The history of Michals-Kagan Jewelers dates back to the early 1900's with the founder, Eddie Michals. At the age of 13, his father passed away and in order to help support his 6 siblings, Eddie got a job as a messenger for CD Peacock's in Chicago. When Eddie was 18, he worked for jewelry wholesaler as a salesman for the next 15 years.

            Around 1935, the Great Depression started to end and a lot of store locations in downtown Chicago were available. Eddie took up a lease at Randolph and LaSalle and opened up his first shop, selling compacts, costume jewelry, nylons, and low-priced watches.

            Eddie was closing one night around 9pm when he saw a woman knocking frantically at the door. It turned out that she was having dinner at a hotel next door with her fiancé and her tooth had fallen out. Embarrassed and not wanting her fiancé to see her without her tooth, she asked Eddie for help. At first he refused, saying he wasn't a dentist. The lady persisted, saying she just needed some help having it cemented back on. Eddie ended up helping her and when the lady tried to pay him, he refused and said, “If you want to thank me, don't tell anybody you were here.”

            Six months went by when a tall, well-dressed man came into Eddie's shop. He was the fiancé of the lady who Eddie helped months before. She had told her fiancé what happened and he told Eddie that if he was going to buy a diamond, Eddie would be the only person he would buy a diamond from.
            Luckily, Eddie knew people in the fine jewelry business and obtained 3 diamonds to show the man. He made a sale for $5,000. At that moment, Eddie knew that he wanted to be in the fine jewelry business.

            In 1948, he re-located to Clark and Madison and stayed there until 1960. That year, he moved into the Pittsfield Building and took over Harry and Joseph Kagan's business. Harry retired, but Joseph stayed for 14 years before retiring himself.

            Michals-Kagan has been in the same location since, becoming the oldest tenant in the Pittsfield Building.

            Eddie Michals passed away in 1988 and gave the business to his son and the current owner, Larry Michals.  

           In the course of 70 years, Michals-Kagan has touched families in and around the Chicago-land area. We have a loyal customer base, supported by our quality, value and expertise on diamonds and fine jewelry.