Nelson Coleman Jewelers

Your Story Starts Here

Our story began in 1856, when jeweler and watchmaker Adolph Doederlein opened a jewelry shop along the bustling cobble-lined streets of Munich, Bavaria. He was renowned not only for his exquisite craftsmanship but also as the “Keeper of the Clocks” appointed by the royal court of Munich.

In 1873, Adolph’s life was cut short, leaving his young son Ludwig an orphan. Ludwig continued to train in jewelry repair and watchmaking while in the orphanage, determined to carry on his family’s legacy.

In 1880 Ludwig’s reputation earned him a position at Oppenheim Jewelry Co. and a move to Baltimore, Maryland. But Ludwig’s dream of reestablishing Doederlein Jewelers stayed with him. In 1898 he and his young family moved to Munich. But tragedy struck when his young son, Alfred, passed away. Ludwig returned to the United States to start fresh.

adolph doederlein
Adolph Doederlein
Ludwig Doederlein, an unnamed watchmaker, and Carl Doederlein at Doederlien Jewelers at Park and Lexington in Baltimore, MD

Upon his return, Ludwig opened Doederlein Jewelers in Staunton, Virginia. In 1906, he returned to Baltimore, and business thrived. Over the years, Ludwig’s jewelry store moved to Baltimore’s premiere shopping districts, including East Baltimore Street in 1911 and Park and Lexington in 1917. It was at this location that third-generation, Carl Doederlein, joined the family business.

Carl and Ruth Doederlein
Virginia Coleman assisting a customer

In 1930 Carl took the helm and moved the company to 10 W. Saratoga Street under the name The Carl J. Doederlein Company. With Carl at the forefront, the Doederlein grew and expanded their services to include silver, engraving, and even trophies. He was joined by his daughter, Virginia Doederlein, who apprenticed for five years before becoming a part of the family business.

She met and married actor and artist Nelson Coleman, who joined the family business first as a graphic designer. Virginia left the business to raise their six sons, while Nelson introduced custom design and rendering to the company.

Nelson Coleman
The Coleman Brothers

After 30 years at 10 W. Saratoga Street, The Carl J. Doederlein Company moved to 318-320 N. Charles Street. Four years later, Carl retired, and Nelson Coleman took the reins. In 1954, the business moved to 333 N. Charles Street, below the Women’s Industrial Exchange.

This small space allowed Nelson to focus on what he loved most, custom design and renderings, meeting with customers, and bringing their ideas to life before their eyes. In 1960 he was joined by his oldest son Nelson Coleman, III.

With the addition of Mark and Chris Coleman, the business was renamed Nelson Coleman & Sons, Ltd in 1980.

Nelson Coleman Jewelers in Towson, MD

In 2002, the jewelry store moved to its current location at 307 E. Joppa Road and was renamed Nelson Coleman Jewelers.

Fast forward to the present day. Nelson Coleman Jewelers has seen six generations of passionate and dedicated family members work tirelessly to make it the beloved institution it is today. In 2014 history was made again, as Amanda Coleman-Phelps became the first female owner in the business’s long history.

Amanda Coleman-Phelps
Amanda Coleman-Phelps, 6th generation owner
Jewelry By Designs in Woodbridge, VA
Nelson Coleman Jewelers in Frederick, MD

In 2016, Amanda started Mayflower Estate Buyers, building on the Coleman family’s decades-long expertise in the jewelry industry. In 2019 she launched The Chris Coleman Enrichment Program so that every jewelry purchase made at Nelson Coleman could give back to the community. In March 2020, she purchased the beloved Jewelry By Designs in Woodbridge, VA, bringing it into the Nelson Coleman family.

In February 2023, Nelson Coleman Jewelers opened a second location in the charming downtown of Frederick, MD. It’s a testament to the family’s unwavering dedication to exceptional service and Amanda’s tireless efforts to continue building on the family legacy.

With her extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry, Amanda Coleman-Phelps is poised to lead Nelson Coleman Jewelers to new heights while staying true to the family’s unwavering commitment to providing personalized service and exceptional quality. As the sixth generation of Colemans to take the helm, there’s no doubt she’ll continue to honor the legacy of those who came before her while carving out a path for the next generation of jewelers to follow.

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