WHEN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, NATIVE IVAN Solomon became a certified gemologist and appraiser in 1982, he decided to relocate to Atlanta. At the time, he couldn’t have known that his chosen profession would dictate the trajectory of his family for generations. Soon after his move, his two brothers joined him in the quest to start a fine jewelry business in Buckhead. Today, under the leadership of his son, Jaron, Solomon Brothers Jewelers is a beloved local institution that has grown to three locations in Georgia.
Solomon Brothers is not a typical jewelry store. While it carries reputable product lines, it also has developed its own custom IJS Collection of fine diamond jewelry. “Our bridal designs are high-value items, using high-quality materials at an affordable price point,” says Jaron Solomon, president of Solomon Brothers Jewelers. “We offer the same premium quality you would find at Tiffany & Co. or Cartier, without the steep price point. Quality itself shouldn’t cost that much. We make a choice not to pass on the branding costs to our customers.”
Drawing on the family’s deep roots from their native South Africa, Solomon Brothers Jewelers leverages long-standing connections to diamond resources there and around the world to bring exquisite stones back to its local stores. These gems are transformed into signature creations within the brand’s namesake Solomon Brothers Collection. “We can design and craft a new ring for the collection in just two weeks,” Solomon notes. “We’re constantly finding inspiration for new pieces. While we stay attuned to trends, we always add our own distinctive flair, and our Solomon Brothers line gives us the freedom to do that.” From tennis bracelets and hoops to studs and rings, the possibilities for custom diamond designs are nearly endless.
Beyond its signature collection, Solomon Brothers Jewelers offers a truly bespoke experience, guiding customers from the spark of an idea to the final masterpiece. Its seasoned designers act as stylists and creative partners, helping clients bring their visions to life. “Our four full-time, in-house master jewelers can create anything you can imagine,” Solomon says. “You can sketch your own idea, or we’ll illustrate it for you, then develop a CAD rendering and a prototype for you to try on before it’s completed.” With advanced tools, expert craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology all under one roof, Solomon Brothers has everything needed to produce one-of-a-kind creations—whether it’s an engagement ring or a meaningful gift for someone special. “Even the wildest ideas are welcome,” Solomon adds. “We can make anything—and make it attainable.”
Solomon Brothers Jewelers is able to offer such affordable prices because of the founder’s background in the industry. “My father was a traveling wholesaler,” Solomon explains. “We have continued his mantra of wholesale pricing in our retail business.” While others say they have a wide range of product options, Solomon Brothers truly has an extensive and diverse inventory of jewelry due to its wholesale roots. “We have been supplying other Southeastern retailers since our company’s inception, so we have more jewelry to choose from than others,” Solomon says. The company has bulk buying power that results in savings that it is able to pass along to customers. “Plus, the more there is to choose from, the better the experience,” he adds.
The Solomon family and their trusted employees welcome customers into any of their three showrooms—the inaugural location in Buckhead, Alpharetta or Sharpsburg. “We are the first luxury jeweler on the south side of town,” Solomon says. “We don’t think customers should have to come to us in Downtown Atlanta if they live in the suburbs, so we brought the stores to where it is most convenient for them.” What began as a small 800-square-foot store in Buckhead in 1982 has morphed into a 12,000-square-foot showroom in the original location. All three stores feature a bar, where customers can pick up a mimosa or sparkling water as they browse the collections or design their own unique pieces with a master jeweler. “Buying a piece of jewelry is a want and not a need. We realize that and have designed our stores as a place to let your hair down and have some fun,” Solomon says. “We understand our customers are taking time out of their busy days, and we want to deliver an amazing experience in our showrooms.”
The Solomon family welcomes customers to walk into any of its three showrooms to discuss gift-giving ideas personalized to their situation. For further inspiration, gift guides organized by recipient and price are available on the company’s website.
One of Solomon’s top priorities is staying integrated in the heartbeat of the community. “We are a local jeweler,” he says. “Our family members still work in the store every day. We live here, and the community trusts us. I was born and raised in Atlanta, and our family has decided over the years to grow with the city.” The homegrown current president of the store shows his dedication to the local community by regularly participating in nonprofit galas that give back to neighbors. “The charities we support are solely focused on funding local initiatives,” he says. In addition, Solomon Brothers is proud to be a partner of the University of Georgia Bulldogs (Solomon’s alma mater) and the preferred jeweler of several local sports teams, such as the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
For its customers, Solomon Brothers provides a lifetime of free cleaning, checking and maintenance. “We stand by our jewelry and have pride in its level of quality,” Solomon says. “The IJS Collection is warrantied for life; even if a diamond falls out, we will take care of it at no charge because that should never happen.” Solomon believes you should be able to wear and enjoy your jewelry all the time; that’s one of the reasons the company provides lifetime maintenance. “When it’s time for your ring to have a spa treatment, bring it by, and we will steam, clean and polish it free of charge,” he explains.
Solomon Brothers also believes in its duty to educate others about diamonds and gemstones, such as rubies and sapphires. To further its educational outreach, Solomon and co-host Nick Constantino produce a podcast and radio show on 106.3 FM, Legacy of Luxury, which discusses such topics as watch collecting, pop culture about famous jewel heists, making custom jewelry and busting myths about gold and diamonds.
A trusted local brand, Solomon Brothers Jewelers remains deeply rooted in the Atlanta community. With lifetime maintenance and a commitment to quality, the jeweler continues to uphold its family legacy of craftsmanship, community and unsurpassed value. *
Dana W. Todd is a professional writer specializing in interior design, real estate, luxury homebuilding, landscape design, architecture and fine art.
