Goldsmiths Dealers in Dreams resides in an open-air plaza in Bethesda, in stark contrast to the area’s shiny new high rise office buildings being constructed at rapid speeds close by. The jewelry store’s “old fashioned” physical location is reminiscent of the traditional way of purchasing jewelry, which has changed in recent years. What was once an intimate process of working with a jeweler to design a singular piece or pick out a special ring, brooch or earrings with a jeweler’s help, has evolved into shopping online or at chain stores.
This is what makes Goldsmiths appealing to those missing the personal touch when jewelry shopping. It has been a Washington institution for 48 years, its longevity a testament to its reputation of offering customers exactly what they want, choices they may not even have been aware of.
How designer Irwin Gross started his future profession in Philadelphia is a story in itself. After accidentally cracking his mother’s beloved opal ring as a child he managed to redesign it to a stunning and unique piece while working for a family friend who was a jeweler. After finishing his education he opened his own store in Philadelphia, then eventually joined his older brother in Washington.
In 1972 Gross launched his first jewelry store in DC, working in a retail space named “Les Champs” at the Watergate. He made his mark by offering contemporary jewelry that distinguished itself from inventory sold in other jewelry stores. His merchandise attracted many celebrities including Vic Damone, Liberace and Frank Sinatra. But despite selling to many ritzy buyers he says his motto has always been to “give everyone the same treatment, big or small, and do the best I can do for everyone.”
Gross moved to Bethesda in 1977, opening stores in White Flint and on Woodmont Avenue before settling in his current location between Woodmont and Wisconsin Avenues. When a customer walks into his store they often bring an inherited item that they ask him to appraise and sometimes redesign. He will advise them on whether they should sell it or make it into something they will love. He draws possible designs, shows photos of different pieces and works with potential buyers “to translate what people are thinking onto paper.” The process often involves a wax model that gives clients a tactile and visual preview of what the finished product will look like. He has worked with jewelry spanning three generations of owners, engagement rings or other pieces passed down from grandmother to daughter to granddaughter.
Gross' unique products, along with his talented gemstone cutters and goldsmiths, have earned him a devoted following of repeat customers. One client, Kathy, has worked with Gross for many years and he has made countless pieces of jewelry not only for her but for her daughter and friends. “What I treasure about working with Irwin is that you can bring him a simple piece, such as a beautiful green stone and he will make it into not only something you can wear and enjoy, but a work of art.”
Tracy has been coming to Goldsmiths Dealers in Dreams since the late 1980’s when she brought in jewelry she inherited from her grandmother. “Irwin will bend over backwards for his clients," she says. "He works with you to make sure you're happy.”
To find out more about Goldsmiths Dealers in Dreams and to see Gross’s designing process go to www.goldsmithsdealersindreams.com.