While walk-ins are welcome, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure you receive personalized, one-on-one service from our expert team. This allows us to prepare diamonds and designs that match your preferences and budget before you arrive. You can book your consultation online or call us at (312) 724-2053.

Just bring your ideas, inspiration photos (if you have any), and your budget range. If you have a family heirloom stone you'd like to incorporate, bring that too. Our GIA-certified gemologists will guide you through the entire process, from understanding diamond quality to selecting the perfect design.

Absolutely! We offer remote consultations via video call for clients who can't visit our Chicago showroom in person. During your virtual appointment, we'll discuss your vision, show you diamond options, and walk you through our custom design process.

Plan for 60-90 minutes for your initial consultation. This gives us time to understand your style, educate you about diamonds and metals, show you various options, and answer all your questions without feeling rushed.

Our custom design process follows three simple steps: First, you meet with Koorosh, our chief designer with over 25 years of experience, to discuss your vision and preferences. Second, he creates detailed hand-drawn sketches and 3D renderings for your approval. Finally, once you approve the design, our in-house craftsmen bring it to life using state-of-the-art technology and traditional artistry.

Yes! After your consultation, we create detailed hand-drawn sketches and photorealistic 3D renderings of your custom design. You'll have the opportunity to review and request modifications until the design is exactly what you want. We only move to production once you give final approval.

Definitely! We specialize in redesigning and repurposing heirloom jewelry and loose gemstones. Whether it's your grandmother's diamond or a piece that no longer fits your style, we can create a stunning new design that honors the sentimental value while reflecting your current aesthetic.

That's perfectly normal! Many of our clients come in without a clear vision. During your consultation, we'll ask questions about your lifestyle, personal style, and preferences. We'll show you various designs from our portfolio and help you discover what resonates with you. Our goal is to translate your personality into a unique piece.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the world's most respected and strictest diamond grading laboratory. Unlike other labs that may have inconsistent standards, GIA provides the most accurate and reliable diamond grading. All our diamonds come with GIA certification, ensuring you know exactly what you're purchasing.

Both options are beautiful and have identical physical, chemical, and optical properties. Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years in the earth and typically carry higher value retention. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, are more eco-friendly, and offer excellent value—often 30-40% less expensive for the same quality, allowing you to get a larger or higher-quality stone within your budget.

Yes! We bring in a curated selection of diamonds specifically chosen for your preferences and budget before your appointment. You'll be able to view and compare multiple stones side-by-side to see the subtle differences in cut, color, and clarity, helping you make an informed decision.

Absolutely! We work with a wide variety of precious and semi-precious gemstones including sapphires, emeralds, rubies, morganite, and more. Our GIA-certified gemologists can guide you through selecting the perfect colored stone that matches your style and durability needs.

We are committed to ethical sourcing and adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to ensure all our diamonds are conflict-free. Every diamond we offer can be traced back to responsible sources, giving you complete peace of mind about your purchase.

The best metal depends on your lifestyle, skin tone, and personal preference. Platinum is the most durable and hypoallergenic but comes at a premium price. White gold offers a similar look at a lower cost but requires occasional replating. Yellow gold is classic and timeless. Rose gold has a romantic, vintage appeal. During your consultation, we'll help you understand the pros and cons of each option.

White gold is naturally a pale yellow and is plated with rhodium to give it a bright white finish. Over time with normal wear, this plating may wear thin and require replating every 1-3 years. We offer complimentary rhodium replating as part of our lifetime maintenance services.

14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold mixed with other metals for durability, while 18K contains 75% pure gold. 18K has a richer color but is slightly softer. 14K is more durable and better suited for active lifestyles. Both are excellent choices, and we'll help you decide based on your priorities.

Custom engagement rings at Wedding Bands & Co. typically range from $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on the diamond quality, size, metal choice, and design complexity. We work with every budget and pride ourselves on maximizing value while maintaining exceptional quality. During your consultation, we'll design within your specific budget.

Yes! We offer flexible financing options through third-party services to make your dream ring more accessible. We accept all major credit cards and can discuss payment plans during your consultation. Contact us at (312) 724-2053 for details on current financing offers.

Yes, we require a 50% deposit to begin the custom design process. This covers the initial design work, diamond sourcing, and materials. The remaining balance is due before final delivery of your completed piece.

Our pricing is transparent and competitive, reflecting the quality of our craftsmanship and materials. While our prices are firm, we work within your budget to create the best possible design. We'll never try to upsell you—our goal is to maximize your value and satisfaction.

The complete process typically takes 3-6 weeks. This includes initial consultation, design approval (1 week), diamond selection, production (2-3 weeks), and final quality inspection. For rush orders, we may be able to expedite the process for an additional fee—just let us know your timeline.

We understand that special moments sometimes come up quickly! Depending on the complexity of your design and our current production schedule, we can often accommodate rush orders in 2-3 weeks. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your timeline and we'll do everything we can to help.

We take our timelines seriously and provide realistic delivery estimates. If any unexpected delays occur, we'll communicate with you immediately. In rare emergency cases, we can provide a temporary setting so you can propose on schedule while your final design is completed.

We have several clever ways to help! You can borrow one of their existing rings (worn on the same finger) and bring it to us for sizing. We can also provide a ring sizer kit for you to use discreetly. Many clients bring a friend or family member who knows the size, or we can create the ring in an average size and resize it after the proposal.

Yes! We offer complimentary ring resizing for rings purchased at Wedding Bands & Co. Resizing is done in-house by our master jewelers (we never ship your ring out) and typically takes 5-7 business days. Some intricate designs may have limitations on resizing, which we'll discuss upfront.

Most rings can be resized 2-3 times over their lifetime, depending on the design and metal. Rings with stones set all the way around (eternity bands) or certain intricate designs may have resizing limitations. We'll advise you on any restrictions during the design phase.

Clean your ring regularly using warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, remove your ring during activities like exercising or cleaning, and have it professionally inspected annually. We offer complimentary cleaning and inspection services—just stop by our showroom anytime!

Absolutely! We strongly recommend insuring your engagement ring. We provide all the documentation you'll need (appraisal, certification, receipts) to add your ring to your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. We can also recommend specialized jewelry insurance companies that offer comprehensive coverage.

Yes! All Wedding Bands & Co. customers receive complimentary lifetime cleaning, polishing, and inspection services. We recommend bringing your ring in every 6 months to ensure prongs are tight, the ring is clean, and everything looks perfect. These services are always free for our clients.

We offer a comprehensive lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects on all jewelry created at Wedding Bands & Co. This covers issues with craftsmanship, structural integrity, and workmanship—but does not cover damage from accidents, loss, or normal wear. Our warranty reflects our confidence in our quality.

Due to the custom nature of our jewelry, all sales are final once you approve the final design and we begin production. However, if you're not completely satisfied with the finished piece, we'll work with you to make modifications or create an alternative design. Your happiness is our priority.

If a stone becomes loose or falls out due to a manufacturing defect or normal wear, we'll reset it at no charge under our lifetime warranty. We replace small accent diamonds (2mm and under) for free. For center stones, we recommend jewelry insurance to cover loss or damage from accidents.

While not required, purchasing them together allows us to create a perfectly matched set that fits flush against each other. However, many clients prefer to choose the engagement ring first and return later for the wedding band. Both approaches work beautifully!

Absolutely! We specialize in creating coordinating wedding band sets that reflect both partners' styles while complementing each other. Whether you want matching bands or unique designs that share subtle elements, we'll create the perfect pair to symbolize your union.

Yes! We design and craft custom men's wedding bands in a variety of styles, from classic and simple to bold and contemporary. We work with all precious metals and can incorporate unique materials, textures, and finishes to match any man's personal style and lifestyle needs.

Yes! Every engagement ring purchased at Wedding Bands & Co. includes a detailed appraisal document suitable for insurance purposes. This appraisal includes complete specifications, current market value, and photographs. We can also provide updated appraisals for pieces purchased years ago.

While we focus primarily on creating new jewelry, we can recommend trusted, independent appraisers in Chicago who can evaluate pieces purchased elsewhere.

We're located in Chicago's prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood at 43 E Oak St, Floor 2, Chicago, IL 60611. Our hours are Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-5pm. We're closed Sundays. Parking and public transportation information is available on our website.

For local Chicago clients, we prefer in-person pickup so we can ensure perfect sizing and answer any final questions. For out-of-state clients, we ship fully insured via FedEx with signature required. All shipping is complimentary within the United States.

Working with a local Chicago jeweler like Wedding Bands & Co. means you receive personalized service, see and touch your diamonds in person, meet the artisans creating your ring, and have a trusted partner for lifetime maintenance and repairs. You're supporting local craftsmanship and building a relationship with a team that genuinely cares about your experience—not just a transaction number.

Unlike mall jewelry stores that sell mass-produced rings, we create one-of-a-kind custom designs in-house with over 25 years of Chicago expertise. We combine old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge 3D technology, offer GIA-certified diamonds, and provide personalized service in an intimate showroom setting. Every piece tells your unique story.