Burdeen Family Opens New Jewelry Store In Buffalo Grove

Burdeen’s Jewelry celebrated the grand opening of its new building Tuesday morning with a gathering attended by officials from the Village of Buffalo Grove and Buffalo Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and three generations of the Burdeen family.

The new store, located at the southeast corner of Lake-Cook and Arlington Heights roads, was European inspired, from its cobblestone entrance to the 14-foot, 1,500-pound wrought iron doors crafted in Europe. A fireplace and coffee bar sit just inside the entrance. 

And then there’s the jewelry.

“We have about 50 percent more showcase space than we did in the old location,” owner Matt Burdeen said. “The space for our watch environment has tripled.” 

The upscale store boasts gleaming jewelry cases and displays devoted to specific brands. The new environment is already attracting the attention of brands that are particular about how exclusive products are displayed, Burdeen said.

Just Monday, he received a limited edition Ulysse Nardin skeleton tourbillon watch that is the third of only 99 available in the world.

The watch is priced at $75,000. Burdeen said he expects it to sell quickly. “People always seek out something new and unusual,” he said.

Also new and unique at Burdeen’s is an art deco-style diamond bracelet Matt Burdeen designed to incorporate the antique diamonds he collected over the course of five years. The bracelet, which was completed this fall, is priced in the high six figures, he said.

Such pieces were admired by grand opening visitors who tried on jewelry, made mental wish lists and inquired about repairs and improvements to their own pieces.

Among the attendees were Burdeen’s Jewelry founders Dennis and Sandy Burdeen, parents of Matt Burdeen. The couple started the business from their Buffalo Grove home more than 30 years ago before opening their first store in the Chase Plaza shopping center, across the street from the new store.

Dennis Burdeen said he always wanted to open a standalone store.

“I’m so proud of Matt,” he said. “It’s a dream come true, really. We always wanted this and Matthew made our dream come true.”

And if interest from the next generation of Burdeens is any indication, the business will be around for many years to come. Joshua Burdeen, 10, said he wants to assume his dad’s role as owner and manager one day. He said he’d also like to continue the tradition of growing the family business.

“Maybe a few adjustments” to the new building, he said, “Or maybe a chain.”

Older brother Gabriel, 12, plans to also play a role. While it’s his ambition to become a prosthetic doctor, “I think one day I’ll contribute to the family business,” he said.

Related: Take a Virtual Tour of the New Burdeen's Jewelry Store

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