O.C. Tanner Jewelers
Address: 16 South State Street
Telephone: 801-532-3222
Website: octannerjewelers.com
District: Downtown
“I think what truly makes it special are the people who work here - their passion, their appreciation of beauty, and their love of helping others find the perfect piece to mark a moment in time.” Dominique Anderson was speaking from the heart, seated in one of Salt Lake City’s most elegant and storied spaces: the historic O.C. Tanner Jewelers flagship store.
As the company’s jewelry store Marketing and Events Manager, Dominique has worked for O.C. Tanner for over sixteen years, witnessing firsthand its transformation, expansion, and enduring commitment to excellence. But the roots of this remarkable company stretch much further back - nearly a century - into the life of a man whose passion for beauty, education, and generosity left a lasting mark on his community and far beyond.
Obert C. Tanner was born in Farmington, Utah in 1904, one of several children in a household of humble means. His mother was a polygamist’s wife, and money was scarce. As a teenager, Obert and his brother Norman began making small pins to commemorate LDS Seminary graduations, selling them out of the back of their car. That simple idea, born of ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, became the foundation of what would grow into a global company.
In 1927, Obert officially founded the O.C. Tanner Company. At first, he and Norman focused on employee recognition - creating pins, awards, and programs for companies like Union Pacific Railroad to celebrate milestones and years of service. That mission of honoring people’s contributions continues today. The company’s corporate division, headquartered in South Salt Lake, has expanded internationally, working with large businesses to curate recognition experiences for employees, everything from awards and catalogues of thoughtfully selected gifts to programs for co-worker recognition and employee wellness. Manufacturing still takes place in Utah, and the values that Obert instilled - integrity, innovation, and the pursuit of beauty - remain central.
But Obert Tanner was more than a businessman. He earned a Ph.D. in philosophy and taught at both Stanford University and the University of Utah. Beauty, he believed, was essential to the human experience. That belief inspired his long-held dream to open the most beautiful jewelry store in America. In 1976, that dream came to life when O.C. Tanner Jewelers opened at 20 East South Temple. The store was a marvel: serene and striking, with a central infinity fountain, high-end global brands, and an ambiance unlike anything else in Salt Lake City at the time. “To bring that kind of elevated elegance to what was then still a small Western city was bold, and he did it,” Dominique reflected.
The store quickly became known for offering pieces that were as unique as they were exquisite. Long-standing relationships were forged with heritage brands such as Patek Philippe, Mikimoto Pearls, and Picchiotti. Over time, the gift side of the business grew to include fine china, silver, and crystal. Even then, the focus was clear: bring in only the most beautiful, well-made, and meaningful objects available - items people would treasure and pass down.
In 2007, the company acquired a historic building to become its new home: Salt Lake City’s original public library, built in 1905. At the time, it had more recently served as the Hansen Planetarium, and it was in need of substantial restoration. Carolyn Tanner Irish, Obert’s daughter and then-chair of the board, spearheaded the $24 million renovation. A woman of elegance and intellect herself, Carolyn had made history as the first female bishop in the Episcopal Church in Utah. She brought that same spirit of vision and care to the jewelry store. After two years of meticulous restoration - preserving original woodwork, revealing long-hidden architectural details, and thoughtfully layering in modern touches - the new O.C. Tanner Jewelers opened in 2009.
The result is nothing short of breathtaking. A cascading glass chandelier, designed by a British artist, spans two stories and contains a hidden pink glass butterfly. A grand marble spiral staircase leads to multiple levels of jewelry, watches, and curated gifts such as Baccarat crystal and Montes Doggett handmade ceramics from Peru. An etched glass wall at the back of the building honors its past: with historic photos of the library, a portrait of Obert Tanner, and a galaxy motif that nods to its planetarium days. “It’s a beautiful historic building renovated with modern elegance,” Dominique said. “The juxtaposition of old and new is really stunning.”
The jewelry side of the business has grown and evolved, offering everything from heirloom diamonds to custom bridal pieces crafted by the six jewelers working on site. “Most of our bridal jewelry is custom,” Dominique explained. “Someone might love the crown on one ring, want a different cut, fewer stones. We make that happen.”
While O.C. Tanner is known for its high-end offerings, it maintains a thoughtful range of prices, ensuring that customers can find something meaningful that they can afford. Many lines are sourced directly by the store’s buyers, who often build personal relationships with designers and artists. “That’s what makes it so special,” Dominique noted. “We know the people behind these pieces, and our customers feel that connection, too.”
Customer relationships remain at the core. Whether it is a young watch collector purchasing his first mechanical timepiece, or a family bringing in a treasured heirloom for service, every interaction is treated with care. “We hear their stories,” Dominique said. “There’s always meaning behind the pieces - milestones, memories, loved ones. That’s what makes this work so special.”
Though Obert Tanner passed away in 1993, his legacy continues. His daughter Carolyn led the company until shortly before her own passing in 2021. Today, her son Stephen Irish serves as CEO, overseeing both the jewelry and corporate divisions. The company continues to be family owned, and the values established by its founder - generosity, education, and the elevation of beauty - are deeply embedded in its culture. Each year, O.C. Tanner donates ten percent of its profits to arts, education, and human need, supporting organizations like Ballet West, the Utah Symphony, the Road Home, and the Ronald McDonald House.
Dominique, who first worked at the South Temple store as a college student and returned in 2011, has been part of this legacy for decades. After raising her children and working in advertising, she joined the company’s jewelry store team just as digital marketing and social media were emerging. She quickly saw opportunities to grow the jewelry store’s brand and customer experience, building a marketing department from the ground up. “We were at a point of growth, and I carved out my role based on what I knew we needed,” she said with quiet pride. “It has been so rewarding.”
And yet, for Dominique, it always comes back to the people - the coworkers who inspire her daily, the customers who share their stories, and the community that has supported O.C. Tanner for generations.
“Sometimes people come in who are dreamers and simply enjoy looking around, and we love speaking with them. We also love helping people find something that perfectly commemorates a milestone. Ultimately, we do our best to make everyone feel special because that’s what truly makes this place extraordinary.”
