Medford Resident Honored by DeScenza Diamonds

Fred DeScenza and Hugh MacIsaac, Sr. Guided DeScenza for 70 Years

DeScenza Diamonds, a 101-year-old diamond and jewelry retailer, recently celebrated the successful 70-year partnership of the two respected industry professionals who have guided the business together since 1946.

Employees and family members gathered for a gala celebration to honor Fred DeScenza and Hugh MacIsaac, Sr., for their seven decades of service and contributions to the continued growth of a family business begun more than a century ago. Highlights at the gala included a slide show covering over 50 years of company events, parties, and celebrations. Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh recognized the two legendary jewelers with a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Boston, presented to Fred and Hugh by their sons, Tyler DeScenza and Paul MacIsaac. President Neil MacIsaac and Vice President Hugh MacIsaac, Jr., opened the dinner with anecdotes and reminiscences celebrating the many milestones achieved by DeScenza Diamonds over the past century.

Founded in 1915 by Alfred F. DeScenza, DeScenza Diamonds began modestly in Boston’s Downtown Crossing area. Alfred’s son Fred, and son-in-law Hugh MacIsaac, joined him in 1946 and worked together to expand the Boston operation from one room to the entire 6th floor of the building now known as Boston’s “Diamond and Jewelry Building” at 387 Washington Street. DeScenza Diamonds has also grown to include 3 free standing suburban stores in Framingham, Peabody and Hingham.

The DeScenza family has also grown over the years, with 13 family members, including eight of the founder’s grandchildren and five great grandchildren, now working for DeScenza Diamonds. Under Fred and Hugh’s guidance, the fourth-generation family business now includes nearly 80 employees, many of whom have worked for DeScenza for over 20 years.

“We are thankful for the dedication and perseverance that Fred and Hugh demonstrated over their 70 years building the DeScenza brand,” said Hugh MacIsaac, Vice President of DeScenza Diamonds. “Their leadership has been inspirational. With the help of many loyal employees and generations of wonderful customers, they have succeeded in keeping DeScenza Diamonds owned and operated by the DeScenza family members for more than a century.”

– Submitted on behalf of DeScenza Diamonds