Your Comprehensive Guide to Custom Jewelry Design in the Chicago Loop

Your Comprehensive Guide to Custom Jewelry Design in the Chicago Loop

We know that the most meaningful jewelry is often a one-of-a-kind piece crafted specifically for you. We specialize in custom jewelry design and are dedicated to making the creation of your perfect ring, necklace, or set of earrings an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Established in 1939, we are one of the oldest jewelry stores in Chicago, and we continue to serve our clients by offering a relaxing, open, and professional atmosphere where we bring your visions to life.

Stan Perkins reviews a client's sketch of a custom necklace piece

The Custom Design Process

Creating a bespoke piece of jewelry is an exciting journey, and we guide you through every step, starting with your initial ideas.

1. Conceptualization and Design: The process begins when you bring us your unique ideas. Whether you are designing diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, or a personalized earring for a birthday present, we design our jewelry to match your tastes. We can even take existing components, such as stones from a grandmother’s bracelet, to create a brand new ring.

2. CAD/CAM Rendering and Approval: The piece is designed right here in our shop by our skilled craftsmen using specialized computer software known as CAD/CAM. We then provide you with a multi-view rendering for your review and approval.

3. Wax Model and Casting: Once the rendering is approved, we create a wax model of the piece. Then, your item is cast in the appropriate metal.

4. Stone Setting and Completion: The final step involves the careful selection of diamonds, which is handled by our trained Graduate Gemologist. The stones are then set into the final piece. The entire custom design process typically takes about three to six weeks.

Why Diamond Expertise Matters

When creating custom jewelry — especially pieces that feature diamonds — knowledge and trust are paramount. We emphasize the importance of dealing with an experienced and qualified jeweler, which is why when you visit us, you meet only with a GIA Graduate Gemologist.

In every piece we create, we only use the finest GIA certified diamonds. While many clients focus on the traditional Four C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight), we believe six “C’s” are vital: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, Cost, and, most importantly, Confidence in your jeweler.

We educate our clients on the importance of the diamond’s cut, which is responsible for maximizing the stone’s brilliance and beauty. A properly cut diamond ensures that light gathers and returns to your eyes (brilliance) while it also breaks the light into colors of the rainbow (dispersion). We strongly advise against sacrificing the cut of the diamond for the sake of size, as a poorly cut stone will never emit its maximum beauty.

Serving Our Community (and Beyond)

Our commitment to professionalism, expertise, and authenticity is frequently praised by clients. We have worked with clients designing engagement rings and wedding bands as well as custom pieces like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

We have been our clients’ family jeweler for many years, earning continued trust and support. Our service extends beyond Chicago; we have seamlessly managed the custom design process for clients living out of state, making it smooth and stress-free through constant communication and quick service, even overnighting the finished ring to states as removed as Texas. We take the time to get to know your personal style and ensure you are completely satisfied.

We look forward to creating your next dazzling piece, whether it’s a custom engagement ring or a diamond earring match after 25 years.

Visit Us in the Loop

If you’re looking for the best source for custom jewelry in the Chicago Loop, we can help you design your perfect piece. Make an appointment with us today.