Wahl sparkles at 115, plans raffle to assist hospice care
R.C. Wahl Jewelers in Des Plaines has survived the Great Depression and various recessions by selling traditional diamond and gold jewelry to generations of local families.
So, this current recession isn't stopping the longtime jeweler from marking its 115th anniversary, especially with a custom-designed sherry-colored topaz and diamond pendant, valued at about $6,500.
And that pendant could be yours for the price of a raffle ticket to benefit a local charity. The store, at 1514 Miner St., is raffling off the pendant with tickets selling for $10 each or $25 for three through Nov. 30 to benefit Park Ridge-based Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care.
"My wife and I now find that we have been selling engagement and anniversary presents to the children of those we originally sold engagement and wedding bands to many years ago," said owner Bob Wahl.
He and his wife Barba of Arlington Heights are the fourth generation. The fifth generation includes their daughter Heather Wahl Cieslik, who also works at the store.
Wahl Jewelers was founded in Chicago in 1894 by great-great grandfather F.F. Wahl. In 1949, great grandfather F.X. Wahl moved the business to Des Plaines. In 1969, Bob and Barba Wahl bought the family business and have been operating it ever since, featuring designer pieces, brand names such as Rolex watches, and an extensive collection of colored gemstones. The store also provides appraisals, repairs and custom-designed pieces.
To mark the company's 115th anniversary, staff designer and gemologist Gary Kamin donated his time and talent to create a one-of-a-kind piece. A large cut topaz weighing 69.15 carats is set into a 14K-gold pendant with 10 colorless diamonds weighing just over 1 carat.
Drawing for winners of the pendant is planned during the first week of December. The money will benefit the hospice program, which was used by Cieslik's mother-in-law.
"We've also worked with Rainbow over the years, helping with their Angel Ball and made other donations," Cieslik said.