Small Business Spotlight: Generations of Jewelers
Posted
on Tuesday, May 6, 2025
in
Small Business Spotlights
A business built on integrity, Hellberg’s Jewelers is the only locally owned family jewelry store in Marshalltown. Known for their fine jewelry, unique gifts, and elegant signature gift
wrap, Hellberg’s is certainly a true gem in our community.
The business showcases a vast inventory that includes diamonds, natural colored stone jewelry, designer jewelry, several watch lines, and sterling silver jewelry. They are also known for their unique gift selections. Additional services include in-house jewelry and watch repair, battery replacement, appraisals, pearl and bead restringing, and bridal registry services.
The strong history of Hellberg’s becomes apparent the moment you walk through the doors. Three large portraits are displayed on the wall, honoring previous generations that include Vic’s father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Owners Vic and Gayle Hellberg are the 4th generation to own/operate the business.
The business was originally opened in Marshalltown in 1898 by Vic’s great grandfather, William Hellberg. William owned a watch factory in Sweden before he and his family immigrated to America. He owned several jewelry stores in the Midwest, losing one of them in the historic fire of Bismark, ND in the 1800’s. After the fire, he moved his family by train and arrived in Marshalltown in 1898. Upon arrival, he walked from the train station up 3rd Avenue, and down Main Street and decided this was where he and his family would stay. Their first home was on the property where the hotel Tallcorn was built. The first jewelry store was located at 23 West Main Street, just a block away from the current location.
When asked about the future of Hellberg’s Jewelers, owners Vic and Gayle were proud to say that the business will remain in the family for many years to come. Their daughter, Erika Lindblom and granddaughter, Summer Lindblom share the love and desire to continue meeting the needs of the Marshalltown community.
Throughout the years, the Hellberg family has enjoyed the relationships built within the community. “Marshalltown is a wonderful community for our family business. We have gotten to know so many customers, and have served many families for generations,” Gayle and Vic commented. They added, “We have always had a great relationship with United Bank & Trust, and the personnel are great to deal with.”
Operating in Marshalltown for 127 years and counting, Hellberg’s remains one of the longest running businesses in the community. They look forward to many, many more years of providing quality jewelry and services to the residents in the Marshalltown community.