Our mission at Weber Brothers Jewelers is to always provide our customers
with the highest level of personal service with uncompromised quality and value.
In order to do so, we employ only the most ethical, talented and dedicated individuals and
provide them with continuous training and support.
We strive to carry the quality of products that we would purchase for ourselves and our families.
Our goal is to develop a close relationship with our customers, earning their future loyalty with
each purchase. We look forward to your business and trust through our integrity and high
ethical standards that we can assist you with all of your jewelry needs.
Article from Telegraph Herald:
Walter Weber opened Weber Bros. Jewelers in Lancaster on September 27,
1894. Walter's father, David Weber, came to America from Germany in 1853,
and was one of the earliest settlers in Lancaster. He married in 1857,
only eight years after Lancaster became a city. Seven children came from
his happy union, among them a son Walter. Walter opened his
jewelry store in 1894, in a tiny building between the present Walkers
Clothing and the offices of Urban and Kinney. Walter had worked in
the hotel business in South Dakota in 1889, returning here in 1890. Walter
went to school in Chicago to learn watchmaking and opened his jewelry
store in 1894 which became the forerunner of the present Weber Bros.
Jewelers. By 1895, John and Walter had joined forces. At that
time, 8-day clocks that struck on the hour and half-hour were selling for
$2 and a 20-year, gold filled watch case with an American movement could
be had for $9.50.
Walter married Elizabeth McBrien on February 8, 1906 and had seven
children, among them Raymond and Albert.
Raymond Weber said, "Dad (Walter) taught us that reputation was number
one. In everything, honesty counts most, even to the extent that it hurts.
He gave an example that during World War II, watches were in short supply
and when other jewelers got a $33.75 Gruen they might sell it for $75. Not
so at Weber's, where Walter's tenets had taken root, and the watches were
sold for the tagged price of $33.75 or less.
Raymond also said, "Mother told us to work hard, give an hour's work
for an hour's wages, and something good would happen."
After returning home from service Raymond had a plan and contacted his
brother. Brother Albert liked the idea, quit his Detroit job with Ford
Motor Co., and went to work for a jeweler there to gain experience. Soon
after their father, Walter died in 1947, Raymond and Albert had their plan
ready, and joined equal forces to open their own Weber Bros. Jewelers.
Raymond and Albert's first store was located near where Dr. Wacker's
Office is now, and was eight feet wide at the entrance, broadening to 11
feet wide in the rear.
In 1956, the birth year of the present owner, Weber Bros. moved to
their present location, renting the building from Murray Electric. "On the
square was absolutely the place to be in those days, " they said.
From 1947 until 1978, Ray and Al, made sure that Weber Bros. Jewelers
flourished as one of Lancaster's leading businesses. If you don't know
diamonds, know your jeweler" became a watchword for those looking for
expertise and honesty to help in their selection of fine jewelry. They
originated their famous "Diamond Clinic" 50 years ago, and this popular
sales and service event is still a part of Weber Bros. today.
Ray and Al both retired in 1978, and sold the business to Ray's son
Dick Weber, the present owner. Ray continued to work as a corporate board
member, gradually phasing out his duties to Dick.
Dick worked for Weber Bros. in Lancaster, and attended UW-Platteville
before taking over the management of the Westby jewelry store, a position
he held from 1975 to 1978. Dick is a goldsmith and jeweler.
Dick has remodeled the Lancaster store and steadily upgraded the
appearance and merchandise. Dick and his wife, Sherri, who has held an
office in the corporation since 1985, own a home in Lancaster, and have a
daughter, Nichole. Dick served 13 years on the board of directors of the
Retail Jewelers Organization, a national group of independent jewelers. He
is also a member of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, and is a former
Jaycee and Lions Club member.
Ray and Al have always been strong believers in advertising, and Ray
said, I believe all advertising dollars turn over. I believe the
advertising dollar Dick is using today is the same one we started with in 1947.
When asked for the reasons for the success of Weber Bros. Jewelers
today, Dick said, "our heritage of 113 years of outstanding service and
quality products at a fair price has provided a solid foundation for our success".
"As children we were taught to work hard for every dollar we earned,"
he added. "We were taught to give more than was expected of us and to save
for the future."
Dick added, "A major reason for our success is our past and present
staff. We would not be what we are today without the help and guidance
from my father, Raymond, and my uncle, Albert and our past and present staff."