Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry

My husband and I first found Christopher Duquet when searching for wedding bands over a year ago. We worked with Villi who helped us pick out something in their store and then modify and redesign it to match what we wanted. We were so impressed with the quality of service, the fairness of their prices and most importantly, the finished products that we have had three other pieces made by them (earrings to compliment an antique drop necklace and earrings and a necklace with stones we purchased on our honeymoon). \r \r All of our experiences working with both Villi and Christopher have been wonderful. Thank you! more

First, allow me to tell you that when it came time to purchase a ring I visited over a dozen other stores. al During this time all I met was pushy sales people, people who told me the same things I had already heard and tried to sell me on why I should purchase a ring from their store. Not one ever took the time to get to know me. Just sales person after sales person just rushing to make their next sale. \r \r When I first talked to Christopher DuQuet on the phone he was very polite, nice and reassured me that he could help me. Walking into the store you can't help but notice how well taken care of it is. The store itself shows off like one of his pieces of jewelry. The thing I liked the most is how welcome I felt. He set aside the time to get to know me the first time I met him. When it came to picking out the ring he did everything he possibly could to help me. He did everything he could to build on my idea of a perfect ring while still staying within my budget. If you are reading this and shopping for jewelry allow me to tell you to skip the chain stores and head straight to Christopher Duquet because no matter what he will be your last stop. In regards to the ring FLAWLESS!!! more

A ""good store"" can mean different things to different people. Christopher Duquet is great because Chris, and the entire staff, take the time to understand what you're looking for -- even if you don't know -- rather than selling you what they have most in stock.\r \r Each time over the past 5 years that I've made a purchase, from rings to necklaces to earrings, everything has been perfect because they listen to you and they make sure that the product is right. From display pieces to custom settings for a loose stone, this understanding makes for the perfect gift.\r \r Whether it's a little piece, a memorable occasion, this is where I go.\r more

Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry is an Evanston icon. For those with distinguishing tastes or for first timers you'll want to check this place out. His staff is highly knowledgeable and if your lucky to work directly with Chris himself, he will make you feel most welcome and is more than happy to show you anything in the store. What's even better is that if you have an idea of what you want coming in the door, Chris will whip out his sketch pad and draw it to make sure he understands your thoughts. He is also very good at making you feel involved. When you buy jewelry, especially fine jewelry, you want to make sure you are getting the very best for the person it is for. You won't have to worry here. Quality, Craftsmanship, and Service. That is Christopher Duquet. more

My husband and I first found Christopher Duquet about 12 years ago as we were ready to get engaged, (this is when he was at his old location, around the corner from his beautiful store on Chicago Ave. near Dempster). We knew we did not want to use one of those huge chain jewelers you find in the mall, as we are always fans of supporting the independent business-person, and we thought we would get more personalized service this way. \r \r WOW! The service we received was unparalleled: Christopher is clearly an expert in his field, and yet he and his staff patiently took us through all our options for our budget; he allowed us much input in the design of our own rings so that they would reflect our style; he treated us and our pending marriage as if we were the most important customers to him; he is always warm, friendly, and quick with a joke and a smile; and he always welcomes us back for cleanings and adjustments, even if we are just browsing his continually growing and gorgeous collection.\r \r If you're like most people (certainly like us!), buying high-quality, finely-crafted jewelry is not an everyday event; because of the money and the emotion involved in such a special purchase, you want to feel that you - and your jewelry - are exceptional, unique. Christopher Duquet treats you this way; you KNOW you are not just a number in an impersonal, mechanized, commercialized business (a-hem - MALL jewelers!), but that your purchase will be as distinctive as you feel YOU are. Besides, supporting the local ""main street merchant"" just feels so much better than shopping at a large corporate store, where they'll never remember you when you come in a year later to get your rings cleaned! \r \r Christopher Duquet: Friendly, personalized service and exceptional craftsmanship, which make you feel unique when you are marking a momentous occasion with exceptional jewelry. Pros: personalized service, parking, in-store lighting, store security more

For my 60th birthday I wanted my wedding band ""remodeled"". I window shopped all the fine stores for ideas. Then I found Christopher Duquet. He and his wife were amazing. He understood what I wanted and more importantly what I didn't want. He understood my budget. He was creative, imaginative, and practical. He drew many designs and was so patient. After two months I decided on exactly what I wanted. I couldn't be happier. I love wearing my ring every day and have and will recommend him to anyone who wants quality from someone with integrity and knowledge. more

I went to Christopher Duquet to get an engagement ring about a year ago. I couldn?t have been happier the entire process. The staff was most helpful in selecting the setting and diamond.\r \r All of the work they do is custom made to your specifications, not purchased off the shelf. You tell them what you?re interested in and they will sketch out the idea on paper. They have lots of ideas in their show room to help you decided if you don?t know exactly what you want from modern jewelry to the classics.\r \r Next, they make a plastic model of your ring so you can see how it will look before they create the actual ring. My fiancee was extremely excited with the ring I choose. So much so we even went back there to get our wedding bands.\r \r Definitely make the trip to Evanston and visit Christopher, you won?t be sorry you did. Pros: Completely customizable, Great customer service Cons: Takes a few weeks from start to end to get your ring. more

I live in Upstate New York. My best friend lives in Evanston. For my 50th birthday, my husband wanted to buy me the ring of my dreams that I had talked about for over 25 years. My best friend told Christopher Duquet the idea and he created the ring. It is better than I had dreamt it. Now, every birthday (I am 54), my husband asks Christopher to make me jewelry that matches the ring. I am now the proud owner of a magnificent necklace, bracelet and two pair of earrings. Every piece is a masterpiece and every piece is sturdy enough to wear everyday. I am a very happy woman. Christopher has eased my aging. more

I went to Christopher Duquet completely bewildered about what I should do as far as getting an engagement ring for my girlfriend. One of my Mom's friends had sent me down to the Chicago Jewelers' Mall / Wabash Loop area and I had a number of unsettling experiences there, to say the least. After a referral from a trusted friend/happy customer of Christopher's, I felt a flood of relief when I entered his Evanston boutique. It was a warm and inviting environment, to be sure, but Christopher and his staff were by far the warmest aspect of the whole place, so clearly their priorities were in order. He possessed a very gentle demeanor and was an attentive listener. I found these skills to be critically important in the oft nerve-racking world of shopping for a diamond ring. On top of that, his book of designs and his boutique were filled with examples of his beautiful craftsmanship. It really was more like an art gallery, as Christopher has a distinct style that is entirely his own, while he clearly draws inspiration from both classical and modern design elements. A certain tastefulness and relaxed vibe ran through the entire atmosphere of his shop and his staff and I felt instantly comfortable. In a sometimes noisy and hectic world and especially amidst the stress of wedding planning, I found at Christopher Duquet's a haven where I could really focus on creating something meaningful for my relationship. Pros: Exceptional quality and service! more

My fiancee knew about Chris Duquet before I did so when we first started talking about marriage he said we had to go there. I was blown away when we walked into the store. Each piece of jewerly was more beautiful than the next. We sat down with Chris and told him what our ideas were. When the time came, Chris made the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. He really listened to what we wanted. Well 8 months later we were back to talk wedding bands. Not only did he remember us, but he was genuinely really excited for us. He again created very beautiful and very unique wedding bands. You cannot go wrong with Chris. He is very talented and everyone in the store are a pleasure to work with. We are his customers for life!! Patrick and Wendy more

My fiance purchased a loose diamond from a broker and was armed with hand-drawn sketches of the setting he wanted. Christopher Duquet worked with him and created the perfect (and I mean perfect!) ring. It's exactly what my fiance envisioned and the ring gets compliments on the originality and quality almost every day.\r \r We are now in the process of choosing and customizing wedding bands from Christopher Duquet. The service has been amazing and I feel like Christopher really respects our ideas while adding his own suggestions. I would highly recommend Christopher Duquet to anybody needing fine jewelry or engagement/wedding rings. Pros: Unique, Custom-Made Cons: A touch pricey, but they're very willing to work with a budget! more

Walking in Christopher Duquet's jewelry store is an eye candy.Several years ago I didn't know the store existed when I received my first pair of earings from my boyfriend . I love them, so I wear them a lot and I get compliments even from strangers. We got married last year and you guessed it, my engagement ring and our wedding bands were designed by Christopher. His jewelry is striking, bold, original and beautiful in its simplicity. He lets the metal and the stones do the talking. There is love behind the craftsmanshift! I especially adore his contemporary collection but he also has a great selection of traditional design.\r If you think you deserve a unique jewelry go visit Christopher Duquet store in Evanston. And don't forget to breath! more

I also posted this review on Yelp, but figured I'd put it here as well. \r \r Christopher Duquet is a godsend. I walked in a few weeks ago looking for an engagement ring. I might as well have had an enormous neon ""clueless"" sign above my head. I was unshaven and unkempt, I didn't have the faintest clue what she wanted and I didn't know where to start.\r \r Politely and patiently, the wife/husband team walked me through a variety of options. They took digital photos of the different styles so I could email them to friends and ask their advice. At no time did I feel pressured in any direction.\r \r Later on, I discovered that the ring my girlfriend wanted was a particular Tiffany style. Personally I think Tiffany is both overpriced and unoriginal. Why buy a ring that tens of thousands of other women have as well? Well I communicated this to the Duquets and they took the best elements and created an even more beautiful ring. They specialize in one of a kind custom jewelry, so this was easy for them to do. The final ring, which they rushed out for me in a week, actually came in BELOW the price range I provided them! Talk about a trustworthy shop.\r \r Couldn't recommend them more highly. Pros: Trustworthy, honest, good value, great craftmanship, great customer service more

Using Christopher Duquet's Fine Jewelery for our engagement ring and wedding bands was a wonderful experience. Useful suggestions were given at appropriate times and at the same time we were listened to carefully in what we wanted. A wonderful combination of Christopher's amazing artistry meeting our, at first, vague descriptions of what we wanted in a ring resulted in a ring that is so gorgeous. The rings are totally custom, combining two diamonds we already had with a new oval diamond for the center. You will have a wonderful experience with Christopher. more

i have recently had my wedding bands and engagement ring designed and made by Christopher Duquet and i am really thrilled with the process and outcome. he is a gifted and intuitive designer and did an amazing job of blending my unique taste with sound design. the result are rings that are very personal and beautiful - my future mother-in-law (who is more than discerning..) said, ""This is exactly you. It's not overstated and it's not understated."" i'm really happy with the rings and i enjoyed working with the staff there. i think their pricing is straightforward and fair, they take time to make sure they understand you and they deliver reliably and in a timely manner. more

My experience at Christopher Duquet is always excellent. If you are looking for great service, they provide it. Their designs are fresh and contemporary. If you are looking to redesign they work patiently with you to create what you want. I've been there many times and continue to return. more

We've been working with Christopher Duquet and his outstanding associates for nearly a decade. Our first purchase was a set of simple white gold bands with three almost microscopic diamonds. He treated us as though this was the most important transaction of his career. Many years later we have a rather significant collection of his beautiful pieces, each one a complete original, created with outstanding care and remarkable craftsmanship. From the moment you enter the comfortable and beautifully appointed store, you'll experience what makes Christopher special--impeccable customer service and attention to detail. For Christopher Duquet, it isn't about making a sale, but building a relationship. He has always taken great care to understand our needs and expectations and consistently delivered an exceptional product. Christopher gets design, he grasps the science of gemology like no one I've ever met, and understands the importance of a long term relationship. Not only does he deliver the product, but he and his staff take care of it...forever...offering cleanings and maintenance at no cost. In a world filled with jewelry stores offering copy cat unoriginal designs and poor service, Christopher offers a tremendous alternative. In recent years we have recommended him to friends and family from out of state. They have all become fans of the exceptional quality and the great value that he delivers. From traditional to contemporary designs at just about every price point he delivers a home run each and every time. I can't imagine going anywhere else. Pros: customer service, original designs, outstanding value, quality stones more

In researching jewelry designers for a unique engagement ring, I quickly became frustrated with the process, feeling overwhelmed and oversold at many Chicagoland jewelry stores. After a few months of searching, I was advised by a close friend to go to Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry Design in Evanston. From the moment I walked into Christopher Duquet's shop, I was greeted warmly and attended to quickly. There was none of the pretentiousness and sales tactics I had begun to associate with jewelry stores. Christopher provided me with an extensive education in buying fine jewelry, particularly all of the minutiae associated with purchasing a diamond. To have the busy owner of the shop spend this kind of time with a customer is incredible. Christopher and his staff could not have been more friendly and helpful. Despite the attentiveness, I never felt pressured to buy and was encouraged to act at my own pace. Needless to say, I was so impressed by Christopher and quality of the jewelry at Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry that my wife's engagement ring and our wedding bands were designed by Christopher - we could not have been more pleased. Since our marriage 8 years ago, we have continued to use Christopher Duquet for all of our jewelry purchases and have recommended him to ALL of our friends and acquaintances with 100% positive results. Christopher Duquet and his staff truly set the standard for fine jewelry and we are proud to be lifelong customers. Pros: Beautiful store, impeccable customer service more

I have been a customer of Christopher Duquet's since 1993. I was exploring my then-hometown of Evanston with my infant son and I walked into his shop during what I would later find out was his first week in business. It was cold, we were an unlikely potential customer, me and my 6 mo. old, and yet we got the most warm and friendly welcome. I told my husband about this great new shop that had opened and suggested he go check it out (Christmas was coming soon!). We ended up having Christopher create a ring for me using the diamond chips from my parents' wedding rings. I had been given the rings when my parents divorced eons ago and hadn't found a use for them. His was a perfect solution. And while it would have probably been less work and less trouble to just use any small diamond, Christopher understood the sentimental aspect and never even made the suggestion otherwise. more

I am a small town Southern girl who moved to Chicago less than two years ago. I came from a place where I knew and trusted everyone so didn?t think twice when my fiance proposed to me with my great grandmother?s ring and I took it to a random jeweler in Lake Forest, I mean after all it was Lake Forest. Big mistake! Not only did the person do a bad job, but a few months later my ring actually broke where she had sized it. When I took it back she begrudgingly fixed it and actually told me I should take the diamond out of the setting and put it in another ring because this ring (my engagement ring) was too old to wear. more