S if for Schiffman, Arnold Anthony Schiffman, Jr.

Since 1893, the Schiffman name has been associated with quality purchases of fine jewelry, porcelain, and future heirlooms. Here we see Arnold Anthony Schiffman, Jr. (Tony), the third generation at the helm of Greensboro's oldest, locally-owned jewelry store. We were lucky to get a few minutes of his time last week as he and his associates have entered the season of the seven day work week between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  A firm believer in jewelry stores that have been part of a community for a century or more, Mr. Schiffman has purchased several such family-owned jewelry stores in the USA (read more here). Nearly 120 years ago, serendipity brought the Schiffmans to Greensboro.

In 1893, Simon Schiffman was traveling by train from Asheville to Raleigh. When he got off at the Greensboro Depot on South Elm Street, he learned that a jewelry store was for sale. He purchased it and Schiffmans have been selling jewelry in Greensboro since then.  The original store was on the west side of Elm Street which, in the late 1800's was the more reputable side of the street.

Along with the Cones, the Schiffmans were one of the earliest Jewish families to settle in Greensboro and were instrumental in establishing the congregation that would become Temple Emanuel. If all goes according to plan, Mr. Schiffman (Tony), will pass the business on to his sons. Eventually, grandson Arnold Anthony Schiffman IV will earn his credential from the Gemological Institute of America and carry the family business into the fifth generation. Today is ABC Wednesday and for our People of Greensboro Series, S is for Schiffman, Arnold Anthony, Jr.

See earlier entries here.

 

Comments

[Roger Green]

a pioneer, I see. interesting as always.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

[Jane Mitchell]

Yes, Schiffman's is our Tiffany.

[Oakland Daily Photo]

I've been enjoying this series and learning your local history. Next round I vow to take a page from your book and stick to a single theme for ABC Wednesday. Uh, if I can think of one...