That has been Albert's commitment to the community for decades. Originally opened in 1905 in East Chicago, Albert's Jewelers became part of the Halpern Family when Fred Halpern purchased the business in 1960. Fred, a third-generation jeweler, continues to serve as president. As vice president, his son Josh is in charge of the storeís day-to-day operations and personally selects every one of the diamonds offered at Albertís. Charles Halpern, Fredís brother, is treasurer and buyer for Albertís.

As the oldest and most trusted jeweler in northwest Indiana, Albertís serves multiple generations of area families as well as those who have newly discovered this store where customers are family. More than 300 people visit the Schererville store each day, with those numbers nearly doubling during holidays or special occasions. Some customers travel over 100 miles from Indiana, Illinois and Michigan to buy their jewelry at Albertís.

The selection and service customers find at Albertís keeps them returning again and again, says Josh Halpern.

ìWe are known for diamonds, and we offer the top brands such as Tacori, Scott Kay and Simon G.,î says Josh, who is a graduate gemologist. ìAlbertís has more diamonds than 20 stores combined. I hand select every diamond for beauty and price. At Albertís you get the best diamonds and the best value, and we have a broad selection in price range, size and shape.î

Much of Albertís business involves engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as loose diamonds.

ìWe have 3,000 engagement rings and 1,000 wedding bands in the store,î Josh says.

But, with an inventory of 25,000 different products, thereís even more at Albertís. ìPandora is an extremely popular brand. Everyone can afford Pandora,î Josh says. Bracelets, chains, rings and earrings become custom pieces as customers select beads to adorn their jewelry. At Albertís, customers will find a vast array of Pandora beads starting at $25 in silver. ìThese beads are also available in gold,î Josh says.

David Yurman is a premier designer of jewelry available at Albertís. This collection includes fine jewelry for women and men, including bracelets, necklaces, rings, cufflinks and money clips.

In addition, Albertís specializes in timepieces, including menís and womenís watches by Cartier and Tag Heuer. The store also offers corporate gifts and service awards.

The storeís 90 employees provide Albertís renowned customer service. This professional staff ranges from expert salespeople and certified appraisers to master craftsmen in jewelry design and the repair of watches.

ìWe hire mature people who have experience and product knowledge,î Josh says. ìThis provides continuity and consistency which is important for our clients.î

Among the specialized services provided by Albertís are:

Appraisals ñ A Graduate Gemologist provides appraisals of jewelry and watches, including heirloom pieces and antique jewelry.

Credit Financing ñ Albertís offers in-house financing for customers. The Halperns are always available in the store to negotiate payments.

Layaway ñ Customers can reserve any item in the store on layaway and make payments over a six-month period with no finance charge.

Jewelry Design & Repair ñ Albertís master craftsman custom designs jewelry for customers using the time-honored tradition of drawing as well as the latest in computer-assisted technology. This department also repairs jewelry, including fine antique and delicate pieces that require a laser for precision soldering.

Jewelry Cleaning ñ This free service at Albertís returns jewelry to its original beauty.

Watch Repair ñ

Albertís master watchmaker can repair any timepiece with precision and dedication. In addition, the department staff provides such services as battery replacement.

Special Orders ñ Ordering just what the customer wants is a specialty of Albertís Jewelers.

Lifetime Warranty ó Albertís offers a lifetime warranty on all diamond merchandise and most other precious metal jewelry sold at the store at a very reasonable price.

From day one at Albertís, the Halpern Family believed in giving back to the community. That tradition, started by Fred Halpern, continues nearly 50 years later with contributions to a host of charitable organizations and causes every year, including:

- Raising more than $70,000 for the Multiple

Sclerosis Society.

- Contributing monetary donations and jewelry to

auctions for such organizations as the Crisis

Center of Northwest Indiana, Parkinsonís

research, The Samaritan Center, the National

Kidney Foundation, the Disabled American

Veterans Transportation Fund and Tradewinds.

- Participating in triathlons, marathons and bike

rides that benefit charitable organizations.

- Presenting an annual ìHero Awardî to a police

officer, EMT and firefighter from each of the surrounding communities. Recognizing two ìmost improved studentsî from each of 32 area middle and high schools each year with a new watch.

Celebrating lifeís special moments is another Albertís tradition. In fact, Albertís is recognized throughout the nation for events held inside the store for customers and the community at large. Among these many gala celebrations are:

Valentineís Day Weddings, hosted free of charge for customersí nuptials or renewal of vows. This is a special day at Albertís because Fred and Donna Halpern were married on February 14, 1968.

The Annual Gala, which honors loyal and loving customers with a gourmet menu and a special showing of such product lines as Richard Krementz, Gregg Ruth, Maurice Lacroix, Tag Heuer and Christopher Designs.

Trunk Shows held at least eight times a year at Albertís to showcase such internationally-renowned vendors as David Yurman, Spark, Simon G., Gregg Ruth, John Hardy and Chopard. Guests also enjoy hors díoeuvres and cocktails during these shows.

The MS Auction raises tens of thousands of dollars for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Vendors and local businesses provide donations for the auction which is one of Albertís cherished events.

Whatever the occasion, Albertís offers a world-class collection of jewelry choices and renowned customer service that makes everyone feel like family.