How did your business begin?

Gustaf Sylvan, a watchmaker, opened the doors to his new jewelry shop on Main Street on Sept. 22, 1897. He and his brother, Johannes “Joe,” a master jeweler, brought in an elegant array of merchandise that catered to the best trade of Columbia. In 1905, the brothers renovated the second Empire-style building on the corner of Main and Hampton streets, where we’re still located today.

What is the mission of your business?

It is our mission to provide uniquely high quality jewelry and gifts coupled with unparalleled levels of service and commitment to our customers —100 percent of the time.

What differentiates your business from other specialists in the field?

As one of the oldest retail jewelers in South Carolina, we’ve been building relationships with our customers and vendors throughout our 121-year history. Many of our customers are members of families that have shopped with Sylvan’s for generations. We’ve represented many of the world’s finest brands, like Mikimoto, for decades. And to ensure the highest caliber of customer service, our highly knowledgeable sales associates receive continuous in-store and brand training in all watch and jewelry matters.

What do you like best about your line of work?

Our business is about helping clients celebrate the special moments in their lives. Whatever the occasion — their engagement, wedding, the birth of a child, or their anniversaries — it’s wonderful to know that we’ve helped someone find a perfect gift for the occasion. And to know that whatever they’ve chosen, it’s an heirloom quality piece that can be handed down to the next generation.

How does your company give back to the Columbia community?

Sylvan’s Jewelers supports a number of local non-profit organizations each year, including the Columbia City Ballet, Pawmetto Lifeline, Lexington Health Foundation, Palmetto Health Foundation’s Festival of Trees, and The Children’s Trust.