Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Jewelry & Appraisal Services in Chicago
H Watson Jewelry is a fourth-generation family-owned business that has been serving the Chicago jewelry industry since 1927. We specialize in creating timeless custom jewelry pieces designed to last for generations, while also offering comprehensive appraisal services and expert repairs. Our team of certified gemologists and skilled artisans provides personalized consultations to help clients transform heirloom pieces into modern designs or create new custom works using ethically sourced materials. With both in-person and virtual visit options available, we maintain a commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer relationships that span decades.Our services include detailed jewelry evaluations for insurance or estate purposes, diamond and gemstone sourcing, and a wide range of fine jewelry products from engagement rings to vintage collectibles. We pride ourselves on combining traditional techniques with modern innovation to deliver pieces that reflect each client's unique story and heritage.
Services
Custom Engagement Rings
Jewelry Appraisals
Diamond Sales
Jewelry Repairs
Estate Jewelry
Vintage Restorations
Gemstone Settings
Ring Sizing
Pearl Re-stringing
Engraving Services
Details
- Year established: 1927
Highlights and features
- We are a fourth-generation family business with 95+ years of Chicago jewelry expertise
- Our certified gemologists provide accurate appraisals for insurance and estate purposes
- All repairs are completed in-house by experienced master jewelers
- We specialize in transforming heirloom pieces into modern custom designs
- Ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones with verified supply chains
Associations and certifications
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
- American Gem Society (AGS)
Services
Custom Engagement Rings
Our custom engagement ring service combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design technology. Clients work directly with our master jewelers to create one-of-a-kind pieces using ethically sourced diamonds and precious metals. We specialize in transforming family heirlooms into contemporary designs while maintaining the sentimental value of original components. Each creation undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure lasting durability and beauty.
Jewelry Appraisals
Professional jewelry appraisal services conducted by certified gemologists provide accurate valuations for insurance coverage and estate planning. Our detailed evaluations examine gemstone quality, metal purity, and craftsmanship while considering current market values. Clients receive comprehensive documentation with photographic evidence and detailed specifications for each piece assessed.
Diamond Sales
We offer an extensive selection of certified diamonds meeting the highest industry standards for cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Our inventory includes Fire & Ice Diamonds cut to precise proportions for maximum brilliance, with documentation from leading grading laboratories. Customers receive expert guidance to select stones matching their quality requirements and budget.
Jewelry Repairs
Our in-house repair service handles all types of jewelry restoration from simple ring sizing to complex structural repairs. Master jewelers use professional tools to fix broken chains, replace missing stones, and restore damaged settings while preserving original designs. We maintain strict quality controls to ensure repaired pieces meet original manufacturing standards.
Vintage Restorations
Specialized restoration of vintage and antique jewelry pieces preserves historical craftsmanship while updating designs for modern wear. Our experts handle delicate repairs of intricate filigree work, replacement of missing components using period-appropriate techniques, and cleaning processes that maintain original patinas. We help clients maintain the legacy of family heirlooms through careful preservation.
Questions
What types of jewelry appraisals do you offer?
We provide comprehensive appraisals for insurance coverage, estate planning, and resale purposes. Our certified gemologists evaluate diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals using industry-standard grading systems.
Can you create custom jewelry from family heirlooms?
Yes, we specialize in transforming heirloom jewelry into modern designs while preserving sentimental elements. Our designers work with clients to incorporate existing stones and metals into new, wearable pieces.
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes, we provide virtual store visits for custom design consultations and jewelry selection. This service allows clients to work with our experts remotely while viewing our inventory digitally.
What repair services do you offer?
Our in-house repair services include ring sizing, prong replacement, stone setting, chain soldering, and pearl re-stringing. All repairs are completed by experienced jewelers using professional-grade equipment.
Are your diamonds ethically sourced?
Yes, we maintain strict sourcing standards with verified supply chains. Our diamonds come from conflict-free zones and meet the Kimberley Process certification requirements for ethical procurement.
How long has H Watson Jewelers been in business?
We've been serving Chicago since 1927 as a fourth-generation family business. Our history includes both wholesale and retail jewelry operations, with expertise spanning multiple generations.
