ABOUT US

From the American Dream to Scarsdale's Diamond

1890s

In 1892, Morris Wilson (Generation One) arrived on Ellis Island with a star in his eye and a watch in his pocket, intent on making his American Dream a reality. Already a watchmaker at just eighteen years old, he left the Russian Empire to find a better life in the United States.

Morris Wilson’s original Ellis Island Listing

Morris Wilson's original Ellis Island Listing
("Mosche Boschwitz, 18, watchmaker")

Morris Wilson

Morris Wilson, date unknown

1900-1910s

In 1905, Morris signed a lease for a small store in Washington Heights — and Wilson & Son Jewelers was born!

He opened up shop right across from Z & Z Restaurant and Bakery, a decision that would change his son's life. Meyer (Generation Two), would later fall in love with the baker's daughter, Adele Zakim.

Morris Wilson, Lena Wilson, and Adele's Grandparents

Morris Wilson, Lena Wilson, and Adele's Grandparents, Date Unknown

1920s

In 1926, Wilson & Son made the voyage up to Westchester when Morris moved the store to Bronxville. This location remained open until the mid-1970s.

Image 1920

A Bronxville Press advertisement from 1930 featuring Wilson & Son Jewelers and Opticians in Bronxville

1930s

In March of 1932, Meyer took over an abandoned jewelry store in the Harwood Building in Scarsdale, New York. (You can find the Scarsdale Women's Exchange in that location today!)

Meyer and Adele married in 1935, and welcomed Generation Three to the family. Their only son, Ira was born in 1938.

A Scarsdale Inquirer advertisement announcing the opening of our Bronxville location, 1932

A Scarsdale Inquirer advertisement announcing the opening of our Scarsdale location, 1932

Ira Wilson with his grandparents, Lena and Morris, and his Mother, Adele

Ira Wilson with his grandparents, Lena and Morris, and his Mother, Adele, date unknown

1940s

With a growing family and a thriving business, Morris moved across the street to 6 Chase Road, a place we called home until 1986.

From this location, we served Scarsdale and the surrounding community with fashion jewelry, watchmaking, repairs, wedding stationery, and even optician work!

Exterior of 6 Chase Road

Exterior of 6 Chase Road, date unknown

Interior of 6 Chase Road

Interior of 6 Chase Road, date unknown

Original business card from 6 Chase Road location

Original business card from 6 Chase Road location

1950s

In October of 1954, Meyer Wilson was applauded for fixing the wristwatch of a boy who crashed his car into the Bronx River.

In 1955, Meyer Wilson was elected President of the NYSRJA (New York State Retail Jewelers Association).

Article clipping from the Scarsdale Inquirer

Article clipping from the Scarsdale Inquirer, October 15, 1954

Meyer and Adele Wilson (third and fourth from left) at a NYSRJA meeting

Meyer and Adele Wilson (third and fourth from left) at a NYSRJA meeting, year unknown

1960s-1970s

In the early 1960s, Ira began to work alongside his father and grandfather as a Sales Associate and Bench Jeweler.

In 1963, Ira married his high school sweetheart Lynne and soon they were ready for Generation Four. Their son, Michael, was born in 1964. He was quickly following by Matthew in 1965, and Amy in 1967.

In 1976 Lynne joined the Wilson & Son team as a bookkeeper and eventual sales associate.

1980s

In the early 1980s, generation four was ready to join the ranks. Michael and Matthew both received their Graduate Gemology Certificates from the Gemological institute of America and joined the team in Scarsdale.

In need of more space, the store moved to 18 Chase Road in 1986. This is where the store blossomed into a retail luxury jewelry destination in Westchester.

1990s-2000s

The Wilson family saw a lot of growth in the 1990s. In September 1990, Matthew married his wife, Barbara, and in October, Michael married his wife, Tara.

In 1991, Matthew and Barbara welcomed the first member of Generation Five, Chelsea. Just three years later in 1994, Matthew & Barbara had their second daughter, Katelyn, and Michael and Tara welcomed their first of three daughters, Stephanie. In 1997, their second daughter, Lauren, was born.

In 2000, Michael and Tara’s last daughter, Allison, was born.

In 2001, we renovated and expanded our 18 Chase Road store, doubling our showroom space.

Showroom

Showroom

2010s-2020s

In 2021, we moved across the street to our current location in the Harwood Building.

Since 2000, we have had the honor of being recognized by the below organizations:

  • Scarsdale Historical Society - 2000
  • Honored by March of Dimes - Mother of the Year (Lynne Wilson) 2003
  • Westchester Business Hall of Fame - 2011
  • American Cancer Society 2012
  • American Diabetes Association - Father of the Year (Michael Wilson) 2013
  • New York State Significant Historical Business - 2022

2010s-2020s

2010s-2020s-2

2010s-2020s-3