Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry

I have been a customer of Christopher Duquet for over twenty years. His jewelry designs are both unique and exquisite. His personal service goes beyond what is expected. I love to wear all my pieces designed by Christopher Duquet. I receive compliments on my Christopher Duquet jewelry all the time. I would highly recommend Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry to anyone who is the market for the best fine jewelry in the Chicago area and beyond. Pros: Service and unique selection more

After doing extensive research we picked CD based on reviews & just an overall good feeling we had when we visited the store on a scouting trip. We were not disappointed! My fiance had a vision in mind for her engagement ring that was quite nontraditional, and Christopher worked directly with her to hand design something that was truly special. We were a little nervous when we were shown a draft computer design that were not exactly what she wanted, but Christopher assured us that because this design was so organic, the computer couldn't capture the essence of the ring and we would have to go straight to a mold and then make adjustments from there. We took a leap of faith, and he was right! Christopher and my fiance met on numerous occasions to finalize on a design, and then I gave Christopher a budget and a deadline. The ring was made on time & on budget! We are so happy we picked CD, thank you for a alleviating our concerns and making an amazing piece of jewelry that we get to look at for the rest of our lives! more

So a while ago I decided to propose to my now wife. I had my mothers engagement ring and a ring that was handed down from my grandmother. I had no idea what kind of ring to pick out so I proposed with these 2 rings and I thought we could shop for a ring together. We looked at a few big type jewelry stores but we weren't feeling it. Somehow we came across Christopher Duquet and thought we would check it out. We talked to Villi for a bit about what we were looking to do and she started sketching a ring from scratch just by listening to my fiancee. They melted the gold from my 2 rings and reused the diamonds to make us a ring and it turned out awesome! So awesome if fact, that we went back and had them design our wedding bands. I highly recommend them! They treat you with total respect and understanding... Pros: Very helpful, reasonable prices, all around great to work wi more

I first went to Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry on the recommendation of a friend. I had collected several pieces of jewelry that I was no longer wearing and wanted to have Christopher design a simple ring with some of the gems from the older rings I brought in to recycle. I also brought in a beautiful antique brooch with the intent of converting it into a necklace. On the brooch, a new bail was added with an etched design matching the design of the brooch. Christopher and Villi went over step by step the design and fabrication process with me. They had me think very carefully about what it was exactly I wanted to do (what pieces of jewelry I might want to recycle, which gems to reuse in the new ring, and which pieces of jewelry I might want to save and why). We set a budget and Christopher and Villi were very accommodating in sticking to it, letting me know along the way that this is a collaborative process. I had several appointments between the time I first came in and until I picked up the final pieces. And each time Christopher and Villi were very patient in explaining what decisions had to be made and what the next step would involve. The finished ring is beautiful and is exactly what I hoped it to be, and it exceeds my expectations as well. Additionally, the antique brooch that I had made into a necklace is also beautiful. With the addition of a delicately etched bail, Villi selected a perfect double-strand white-gold chain to compliment the design and style of the brooch. Having no experience in jewelry design and fabrication, I quickly discovered Christopher and his staff are great facilitators in helping customers get at the core of they are looking for and might want in the final product. If you are even thinking about fabricating new pieces of jewelry from old pieces, please go to Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry in Evanston. If you are also looking to purchase new pieces of jewelry you will be equally impressed, the pieces on display are stunning. You will find an incredibly professional, artistic, and innovative group of people who will help you realize your wishes down to the smallest detail. Pros: Professional, personable and attentive more

Evanston is known for independent thought and creative expression., and Christopher Duquet is a perfect fit for this town. Trusting a new jeweler is often difficult, but from the first interaction with Christopher and his staff, I felt right at home. I was not an easy client, as I had no idea what I wanted to do with a ring that I had not worn in over 10 years. In less than an hour Christopher was able to hear what I had to say and steer me to a set of stacking rings. Within weeks he had taken apart my old ring apart and I was wearing a fabulous new set of rings that he designed. I just love them. Pros: Excellent service, gifted craftmanship more

Christopher Duquet helped me design and chose the right diamond, curvilinear setting and metal to make my engagement ring. I had seen an older version of the design of the ring back in the early 1990's in the Reader. I called the store, made an appointment and Christopher himself attended to me when I got to the store. The ring came out beautiful and right on time. After picking up the ring, I placed it in the 'Nature of Diamonds' exhibit at the Field Museum on Valentine's Day. It was a big hit, she said yes, and we are now planning our wedding in Mexico this September. I really appreciated the assistance in the personal attention, unique design, attention to detail, and great customer service. My fiancee and I are really looking forward to returning to design the wedding bands. Pros: Great Design more

When we first visited Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry, we were unsure exactly what we wanted in an engagement ring. In a very small amount of time, Stanley, our jeweler, was able to guide us to a design that we immediately fell in love with. The quality of both the service and the craftsmanship was outstanding, but what really stood out to us was how every step in the designing of our ring felt personal. The result is a beautiful piece of jewelry that feels incredibly special because we had such a significant role in bringing it to life. We could not have been happier with our experience, and of course with the ring itself, and we enthusiastically look forward to working with them again on our wedding bands. Pros: beautiful work, knowledgeable staff more

Christopher Duquet's work is fabulous. He has created a number of one of a kind pieces for us from rings to necklaces. Most recently he and his team of professionals took 8 diamonds from a 1920's family heirloom pin and re-designed my engagement ring using a center stone we had purchased from him years before. The new setting is unique and utterly beautiful! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. We highly recommend Christopher. Pros: Love Christopher's work! more

Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry is the most amazing jewelry store in Evanston, if not all of the North Shore. The designs are absolutely beautiful and truly one-of-a-kind. Mr. Duquet works closely with you to make sure that your design wishes are carried out and that you leave with a piece that you will always treasure.\r \r I went into the shop with the idea for a thumb ring -- sort of an unusual request -- and left with a gorgeous piece of jewelry. Many have complimented me on the lovely detailing this ring has.\r \r But beyond great jewelry, the service and friendliness at Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry is out of this world. I went there at the last minute before leaving town to have my wedding rings polished. Mr. Duquet graciously helped me out, even though the rings were not from his store. Within 10 minutes the rings looked better than new! Pros: fabulous service, gorgeous jewelry more

I found Christopher Duquet while searching for local jewelers to design a custom engagement ring. Most jewelers were only interested in selling me the highest priced stone possible and ignored my desire for a specific, personal design. I found the complete opposite when I started working with Christopher.\r \r Christopher's genuinely friendly attitude and enthusiasm for art is incredibly refreshing. His knowledge of gemology was extremely helpful in guiding the design of our custom engagement ring. The final result was absolutely amazing (especially during the surprise proposal - a resounding yes!). The ring was uniquely us, and my fiancee absolutely loves it. I'm looking forward to designing wedding bands next.\r \r As an engineer, I was extremely pleased with the ability to see the ring in a computer drafting program and make changes as it was designed. Christopher and Stanley were incredibly helpful and receptive to my changes and suggestions, even at later points in the design process. I was extremely happy with the ability to actively participate in the design process. This is a unique experience; many other local jewelers didn't even create their own designs, much less offer you the chance to create your own design. Christopher's focus is genuinely on the customer and makes sure that your design is exactly what you want.\r \r Skip the big box and commercial ""jewelers."" Design a memorable, unique piece of jewelry that you will love for a lifetime. Pros: Genuine, friendly, unique &personal jewelry design, quality more

Christopher designed and his staff created, the most beautiful ring we have ever seen! My wife is quite blissed out with this ring created around her grandmother's diamond, cut in 1920's. We couldn't be happier with the ring, and the whole experience. What a treat to work with Christopher - so talented and so skilled. He is the type of person worthy of supporting in this age of chain stores, and mass produced, disposable consumer goods. Thanks Chris - Pam and Josh Markeviche Pros: fine artists/craftspeople, professional,knowledgeable, cool Cons: not here more

A coworker of mine referred me to Christopher Duquet. She spoke so highly of this small jewelry shop that I was 100% convinced this was the first place I would go to for an engagement ring to propose to my girlfriend. The first time I entered Christopher Duquet, I was very nervous, but everyone there was extremely nice and supportive, which really helped put me at ease. They understood the importance of the occasion and took their time explaining everything about diamonds and settings to me. In addition, they took the time to get to know a little about my girlfriend and I, which helped with the process of selecting and customizing a beautiful ring that my girlfriend loved. Once I explained how I was planning on proposing, the people at Christopher Duquet became very excited and involved, and they guaranteed that they would do whatever it took to make sure the ring was completed to perfection in time for my surprise proposal. They worked very closely with me and gave such great support throughout the entire process. When my wife and I eventually came back to Christopher Duquet for our wedding bands, she quickly fell in love with their great friendliness and service as well; and every time we go back to get our rings cleaned, they always remember us and treat us with the same hospitality as they always have. The people at Christopher Duquet played an important part in helping us build our precious memories, which have become precious memories to them as well. Thank you Christopher Duquet! Pros: Truly knows how to take care of new and existing customers. more

My fiancee and I are both very selective and specific about what we want in our jewelry. Vili (Jewelry Consultant) first worked extensively with my fiancee and I to create her engagement ring. She worked with us until her sketches matched my fiancee's vision for her ring. Just today - she did the same with me - we spent 1.5 hours looking at rings in cases, and we spent another hour working on sketches for my (groom's) wedding band...again, not stopping until her sketches matched my vision. Christopher Duquet has been there everytime we have visited. He is very friendly, and he happily discusses the details with us - and there really is no concept that he and his staff are not open to!!! Top class. Top rate. Top notch. 100 stars - - I would give them if I could!!! Pros: Patient, personable, and individually focused more

We were referred to Christopher by friends about 5 years ago. They raved about him and his staff. \r Since going to him, we have purchased a total of 5 rings that were all specially designed.\r Our experience dealing with Christopher and Villi was fabulous! I get so many compliments on my rings and that is all thanks to Christopher.\r You must stop by and see for yourself! Pros: Beautiful designed jewelry more

Well, first off I decided to surprise my fiance to be with an engagement ring that I picked out on my own with scant details of what she wanted gathered covertly by me over time. She said yes on the day of reckoning, loved the diamonds, a 3 stone emerald cut, but wasn't exactly ecstatic with the setting, not to mention the size of the ring was off by quite a bit. So we headed off to Christopher's at the recommendation of one of the sales persons at the jeweler I purchased the ring from. Interesting huh? So my fiance and I went for an initial consultation and right from the start we knew we were at the right place. Christopher was warm, welcoming, and a great listener. He spent a great deal of time listening to what my fiance wanted and worked with her to sketch a design of the new setting. Measurements were taken and the design process began. Christopher immediately went to work on a computer animated design that we received via email a week later. Shortly thereafter a wax rendition was made and we went for an initial fitting. My fiance loved the computer animated design and loved the wax rendition even more. Within a week the setting was cast in platinum and we went for a final fitting. The setting was stunning in person and made the original diamonds stand out quite a bit better than before. A week later the ring was completed and another presentation was undertaken. I couldn't predict how big her smile was to be when I presented it to her. She loved it and hasn't stopped talking about how beautiful it is now. Christopher delivered her dream engagement ring. She now has a unique, one of a kind, beautiful ring. Throughout the design process we were kept well informed. The communication was top notch. His staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful when Christopher was not available. The craftsmanship and artistic design are second to none. You will not be disappointed. We are so pleased that our wedding bands will be made here. Thanks Christopher! Pros: Design, Quality, Professionalism Cons: None more

Christopher provides a great experience for those of you intimidated by jewelry stores. You can tell by his easy-mannered approach and focus on quality that he wants to develop a long-term relationship. His prices are reasonable and he designs absolutely beautiful pieces of jewelry that will be in your family for generations. Pros: Service, workmanship, focus on long-term relationship more

Once we walked into Christopher's shop, we knew this was the place to buy our rings. When we got engaged over 6 years ago, if a jewelry store had a bezel setting, there was just one. In contrast, Christopher had so many bezel settings to choose from! And he was more than willing to create a new design just for us. He made a gorgeous bezel set engagement ring for my wife. Our wedding bands are beautiful, and we have returned to his shop for numerous other occasions - everyone is always incredibly kind and personable. I can't recommend Christopher Duquet highly enough! more

Christopher Duquet has exceeded all of my expectations! I began my search for the perfect engagement ring a long, long time ago. I conducted a lot of research and searched through Tiffany rings, Verragio, Cartier, Scott Kay, Ritani, Diana, Scholdt, Tacori, Simon G, and many more. I also conducted a lot of research on diamonds, and in the process, I educated myself on the “perfect” cut(s), visited pricescope and diamond doctor pages, learned about the Holloway Cut Advisor and learned about the pros/cons of buying diamonds on-line. I stumbled upon Christopher Duquet’s website and his glowing reviews and decided that perhaps his custom design process was the way to go. It was the best decision I could have made! The engagement ring he designed for my fiancée was truly magnificent, utterly remarkable, elegant, classy, unique…and very reasonably priced compared to other jewelers or even Blue Nile. The Ring: The custom designed ring was exactly what I was hoping for. I provided some ideas and a sketch to Christopher and he came up with a ring design that encompassed all of the elements I was looking for – something I could not find in any “pre-fabricated” designs I had been searching through. My fiancée and I both were very, very happy with the ring design. The price of the ring and accent diamonds was lower than what I had expected to pay from other ring designers. The Diamonds: Very simply, Christopher presented me with gorgeous diamonds and their GIA certificates to select from. He found a beautiful diamond that met all of my criteria and sparkles wonderfully. I researched diamonds on Blue Nile and found that diamonds of similar cut, carat weight, color, and clarity were not cheaper. The Service: Christopher Duquet and his team provide EXCEPTIONAL service. I was thoroughly pleased with the entire process. I had a slight emergency when the laser engraver Christopher was going to seek services from for an intricate engraving suddenly became unavailable. Christopher persisted and was able to have his hand-engraver perform the intricate work. His persistence insured that my deadline was met, and I was able to propose to my fiancée exactly as planned. The Process: My fiancée has a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind, well-priced ring I helped design for her that I think surpasses all of those name-brand designs I searched through before. She LOVES IT and has already gotten tons of compliments. What more can I say? We’ll definitely be returning to have our wedding bands made here. Pros: Price, Quality, Custom Design, Service more

I love Christopher Duquet and his team. My experience started with reworking several pieces of jewelry that I already owned. Chris transformed them into wearable art. He went on to design several new, custom pieces that are creative, unique and beautifully crafted. Most recently Chris created an ""inspirational"" bracelet for my husband. He wore the bracelet everyday as he battled cancer, saying that it gave him strength. After my husband lost his battle, I asked Chris to re-size the bracelet so I could wear it. Chris and his team meticulously refitted the piece without compromising the design. I now wear it as a source of strength and healing and it not only holds a special place on my wrist, but in my heart as well. What else could anyone ask for..... Pros: beautiful, unique jewelry; superb customer service more

I worked with Stanley on designing a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. The design was completed within a few days, I was shown 4 gorgeous stones from which to choose, and the finished product was perfect, completed within a couple of weeks, and for less money than we originally thought it would cost. WE LOVE THE RING!!!!! Pros: The designer new exactly what I wanted more