History & Philosophy

It was 1930. Words like old world craftsmanship were personal qualities that Herman Begeman of Europe brought with him, to a fresh new American land.

“You apprenticed many years to learn to build a piece from the bottom up when I was a boy,” he often said to his family. “This is your business and the person you sell to is not your customer, he is your friend. A friend who trusts you.”

In 1930, he opened his first store on Archer Avenue in Chicago’s Brighton Park. He later opened stores at 63rd and South Kedzie and 79th and Cicero in the Scottsdale Shopping Center. The business then expanded to the southwest suburbs located in the Bremen Towne Mall of Tinley Park and currently is located in the western suburb of Willowbrook at Route 83 and 63rd Street.

Herman Begeman’s standards of quality continue through his family. For more than three generations of customer families, Begeman’s has meant that special anniversary diamond, that eye appealing birthday stone, that memorable graduation bracelet and so much more.

Today, many sophisticated techniques help maintain quality and meet growing customer needs for the widest range of select diamonds, precious gems, fine stones, pearls and watches.

The Begeman staff encompasses the goldsmith, the diamond setter, the designer and the graduate gemologist.

All of our valued customers receive the personal and professional care that has been a continuing goal since 1930. We are here for our customers today and will be here for them tomorrow.

Herman Begeman, Jr. and Edward Begeman carry on the tradition their father established 80 years ago.