Tacoma jeweler celebrates diamond milestone

LeRoy Jewelers will celebrate the store’s diamond anniversary Dec. 2.

Irving Farber opened the jewelry store in downtown Tacoma 1941, which has since moved to a storefront at 940 Broadway.

The party will include the announcement of the fifth winner of the store’s unsung heroes award, said Steph Farber, who co-owns the jewelry store and and The Art Stop with his wife, Phyllis Harrison.

Last year’s winner was Willie Stewart, a Tacoma educator entering his eighth decade. He spent 36 years in Tacoma schools as a teacher, principal and administrator.

Farber said he listens to the story of the award winner and spends a year designing a piece of custom jewelry, often a pin or pendant, from precious metals and gemstones. Stewart will have a custom piece of jewelry presented to him at the awards ceremony Friday.

Working as a jeweler has some perks compared with other professions, Farber said. People go to doctors when they are sick. And they seek a lawyer when they’re scared or mad.

“People come to us when they are in love, or when they want to do something nice for themselves or someone else,” Farber said.

LeRoy Jewelers’ 75th anniversary party will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, at 940 Broadway, Tacoma. The event is open to the public.

Some information from The News Tribune archives.

This story was originally published November 26, 2016 at 12:28 PM with the headline "Tacoma jeweler celebrates diamond milestone."