History of S.E. Needham Jewelers
For more than a century, couples throughout Northern Utah have purchased their diamond engagement rings from S. E. Needham Jewelers. Shopping at S. E. Needham Jewelers has become a tradition for thousands of families over the years.
The store was actually founded by Lulu Holt Needham in 1896. Her husband Sylvan Eugene Needham, joined her soon after, and they worked together to take the store through WWI and the Great Depression. When their son Sylvan Eugene Needham Jr. was old enough, he and his father then worked together as business partners. In 1935, Sylvan Eugene, Jr. took over management of the business and ran the store during WWII and into the 50’s and 60’s. In 1967, Sylvan Jr. passed away at the early age of 55, placing his son Sylvan Eugene III in ownership.
Sylvan Eugene Needham III worked diligently for 25 years to preserve historic downtown Logan while expanding the product lines carried by the store. During the early 80’s he owned and managed 8 retail stores at one time. His son Sylvan Eugene Needham IV has worked at the store since he was a young boy. In 1984 he began working as the store’s goldsmith. He worked in the evenings after school and also helped on the sales floor before leaving on a church mission to the West Indies in 1988. In the summer of 1990, Gene IV was handed the store key and assumed management. Since then, Gene IV has received certifications in both diamonds and diamond grading from the Gemological Institute of America. He works daily buying, selling, appraising, and grading diamonds and jewelry.
Along Gene IV’s side is his younger brother Joseph. In the spring of 1989, at the age of only 13, Joseph began working as a goldsmith. He took many jewelry classes at Logan High School, and to no surprise was outstanding. In 1997, after having served a church mission in California, Joseph became partners with Gene IV. Shortly thereafter, he was trained by master jewelry designers and goldsmiths at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Art in San Francisco.
Today Joseph serves as the store’s head goldsmith.Gene IV, along with his wife Julie and his brother Joseph have brought this business to a new level. In 1995, the store was expanded and completely renovated. Almost everything was changed: the carpet, lighting, woodwork, and even the store colors. Also in 1995, Sylvan Eugene Needham V was born; the fifth generation had arrived. In 1996 we received the “Retailer of the Year” award for the Cache Valley area.
Today, the success of S.E. Needham Jewelers continues to flourish by following our mission statement:
“To provide the ultimate buying experience for each and every customer
by exceeding customer expectations in service, quality, and integrity.”
