Gleim the Jeweler

About Gleim the Jeweler

Gleim the Jeweler is a family-owned fine jewelry store at Stanford Shopping Center. Its store address is 111 Stanford Shopping Center. The company calls this its flagship and has a second boutique on Main Street in downtown Los Altos. According to the company, Frederick Gleim, a trained jeweler and watchmaker, opened the first shop in Palo Alto on April 1, 1931, during the Great Depression, working alongside his wife Cora and teenage son Arthur.

After World War II, Arthur Gleim took over. In 1956 the store became a founding tenant of the newly built Stanford Shopping Center. It has stayed there ever since. Gleim joined the American Gem Society in 1954 after Arthur earned his Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. Today the business is led by Georgie Gleim, the third generation, who the company says has run the store for more than 40 years and is both a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an AGS Certified Gemologist. She has served as president of the American Gem Society.

What the store sells

Gleim describes itself as known for estate jewelry, rare gemstones and European designer collections. The store carries signed and collectible pieces from houses such as Cartier and Bvlgari, along with its own Gleim Collection of designs built around gemstones it sources from around the world. It also stocks European designer lines including Buccellati and Vhernier, which are sold only in the store. Buccellati has its own boutique space inside the shop. Other collections on its website include Elizabeth Locke, Lika Behar and Oris watches.

Some of the inventory is listed online with prices. Gleim also sells e-gift cards. Much of the estate stock is one of a kind, so what is in the case on a given day can differ from what is on the website.

Services

• Bespoke design: the in-house designer, Vittoria d'Aste-Surcouf, sketches ideas during live sessions with clients before a piece is made.
• Appraisals: for insurance, estate planning or resale, done by a certified appraiser.
• Jewelry repair: ring sizing, prong retipping, laser welding, stone setting and replacement, pearl restringing, engraving, enamel work and refinishing.
• Watch repair: batteries, crystals, bands, dial refinishing, movement rebuilding and full restorations.
• Gemstone identification: evaluation by trained gemologists.
• Cleaning and inspection: the store checks the security of settings free of charge.

Gleim also handles consignments and auctions, according to its services menu.

The team

Gleim says its Stanford Shopping Center staff includes GIA-certified gemologists, master jewelers, a certified appraiser, an on-site jeweler and a custom designer. Vice president Bhuvan Sahney joined after senior roles at Shreve & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue Fine Jewelry, Gump's San Francisco and De Beers, according to the company. Designer Vittoria d'Aste-Surcouf was named "Best Custom Designer" by Silicon Valley Magazine, the store notes. Georgie Gleim is a Castilleja School graduate who has held roles with the Palo Alto University Rotary, the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce and the Palo Alto Historical Association.

Who it suits

Gleim suits shoppers marking a milestone, such as an engagement, an anniversary or a graduation, who want guidance from gemologists rather than a self-service counter. Collectors looking for signed vintage pieces can browse the estate cases and the collectible section of the website. Families settling an estate or insuring heirlooms can use the appraisal service. The repair bench handles both everyday fixes and restoration work.

Tips for visiting

• Bring old pieces in for a free settings check before a big trip or event. The store says it inspects settings free of charge.
• If you are thinking about a custom engagement ring, ask for time with the designer. The sketch session is the starting point for bespoke work.
• Book an appraisal ahead if you need one for insurance. Gleim's website suggests updating appraisals every few years as metal and gem values change.
• Parking at the center is free. Our Stanford Shopping Center guide covers the layout and where to eat. For gift ideas elsewhere in town, see our gifts and souvenirs guide.

Location and getting there

Gleim the Jeweler is at 111 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304, in the Stanford Shopping Center area of Palo Alto. Our Stanford Shopping Center guide covers what else is around.

The nearest train stop is the Palo Alto Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away. That is roughly a 9 minute walk.

Parking: the center's own free surface lots.

Hours

Hours from the business's own website, checked October 30, 2026.

What is nearby

• Pottery Barn Kids, store, under 0.1 mi
• Nespresso, food shop, under 0.1 mi
• Tempur-Pedic, store, under 0.1 mi
• Sunglass Hut, practice, under 0.1 mi
• Hästens, store, under 0.1 mi
• Stanford Shopping Center, under 0.1 mi
• El Camino Park, 0.2 mi
• El Palo Alto, 0.3 mi

Other clothing, shoes and accessories nearby: Max Mara (under 0.1 mi); Vince (under 0.1 mi); David Yurman (under 0.1 mi); Aritzia (under 0.1 mi). Browse the full clothing, shoes and accessories list.

Before you go

• Return and exchange policies vary by store. Keep your receipt and ask about the policy at checkout.
• Alterations are often available for a fee. Ask how long they take before you buy for an event.
• Sales tax in Palo Alto is added at the register, so tagged prices are before tax.

About this listing

Checked October 30, 2026 against Gleim the Jeweler: Palo Alto location; About Gleim; Jewelry and watch repair; Jewelry appraisals. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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