TIMELINE

1861 - Humble Origins

Before Ellis Island was established, Solomon Josephi immigrated from Prussia to New York City. Solomon Josephi moved to Illinois during the Civil War to learn the watchmaking trade at an Elgin watch company. 

1862

Solomon established himself in Des Moines and joined Plumb Brothers Jewelry.

1871

Solomon changed his last name and started S. Joseph and Sons on 4th and Walnut in the Kirkwood Hotel. His store added watches, eyeglasses, repair services, thimbles and eventually Polk County license tags.

1900

The store, now called Josephs, expanded into fine jewelry and giftware. The first piece of jewelry sold was a base metal lapel pin.

1924

Josephs officially opened in the Equitable Building, operating six locations in Des Moines, Marshalltown, Waterloo, Grinnell, and Carlisle, Iowa, as well as one in Springfield, Missouri. Please place the Equitable Building image under 1924.

1959

Josephs opened a store in the new Merle Hay Plaza and was one the first 11 tenants.

1991

Josephs bought the Plumb’s Jewelers space in Valley West Mall.

2005

Josephs closed the Merle Hay Mall location and opened a new flagship location in West Des Moines on Mills Civic Parkway

2016

The Valley West and Mills Civic locations merged.

2022

The Downtown and Mills Civic locations merged.

2026