The tree motif at Radcliffe Jewelers’ new Baltimore showroom seemed like the right way to communicate Radcliffe’s ties to the local community and its relationship with the 1916 Company, which became the retailer’s parent firm late last year, according to the store’s designer.
“The branching ceiling evokes the feeling of being under a tree—shaded, protected, and nurturing,” says Eric Lewis, principal of Baltimore’s E/Line Architecture. “Texture, pattern, materiality, and color are central to the [store’s] nature themes, highlighting the precious gems and craftsmanship presented in the display cases.”
Radcliffe and the 1916 Company celebrated the grand opening of the 26,000-square-foot showroom, at 1819 Reistertown Road, in October. It’s been designed as a hub for fine jewelry and watches, from brands such as Rolex, Cartier, and David Yurman.
“Our goal was seamless interaction between the brand environments and the overall store,” says Lewis. “Color and material choices were essential to creating a cohesive, warm, and inviting atmosphere. We aligned the design with the 1916 Company/Radcliffe ethos, tailoring palettes to each area—bridal, diamond jewelry, watches, pre-owned watches—to resonate with clients.”
Lewis says his team collaborated with local artists to create custom, nature-inspired elements for the showroom, like the tree branch design, a wall of moss, and wood screens. Natural materials and minimalist color tones represent an organic, modern touch to luxury, he says, as marble, mosaics, textured wall coverings, and plush seating unite with artisanal lighting fixtures and that “living” green wall.
The new showroom also offers intimate lounges, hospitality bars, a concierge-style service area, and event space. “Our showroom is not just a place to shop. It is a gathering space for our community—for events, casual conversations, private consultation with our advisers, and ongoing exploration,” says Dan Kallaugher, managing director for the 1916 Company/Radcliffe Jewelers.
“We were fortunate to have such a large space—a blank canvas, if you will—to design with purpose and to our liking, bringing together brand environments within the larger framework of our environment for an experience that is welcoming and comfortable,” Kallaugher says.
“There’s really been a magnetic quality to the store since we opened, with clients and friends returning week after week,” he adds.
Radcliffe Jewelers was established in the early 1980s as a 750-square foot store in Baltimore, under the stewardship of John Shmerler and Paul Winicki. In late 2023 it merged with WatchBox, Govberg, and Hyde Park Jewelers, and all the brands are now under the 1916 umbrella. Shmerler serves as CEO of the 1916 Company.
Top: Radcliffe Jewelers recently opened a 26,000-square-foot store in Baltimore. (Photos courtesy of 1916 Company/Radcliffe Jewelers)
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