The Diamond Room

If you’ve ever found yourself walking down the south side of 25th Street during the blistering heat of the Farmers Market, you’ve probably crossed paths with the folks from The Diamond Room. Without fail, every Saturday they’re out front handing out water and chatting with the community. Sure, they’re also there to sell beautiful jewelry, but for me, they’ve become something of an oasis — the place where I can snag an ice-cold drink and cool off for a minute before braving the rest of the market.

I’ll be honest though — I didn’t always have fond feelings for this business. Or for the owner, Ken.

The very first time I stepped inside The Diamond Room, my wife (then girlfriend) and her mom were already browsing rings. I had just bought a house with her, and between the down payment, closing costs, and the inevitable “new house expenses,” my bank account was in recovery mode. The last thing I could afford — financially or mentally — was an engagement ring.

The problem? Everyone around me, especially her mother, had other ideas. Within minutes of walking through the door, I found myself in the hot seat. Ken saw that I wanted to get a ring. He saw that her mom really wanted me to get a ring. And he could tell my girlfriend was quietly hoping I’d cave. The only issue: my finances were screaming “Not today, buddy.”

What happened next was a masterclass in tag-team salesmanship. Mom and Ken joined forces, throwing out incredible deals on exactly the rings we wanted. I sweated, I stalled, I deflected — and after 30 very long minutes, we walked out without buying anything. To this day, I count that as one of my greatest personal victories in self-control. I also swore I’d never set foot in that store again.

Fast forward four years. We’re married now, walking 25th Street regularly since our house is just around the corner. Somewhere along the way, we started popping into The Diamond Room on occasion — just to look, just to chat. And slowly, Ken went from “that guy who tried to sell me a ring when I was broke” to “our friendly neighborhood jeweler.”

When it came time to finally upgrade our wedding rings — the ones we could afford when we got married were much simpler — we went straight to Ken. This time, the timing was perfect. He gave us a fantastic deal, treated us like old friends, and custom made our rings based on our hopes and dreams. The whole process felt exciting instead of stressful, and the finished pieces couldn’t have been more “us.”

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Long before diamonds glittered in its display cases, the narrow brick storefront at 131 Historic 25th Street played many roles in the life of Ogden.

In the early 1900s, it opened its doors as Atwood’s Employment Agency, a place where railroaders, laborers, and new arrivals to the city could find work in a booming Ogden. The railroad had transformed the street into a busy corridor, and agencies like Atwood’s kept people moving—literally—across the West.

By 1910, the smell of coffee and fresh food had replaced the clatter of typewriters. The storefront became Cafeteria No. 1, serving quick, hearty meals to a mix of working men, travelers, and locals. Historic photos show a simple sign out front, but inside, it would have been one of the few affordable, casual places to eat along a street better known for its bars and boarding houses.

It didn’t take long for the nightlife to return. By 1915, the building was home to the New Pacific Bar, one of many saloons on 25th Street during its wilder years. This was the Ogden of whispered deals, long nights, and stories you’d never admit to in polite company. The bar would have been a place for laughter, arguments, and the occasional fight, with the railroad depot just a short walk away.

By the late 1930s, the street had shifted again. Prohibition was over, but the Depression had left its mark. The storefront transformed into the Wonder Coffee Shop, run by local women. It wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a social hub. Regulars would come in for a meal and stay for the conversation. In the 1940s, a man named McHenry took over, keeping the coffee flowing for another decade.

By the late 1950s, the hum of clippers replaced the hiss of the coffee pot. The building became Moore’s Barber Shop, run by Willie Moore, who cut hair, told stories, and made himself part of the fabric of 25th Street for decades. It was the kind of place where you didn’t just get a haircut—you caught up on the news, swapped jokes, and felt like you belonged.

Through all these changes—from employment agency to cafeteria, bar, coffee shop, and barber—the building remained a constant presence in Ogden’s daily life. Each business left behind its own layer of history, and together they form a story of adaptation, resilience, and service to the community.

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Ken Cassar has been in the jewelry trade for over 30 years, running some form of his business across different locations before settling in Ogden. A veteran with roots in California, he moved to Utah to make Ogden his home — drawn by its historic charm and the kind of community that feels like a magnet.

Ken’s philosophy is simple: when you become a Diamond Room customer, you become family. His “no-pressure” style is a refreshing change in an industry that can feel intimidating. He’s built a loyal base by offering fair deals, quality craftsmanship, and genuine conversation — the kind that makes you want to stop in even if you’re not shopping for anything.

During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ken worked to keep his staff supported and stayed active in the community. The shop remained a warm and approachable place, reinforcing its role as a fixture of 25th Street life.

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Step inside The Diamond Room, and you’ll find more than display cases filled with fine jewelry. The walls are lined with photographs of Ogden through the years — little windows into the city’s history.

If you visited in years past, you might remember the infamous melty old lady wax sculpture that startled just about everyone who walked past it. She’s since been retired, replaced by Boris the wax pug (or something like it) who now keeps watch from the window.

Beyond the jewelry and the quirky decor, there’s the hospitality: free water, a dish of candy, and an open invitation to linger. I don’t just stop in for a bottle of water and some chocolate when I’m on 25th Street — but it certainly makes it easier to wander in, say hello, and catch up with Ken and the crew.

Whether you’re looking for a custom piece, a repair, or just a quick hello, The Diamond Room is worth a visit. Come in on a Saturday during the Farmers Market, grab a bottle of water, and see for yourself why this place has become a 25th Street staple — and why even a once-reluctant customer like me now counts it among my favorite shops in Ogden.

And as with all businesses I highlight — if you’re thinking of buying jewelry from Amazon or a large online retailer, take a moment to consider what you’re really looking for, and whether you can find something similar from a local shop. Every dollar we spend locally keeps more money circulating in our community, supports local jobs, and strengthens the unique character of Ogden.

If you want a real friend in the diamond business, skip the national chains, like Shane Co, and shop local. We have plenty of independent jewelers here — and The Diamond Room is one with an ugly pug statue, a comfy couch, candy, and a friendly smile that might just test your self-control.

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Until next time,

Raw, weird, and local.