Nearly 100-Year-Old Delco Jewelry Store Closing

SPRINGFIELD, PA — A Delaware County jewelry store with nearly a century of business in the books is closing its doors.

Block Jewelers, located at 149 Baltimore Pike in Springfield, is holding an open-to-the-public, going-out-of-business sale with deep discounts and savings up to 70 percent off on all inventory.

Items for sale include an extensive selection of bridal and wedding jewelry, diamond and gemstone bracelets, rings and pendants, gold chain and silver jewelry.

"Everything will be discounted," owner Gary Block said. "There really is something for everybody."

There is no closing date set, but a representative said the business will close when its inventory is gone.

Block Jewelers announced it is closing shop for good after opening in 1929 as mail-order business that burgeoned into a catalog showroom in 1955 then touted four locations in the Delaware Valley selling jewelry, luggage, appliances, electronics, and housewares.

The current location opened in 1966.

In 1985, the business shifted to jewelry and became known as "The King of Diamonds." The Block family traveled to the diamond capitals of the world to purchase the best diamonds at the lowest prices for their customers.

Started by Harry Block, the business is now three generations deep with Harry Block's grandson Gary Block serving as the owner in the footsteps of his father and mother, Alfred and Annette Block.

"It’s an honor to be part of a joyous time in people’s lives," Gary Block said. "We’ve served multiple generations of families; the grandchildren come in for their jewelry because this is where their families have shopped."

Gary Block says closing the business will be bittersweet, but he and his wife Leslie Block know the timing is right to retire and explore the next chapter in their lives.

As the third generation of the Block family closes out the business, they’re offering a going-out-of-business sale that is underway now.

Gary Block attributes the success of more than 90 years in business to providing excellent service and commitment to the community.

"We’ve helped people celebrate life’s biggest moments," he said. "As a family-owned business, we have a vested interest in the community. We'll miss our customers and the camaraderie of seeing them on a regular basis."

Block Jewelers is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sundays.