has been his mission to provide people with the best quality jewelry and the best service that he can offer. He is also proud that his sister Beverley Levenson has been his colleague in the store for many years.

“Our customers have been men and women of all ages, who liked coming into a shop where they knew they would be treated well,” he points out. “I enjoy people and talking with them. Interaction is important, and I think our clients have appreciated that, and also the fact that we are a small independent family business.

“It has been my honor to help create magical moments for you and your loved ones. I hope that these moments and memories will be made unforgettable with a special piece of jewelry.”

Current store hours, which will be subject to change, are Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information, call (609) 737-3775. Website: freedmansjeweler.com.