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History of Tiny Jewel Box

MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PASSION

HISTORY

WE'VE HAD A LOT OF HIGHLIGHTS OVER THE YEARS:

From humble beginnings to celebrity customers, and everything in between.

1930
1930

Roz Rosenheim begins jewelry career in the National Press Building.

1933
1933

FDR comes shopping, one of many Presidents, First Ladies, ambassadors, members of congress, and foreign dignitaries who have frequented Tiny Jewel Box over the decades.

1944
1944

Roz and husband Monte move the store to an alley breezeway so narrow you could extend your arms and touch both walls.

1948
1948

Jim, the couple's 6-year-old son, makes his first sale— a $15.00 ring.

1956
1956

Tiny Jewel Box moves to Connecticut Avenue and L Street NW.

1959
1959

Sammy Davis Jr. visits the store and Roz Rosenheim locks the door and won't let him leave without a song and dance.

1972
1972

Tiny Jewel Box moves to a 1,500 square foot space on Connecticut Avenue under Jim Rosenheim's leadership.

1996
1996

Jim's son Matthew joins Tiny Jewel Box full-time as the store enters the newly exploding global designer jewelry business. The store expands and restores an iconic 12,500 square foot Elizabeth Arden Building, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. New designer collections, diamonds, bridal, accessories, and a corporate gift division are introduced.

2001
2001

The store opens its first watch salon showcasing Rolex and other fine Swiss lines.

2008
2008

On the White House steps, on Inauguration Day, Michelle Obama presents Laura Bush with a gift designed by Tiny Jewel Box.

2009
2009

The store hosts a book signing event for U.S. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright. Madam Secretary famously wore many pins she purchased from Tiny Jewel Box to convey diplomatic messages.

2011
2011

When the Obamas went to England to pay a visit to Queen Elizabeth, they gave her a vintage American-made brooch from 1950 — with 14-karat yellow gold, diamonds and moss agate.

2014
2014

Owner and chairman of Tiny Jewel Box, Jim was recognized at the 2014 Couture Design Awards with the prestigious Human Spirit Award. This honor recognizes individuals in the couture community who demonstrate an exceptional generosity of mind and spirit; the award signifies a commitment to philanthropy, integrity, and a consistent standard of excellence.

2015
2015

Tiny Jewel Box debuts a lavish new space spanning the entire historic corner of Connecticut Avenue and M Street NW, dramatically expanding their designer jewelry and watch collections, as well as being able to incorporate new artists into the fold.

2015
2015

The store introduces a Cartier salon. Legendary watch maker, Patek Phillippe, joins the store's collections— exclusively available in Washington, D.C. at Tiny Jewel Box.

2016
2016

Jim Rosenheim receives the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. This honor is granted to an individual who has accumulated a career's worth of contributions to the fine jewelry and watch industry. Honorees set a standard of excellence that serves as an inspiration to industry colleagues.

2017
2017

Exclusive to only the best-in-class U.S. retailers, Tiny Jewel Box has been awarded the prestigious status of an “Argyle Pink Diamond Select Atelier,” ensuring a regular supply of rare Argyle pink diamonds from Western Australia for their jewelry collections. Tiny Jewel Box is one of eight retailers in the U.S. that has this exclusive partnership.

2017
2017

Tudor joins the Tiny Jewel Box collection, bringing its iconic Swiss watchmaking heritage and modern spirit.

2020
2020

Patek Phillipe establishes a more expansive presence in the nation's capital through its partnership with Tiny Jewel Box. A distinctive and immersive brand space that only a few Patek Phillipe retail partners are awarded, the luxuriously appointed newly expanded 1,000 square foot showroom also has a lounge and a dedicated street-level Patek Phillipe store entrance at 1147 Connecticut Ave.

2021
2021

Tiny Jewel Box expands our retail footprint with a new and expanded Rolex shop-in-shop. The luxuriously appointed Rolex environment and the expansion allows for a new immersive experience with approximately 1,500 square feet. Adorned with a custom made large emerald green and gold custom chandelier, travertine walls and a custom stucco wall sculpture featuring DC monuments is a nod to the importance of the nation's capital to the Rolex brand.

2022
2022

Grand Seiko joins the Tiny Jewel Box portfolio, introducing a new level of precision and artistry rooted in Japanese craftsmanship.

2023
2023

Continuing to build upon a highly collaborative partnership with Patek Philippe, Tiny Jewel Box adds to its world class shopping experience with a spacious 1,000 square feet private lounge specifically designed to provide a serene environment for clients to explore Patek Philippe timepieces in privacy and comfort. The suite includes a spectacular historical timeline of Patek Philippe which offers an immersive introduction to the manufacturers legacy dating back to 1839.

2024
2024

In partnership with Richemont, Tiny Jewel Box proudly unveils immersive new brand universes from Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC Schaffhausen, and newly welcomed Panerai. Each space is meticulously designed to bring the essence of the brand to life—through rich materials, thoughtful layouts, and personalized experiences that celebrate heritage, craftsmanship, and distinctive identity of each brand.

2025
2025

Tiny Jewel Box continues its legacy of excellence, welcoming new collections and experiences for the next generation of luxury jewelry and watch enthusiasts in Washington, D.C.

2025
2025

With over 90 years of history, Tiny Jewel Box remains Washington D.C.'s premier destination for luxury jewelry, Swiss timepieces, and extraordinary service — a true family tradition passed through three generations.

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