From Jewelers' Row to Fabric Row

From Jewelers’ Row to Fabric Row

by Lucy Erdelec

After 45 years on Jewelers’ Row, Maryanne Ritter chose Fabric Row as the new location for her storefront, Maryanne S. Ritter Jewelers. “I was attracted to the history of Fabric Row,” Ritter says, “and it’s been great. I made a good choice.”

History and tradition are important to Ritter, who began her gem-studded career at age 20 under the tutelage of Louis Neff. His business, Louis Neff Jewelers, opened on Jewelers’ Row in 1909. Decades later, the respected jeweler named his business’ successor and until 2013 Ritter led Louis Neff Jewelers before founding her namesake store.

Ritter’s was one of many established businesses forced to leave Philadelphia’s Jewelers’ Row, the nation’s oldest diamond district, after her building and four others on the 700 block of Sansom Street were sold. Toll Brothers purchased the properties to build a 24-story tower of 85 luxury condominiums.

A long-time Queen Village shopping mecca, earlier this year Philadelphia Magazine named 4th Street’s Fabric Row “Best City Shopping Destination.” And, considering the rich history of so many of the long-lived businesses there, Maryanne S. Ritter Jewelers will be right at home on Fabric Row. ■