Before Ellis Island was established, Solomon Josephi immigrated from Prussia to New York City.

During the Civil War, Solomon moved to Illinois to learn the watchmaking trade at the Elgin Watch Company.

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

After changing his last name, Solomon Joseph started “S. Joseph and Sons” on 4th and Walnut in the Kirkwood Hotel. He became known as a meticulous jeweler and timekeeper. His impeccable reputation earned him the official timekeeper for the railroads in Des Moines.

Solomon’s store added thimbles, watches, eyeglasses and repair services, and eventually Polk county license tags to its services.

The store, now called Josephs, expanded into fine jewelry and giftware. The first piece of jewelry ever sold is currently at the West Des Moines location. It is a base metal lapel pin that made its way back to Josephs.

Josephs operated in five locations in Marshalltown, Waterloo, Grinnell, Carlisle and Springfield, Missouri. The headquarters moved to the Equitable Insurance Building.

After two partners passed away and their widows took a cash stake, the company was forced to sell all but the Equitable Building location to pay them off.

The American Gem Society is established. Josephs was a founding member and investor.

Burton Joseph was appointed to GIA’s Board of Governors. He was instrumental in developing GIA through his participation in the Jewelers Research Group. Josephs is still an active member to this day.

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

Josephs sold the piece of Cybis porcelain that was presented to Pope John Paul II. A framed photograph is at the West Des Moines location.

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

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

The company merged the Valley West and Mills Civic locations.

Jake Joseph was promoted to company president, making him the fifth generation Joseph to run the stores.