Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Fine Jewelry & Diamond Experts in Chicago
Judith L Ansteth Jewelers has been a trusted name in Chicago's fine jewelry industry since 1972. Founded by Judith Arnell, a pioneer in the Women's Jewelers Association and active member of the Gemological Institute of America, our family-owned business combines decades of expertise with artistic innovation. Our Graduate Gemologist Andrea Mattei, who has led the company since 1997, brings a unique blend of technical mastery and creative vision through her GIA certifications and master's degree in Graphic Design. We specialize in transforming personal stories into heirloom-quality jewelry through custom designs, restyling existing pieces, and curating conflict-free diamonds and certified gemstones. Our in-house design process utilizes both traditional sketching and modern CAD technology to create one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to individual preferences.With a commitment to quality craftsmanship, we handle every stage of production locally - from wax modeling to final polishing - ensuring exceptional attention to detail. Our comprehensive services extend to jewelry repairs, appraisals, and gemstone recutting, supported by a team of skilled artisans who maintain the highest industry standards. We prioritize personalized service in our welcoming Chicago showroom, where clients receive expert guidance through every step of their jewelry journey. Our focus on cut quality in diamonds and selection of ethically sourced materials reflect our dedication to both beauty and integrity. Having served generations of customers, we continue to build relationships based on trust, expertise, and the creation of meaningful, enduring jewelry pieces.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Jewelry Restyling
Diamond Selection
Gemstone Sales
Jewelry Appraisals
Precision Repairs
Engraving Services
Gem Recutting
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- GIA-certified gemologists with 50+ combined years in the industry
- Full in-house design and manufacturing process from sketch to finish
- Specialized expertise in custom engagement rings and wedding bands
- Ethically sourced conflict-free diamonds and certified gemstones
- Comprehensive jewelry services from appraisal to restoration
Associations and certifications
- Gemological Institute of America
What people say
Loves the ring
Stunning design
Perfect proposal
Expert guidance
Personalized service
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Transform personal visions into unique jewelry through our comprehensive design process. Clients collaborate with our GIA-certified designers to develop concepts from initial sketches to finished pieces. Using both traditional techniques and modern CAD technology, we create custom engagement rings, wedding bands, and statement pieces tailored to individual preferences and heirloom values.
Jewelry Restyling
Revitalize outdated jewelry through expert redesign services. Our craftsmen repurpose existing gems and metals to create modern, wearable art. This sustainable approach preserves sentimental value while updating aesthetics, with particular expertise in transforming vintage pieces into contemporary designs that reflect current style preferences and wearability needs.
Diamond Selection
Guided selection of conflict-free diamonds with emphasis on cut quality. Our Graduate Gemologist helps clients navigate GIA, EGL, and AGS certified stones to find optimal value within their budget. We specialize in educating customers about the 4 Cs while prioritizing the most important factor - the diamond's brilliance and light performance.
Gemstone Sales
Curated collection of certified sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and specialty gemstones. We offer both traditional and contemporary cuts, including unheated varieties for purists. Our inventory features stones in various shapes and colors, with documentation for provenance and treatment history to ensure transparency and quality assurance.
Jewelry Appraisals
Professional appraisal services conducted by GIA Accredited Jewelry Professionals. We provide detailed documentation for insurance replacement, estate valuation, and fair market assessment. Our appraisals include comprehensive descriptions of materials, craftsmanship evaluation, and current market value analysis using industry-standard reference tools.
People
Andrea Mattei
Graduate Gemologist & Designer
GIA Graduate Gemologist with a master's degree in Graphic Design. Has led Judith Ansteth Jewelers since 1997, combining technical expertise with artistic vision. Specializes in custom design and diamond evaluation.
Judith Arnell
Founder
Industry veteran with 50+ years experience. Founded the business in 1972 and established its reputation for quality craftsmanship. Pioneer in the Women's Jewelers Association and active participant in major gemological institutions.
Questions
What custom jewelry design options are available?
We create custom engagement rings, wedding bands, and statement pieces from scratch. Our process includes concept sketches, CAD modeling, and wax prototyping to transform your ideas into unique, wearable art.
Can you help redesign existing jewelry?
Yes, our jewelry restyling service transforms outdated pieces into modern designs while preserving your gems and precious metals. This sustainable option maintains sentimental value with updated aesthetics.
What diamond certification standards do you follow?
We work with GIA, EGL, and AGS certified diamonds. Our Graduate Gemologist helps clients understand these standards while prioritizing cut quality for maximum brilliance and value.
Do you offer jewelry appraisal services?
Yes, our GIA-certified professionals provide insurance replacement, estate, and fair market value appraisals with detailed documentation of materials, craftsmanship, and current market values.
What gemstone options are available?
We offer certified sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and specialty stones in various cuts and colors. Our inventory includes both traditional and contemporary options with documentation for provenance and treatment history.
