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February 7, 2024
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May 23, 2024Chicago's Diamond District, known as Jewelers Row, is a renowned destination for diamond and jewelry shopping. Located on Wabash Avenue in the heart of downtown Chicago, this district boasts a rich history and a wide array of jewelers offering a diverse selection of diamonds, engagement rings, and fine jewelry. With its concentration of experienced jewelers and competitive pricing, Jewelers Row attracts both locals and visitors seeking high-quality gems and personalized service. This guide explores the key aspects of shopping in Chicago's Diamond District, helping you make informed decisions on your diamond purchase.
Location and Accessibility
Chicago's diamond district, locally known as Jewelers Row, is situated on Wabash Avenue, extending from East Washington Street to East Monroe Street. This bustling area is easily accessible via various modes of transportation. The Washington/Wabash metro station is conveniently located in the heart of Jewelers Row, providing quick and easy access for those using public transit. Additionally, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, making it simple to reach the district from anywhere in the city. For a precise location, you can refer to this Google Maps link.
Notable Jewelers to Consider
1. Jeweler's Rowe Diamonds: Jeweler's Rowe Diamonds is known for its exceptional selection of high-quality diamonds and personalized customer service. They offer a wide range of engagement rings and fine jewelry, catering to various tastes and budgets. Their knowledgeable staff can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you find the perfect piece.
2. New York Jewelers: With a history spanning over a century, New York Jewelers is a trusted name on Jewelers Row. They provide a diverse collection of diamonds, engagement rings, and custom jewelry designs. Their experienced jewelers and gemologists are dedicated to helping customers make informed decisions and find the best value.
New York Jewelers on Jewelers Row in Chicago offers a wide selection of diamonds, engagement rings, and custom jewelry designs.
3. Diamonds On Wabash: Diamonds On Wabash offers a curated selection of certified diamonds and fine jewelry. They are known for their competitive pricing and exceptional craftsmanship. Whether you're looking for a classic engagement ring or a unique custom design, their team of experts is ready to assist you.
Diamonds On Wabash in Chicago's Jewelers Row offers a curated selection of certified diamonds and fine jewelry.
4. Luo M. Jewelers: Luo M. Jewelers specializes in custom jewelry and personalized service. They offer a variety of diamond and gemstone options, focusing on creating one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect each customer's unique style. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship makes them a standout choice on Jewelers Row.
Tips for Buying Diamonds in Chicago and What to Look Out For
When shopping for diamonds on Jewelers Row, consider the following tips and precautions:
1. Evaluate the Cut: Prioritize diamonds with excellent or ideal cut grades for maximum brilliance and fire.
2. Verify the Certification: Ensure the diamond is certified by a respected lab, such as GIA, IGI or GCAL. Avoid diamonds with certifications from less reputable labs.
3. Focus on Eye-Cleanliness: Choose diamonds that appear clean to the naked eye over those with higher clarity grades, which can be unnecessarily costly.
4. Check the Diamond’s Color: Select a diamond color that complements the setting. For example, yellow gold can mask slight color tints, while platinum or white gold requires a near-colorless diamond.
5. Be Wary of Pushy Sales Tactics: Take your time and avoid feeling pressured into making a quick decision. A reputable jeweler will respect your need to consider your options.
6. Watch Out for Unrealistic Lighting: Store lighting can make diamonds look more brilliant than they are. Request to view the diamond in natural light to get a true sense of its appearance.
7. Check Prices Online: Before finalizing a purchase, compare prices with reputable online vendors. For VVS super ideal lab and natural diamonds, consider Whiteflash. For lower clarity and cut grades, James Allen and Blue Nile are reliable choices.
By keeping these tips in mind and being aware of potential pitfalls, you can ensure a confident and informed diamond purchase in Chicago’s Diamond District.
Online vs. In-Store Purchases
When purchasing diamonds, both online and in-store options have their advantages. However, the trend toward online shopping offers several unique benefits that are hard to overlook.
Top Recommendation:
- Whiteflash: My top recommendation for online diamond shopping. Whiteflash provides several light performance videos and images, making it easy to analyze the diamond. Their in-house brands, A CUT ABOVE® and "Precision" lab diamonds, have the best cut quality parameters with very strict cut standards.
An IGI 1.00 ct D VVS1 Round Cut Precision Lab Grown Diamond from Whiteflash
Other Recommendations:
- James Allen: Offers a great selection, especially for fancy color diamonds, and competitive prices.
An IGI Lab-Created 3.71 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow-VS2 Round Cut Diamond from James Allen
- Blue Nile: Known for its vast selection and excellent pricing, particularly for lower-end diamonds.
A GIA H VS2 1.00 Carat Princess Diamond from Blue Nile
Benefits of Online Shopping:
- Generally better value for money.
- Additional benefits like trade-up guarantees, which are not typically available in diamond districts.
While in-store purchases allow you to see diamonds firsthand, online shopping often provides more value, better quality assurance, and additional perks. Therefore, I tend to lean towards online shopping for diamonds.
Jasmine, together with Benjamin (Ben), is the passionate force behind The Diamond Genie. Their journey into the world of diamonds began with their own engagement ring experience, sparking a deep fascination with gemology and the diamond trade. This personal adventure turned into a mission to empower others in their diamond buying decisions. Jasmine’s expertise, honed from extensive study and immersion in the field, drives The Diamond Genie’s commitment to helping customers find the best diamonds for the best value. With a keen eye for quality and value, and a desire to share knowledge with others who might feel overwhelmed by the diamond selection process, Jasmine has made The Diamond Genie a trusted ally for anyone navigating the complexities of diamond purchasing.
