Design, Create, Enjoy!

Rebecca’s approach to creating custom jewelry is based on the idea that the experience should be fun, memorable, and easy. We specialize in unique fine jewelry, wedding bands, and custom engagement rings, all made by hand. Together we’ll translate your vision into a beautiful piece of jewelry to enjoy forever.

 

Tell Us More

Our working studio is located at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. Whether in person or over the phone, we are open by appointment Sunday through Thursday to discuss your custom jewelry project or to share our collection of signature one-of-a-kind designs.

 

Design Drawings for gorgeous custom unique floral oval and marquise diamond 18k recycled yellow gold engagement ring handmade in Chicago

 Designing Together

Rebecca loves translating your vision into a reality. If gemstones are desired, we obtain them from a variety of trusted sources. We also encourage reusing heirlooms stones if available.

 

Once stones are selected, we guide our customers through the process, whether fabricating, hand-carving, or CAD. As we progress, we make sure to honor your budget and educate you along the way. We always use recycled metals, and appreciate reusing heirloom metals.

 

Melting the metal family heirloom gold metalsmith

The Making

After the design has been finalized, we will be able to give you an estimate. In order to begin work, we require a non-refundable 50% deposit. If we have helped you procure a stone or are using your heirlooms, they can be used as the deposit.

 

14k white gold engraved ring with diamonds handmade in Chicago
 

The Finished Piece

We want your piece to fit perfectly so your first resizing is included in your purchase. We also offer hand engraving to give your custom jewelry a personal touch.

 

pear split shank turquoise custom jewelry wedding ring 14k rose gold

 

 How long does it take?

Custom projects take anywhere from 3-10 weeks depending on the intricacy of the design. The consultation can take from 1-3 weeks, gathering materials 1-3 weeks, and the complexity of the design can vary between 2-5 weeks. If you are in a rush, and need the piece in under three weeks we can discuss options for expedition. 

heirloom family 14k yellow white gold green wedding bands

The final cost of your jewelry will depend on the complexity of the design, current metal markets and chosen gemstones. Completely new bespoke designs start at $250.

 before heirloom jewelry family diamond 14k yellow gold green practicesafter heirloom family ring 14k white gold ecofriendly ecoconscious repurposing

 Can I reuse my jewelry?

 Yes! We always encourage green practices, and we often reuse metals and re-purpose stones for your unique piece. To reuse stones, we must inspect them first. And although we take the utmost care while working with your gems, chipping and breakage can occur. Gems are reset at your own risk. Rebecca Zemans Jewelry cannot be held responsible for damage to stones

Custom rebuilds with heirloom materials start at $480. 

lab created white gold ecoconscious engagement ring

Yes! We can help you find conflict free gemstones or lab-created ones to fit your style and budget. After we find some options for you, we will reconvene so you can choose the right one for you.

What about birthstones?

 Each month has a birthstone. It can honor a loved one, or it can represent the wearer, many also make great engagement rings! Check out our full list of gemstones and their correlating months.

 family birthstones turquoise 14k white gold

Do I need to visit the studio?

We work with couples and individuals all over the country. We would love to meet you in person but if you can't stop by, modern technology assists us throughout the process.

  extra large satellite brooch ecofriendly sculptural jewelry rebecca zemans