Leading Jewelers Since 1897

Sylvan's 110th Anniversary History

History of Sylvan's mirrors the history of post-reconstruction Columbia.

1890 - Gustaf Jonson Sylvan and his younger brother, Johannes Bengtson (both in their 20's) left their home in Sweden to make a new life in the United States.  
Gus was already trained as a watchmaker.
Joe was already trained as a jeweler.
The arrived in Savannah, GA and worked for a jeweler there.

1894 - The brothers were ready to open their own business. They split up to find a community that would be right for them.
Gustaf traveled to Columbia while Joe went to Montgomery, AL.

1897 - Gustaf wrote to Joe making a strong case for setting up shop in Columbia.

September 22, 1897 - Doors open to Gustaf Sylvan, High Grade Jewelers at 1514 Main Street in Columbia.
September 22, 1897 - The first advertisement for Sylvan's ran in the morning edition of the Columbia State
    "Opens today the New Jewelry Store
    Gustaf Sylvan...1524 Main Street
    Every Article in Stock Just from the North and Up-to-Date"

A newspaper article in the Columbia State on September 23, 1897 said:
"Mr. Sylvan Opens a High Grade Establishment Here.
Mr. Gustav Sylvan has opened a highgrade jewelry store at number 1524 Main Street. He has fitted his store handsomely with walnut and glass cases, which show his elegant stock off to good advantage. Mr. Sylvan proposes to cater to the best trade of Columbia. He handles only the very best jewelry, and anything that may be purchased from him will come up to what it is represented by him as being. While his stock is as yet far from being completed it shows the class of goods he will sell. In particular is his line in cut glass handsome and select. His watches and diamonds show care and good taste in their selection.

Mr. Sylvan is a jeweler of experience and has brought on to Columbia an elegant line which he knows will be received with favor. His stock will be further increased by the first of October with other shipments of the latest and best jewelry obtainable.

Mr. Sylvan has all his life been in different watchmaking and jewelry establishments. What he knows has been learned in the school of experience under the best masters. He is a skilled watchmaker, and in connection with his store will repar watches and jewelry."

Early ads in the Columbia State advertised:
Rich Cut Glass in New Designs
High Grade Watches in silver and gold
Diamonds and Engagement Rings
Wedding Rings
Tasteful jewelry
Handsome silverware - sterling silver
Clocks
Handsome ornaments for Christmas Gifts

March 1, 1898 - The last ad for Gustaf Sylvan runs in The State
March 2, 1898 - The first ad for Sylvan Bros runs in The State
    "....Nestling on Beauty's Bosom,
    the turtle, all set with precious gems, disports itself, which is the fad among ultra fashionables, which the sensible ladies of Columbia will probably abjure.

We have gems that glare with such scintillating flame in our stock of pure diamonds that they do not need a moving setting to show their beauty.  Whenever you need diamonds be sure to call.
Sylvan Bros.,1524 Main Street
Gustaf Sylvan, Watchmaker
Johannes Sylvan, Jeweler and Diamond Setter"

June 24, 1905 - The Sylvan brothers ran their first ad announcing their new quarters at the northeast corner of Main and Plain Streets (Hampton Street) where it remains today.

"We wish to announce to you that we are ready and doing business at OUR NEW QUARTERS,
Corner Main and Plain Streets,
Where we have a larger and more beautiful array of goods suitable for BRIDAL GIFTS than ever has been shown in this State before.

Our stock of STERLING SILVER, CUT, ENGRAVED, ART GLASS AND ART POTTERY, are the finest and best that can be had, and contains the most celebrated makes in the world.

Come in and take a look at our display. Shall be glad to see you at our new place."

The building the Sylvan brothers acquired in 1905 was built in 1868-1870 and first occupied by the Central National Bank.A French Victorian masonry building, it was the first large building to be constructed in the City after Union soldiers serving under General Sherman, burned Columbia on February 17, 1865. The building, built by Samuel Sloan was of the Second Empire style of architecture, with steep green-slated mansard roof, full dormer windows and stone pavilions. The four-story structure is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a national landmark.

1906 - The Sylvan Bros. installed a beautiful four-sided clock on the sidewalk in front of the store. The clock, which was removed and retooled in 1977, still keeps correct time with its original works. A low-wattage light bulb being the only addition over the years.

University of South Carolina Ring - One of the Sylvan's earliest commissions was to design the official ring for the University, which for years we handmade in the store.

1936 - Gustaf Sylvan sold his interest in the business to his brother Johannes.
1954 - The store passed to Johannes' son Gustaf J. Sylvan II and his son-in-law Edward R. Lipscomb.
1962 - Sylvan's opened a second store in Richland Mall - now closed
1871 - Sylvan's opened a third store in Dutch Square - now closed
1984 - Sylvan's sold to the Schiffman family of Greensboro, NC

Through the years Sylvan has provided jewelry, silver and china for many of the state's business and governmental leaders, including many orders for the Governor's Mansion.






















1500 Main St. • Columbia • 803-779-2250
Sylvan's
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