Buying an engagement ring can be taxing. Buy A Stone helped create a 1 of a kind ring and I truly…read moreenjoyed the entire experience. The whole process took about 2 weeks (maybe a little less). Mark was extremely thorough and communicated with me every step of the way. I couldn't have been more thrilled on how my wife's engagement ring came out. Here is a little rundown of how the process went for me: 1) Consultation- We talked about the process of creating a custom piece. We then drew out a rough stretch of what I wanted. I was then able to hand pick every diamond that was placed on the ring. Marks knowledge is what really helped create a ring so beautiful; it was beyond what I could have ever imagined. 2) CAD Drawing & Wax Mold- After the first consultation my vision started to take shape with a CAD drawing that was sent to me for review. After a few slight adjustments they created a wax mold of what the ring would look like. I went back in person for a final review and approval. 3) Completion- The pictures of the final product speak for itself. I was absolutely thrilled and the reaction from my fiancé when I popped the question is something I'll never forget. Knowing that she's wearing something created only for her makes it so much more meaningful, and I have Buy A Stone to thank for that.

Mark at Stone International/Buy A Stone is incredible to work with! My wife had some very specific…read moreideas for a ring and he worked with well with both of us to deliver an exquisite ring fitted with a special semi-precious stone we already had. We have also had him design and create a pair of great diamond earrings and with his suggestions, they are a real hit. Mark is fun to work with and always has some great other pieces to show us for ideas or a quick gift. I will continue to use and recommend Mark as a real friend in the jewelry business.

I picked out my wedding jewelry here and my bridesmaids' jewelry sets, as well. Kathy was…read moreextremely professional and very helpful. All of her recommendations were fantastic and everything was handcrafted. I received so many compliments on our jewelry and I felt like I was wearing a million dollars around my neck, but in reality, I got a real steal for what it really was. I couldn't recommend a better vendor for jewelry and for the fact that you also get a bit of a personalized touch, as well. If anything, at least, check out the website - it doesn't hurt.

The Cartier watch I had my heart set on for my 30th bday/push present was a bit out of our budget…read more OK, way out of our budget unless our daughter-to-be doesn't wear clothes for 10 years. My husband told me he'd be happy to get it for me, but I'd have to forfeit all bday presents until my 40th bday. Riigghhhht. I like presents so I resorted to plan B, which was to email every highly yelped jeweler in Chicago and even some in my hometown of Boca Raton, FL. I sent along a picture of the watch I wanted (the santos demoiselle with diamonds) and asked who would be able to get me the stainless steel version for the best price. I heard back from a few jewelers, but Gregg Helfer was by far the most responsive. He also came back with the most competitive price and I felt he was trustworthy since a good friend had just purchased her gorgeous engagement and wedding bands from him. Weeks later my hubby picked up my gorgeous new watch from Gregg and I absolutely love it! While I never met Gregg besides phone/email, I did have the chance to meet his brother Michael a few times in their store. He was also an absolute pleasure and even took out my extra watch links for me yesterday within 5 minutes. Gotta love speedy service! My only concern throughout the entire process was that Gregg was never able to give me a firm price until after the watch was ready. During one of our initial phone calls he estimated a price that I was happy with; however, when I received the invoice it was $700 more than he had quoted me. To Gregg's credit (and the reason why this is a 5 star business) he brought down the price minutes after I addressed the issue. While it all worked out, it always makes me a bit nervous to not know the exact price of something from the beginning...especially when jewelery is involved! Overall, I had a fabulous experience and can't stop staring at my beautiful new watch. Next time I won't have to waste my time emailing dozens of jewelers. I"ll just pick up the phone to call Gregg!

The compliments keep coming in and my now fiance loves her ring!…read more I was referred to Michael from a friend. From the beginning both Michael and Nikki were great to work with. They are friendly, casual and knowledgeable. This allows for sometimes a stressful buying experience to go much smoother. Michael worked hard to find the right diamond and from there did an outstanding job of designing the setting. It was easy to work with him via email and online payments processing. The pricing of the ring, service and care after the purchase all make it a great buying experience...would definitely recommend!

My fiancé and I were referred to Mark and we were not disappointed. He was an absolute delight to…read morework with and gave such a memorable experience in picking the perfect ring. Not only was he educational throughout but was so easy to be around and converse with on a personal level. The retail environment for such a life altering purchase is not where you should go, with pushy and uneducated sales folk. Mark is knowledgeable, honest, and kind! You won't be disappointed coming here! I am beyond thankful for his beautiful work on my engagement ring!

We have been buying the finest jewelry here for more than ten years. We like it so much that we…read morehave pretty much stopped buying jewelry anywhere else, largely because there are so many unique and original pieces superbly crafted and elegantly designed by Bacharach father, mother, and son. I'm attaching a few photos. It's a small shop without a store front, but centrally located on Michigan Avenue, easy to reach, quiet, and very pleasant to visit. More important, Mark Bacharach will take all the time you need to find what you are looking for. He asks the right questions, makes good suggestions, and has a wealth of detailed information at his fingertips. Just a marvelous place to visit all around.

Incredible work and friendly, helpful ladies! I called two days before my wedding and they helped…read moreme make an appointment for two days after. I brought them SO many flowers and they were able to make so many beautiful items from them. So many options for gifts and keepsakes. The result was absolutely gorgeous. Not only do my husband and I get to continue to enjoy our gorgeous wedding flowers day after day, but my bridesmaids, MOB and MOG love their gifts (wine stoppers and coasters). Also thrilled to support this mother-daughter small business. It was actually really fun picking out the different items. They also let me pet their adorable dog (upon request since I'm a crazy dog lady) who usually stays in a different room. 100% recommended.

The ladies were really easy to work with and really did it exactly as asked. Communicative over…read moretext and email which is great. Honest with the prices upfront, and it all depends on what you want. It's a whole process that takes a few months to do. In my opinion it's all worth it for the final result, a gorgeous memory. I wish I got smaller ones made for our moms!

I never ever leave reviews but Marcia deserves the praise! I came to her for jewelry and diamond…read moreadvice and I wouldn't go anywhere else!! She takes her time and is so helpful with any questions I have. She made me feel welcomed. I've never felt any judgement - she's a top tier example of someone who genuinely wants to help you feel accepted and beautiful. She listens with her heart which I love the most. She's a gem herself!!

Marcia was fantastic throughout the whole process. Had it shipped with no issues! She made sure I…read moreleft happy with my purchase! Would definitely recommend and will be back!

My wife needed to add on another band for her wedding ring and the owners wife was patient and very…read moreknowledgeable. We have been to many Jewelery places around the city and they were over pricing for what we were asking. My brother, who used to be a jewelry store owner, recommended them. They were really personable to us and all the customers that walked in the door. She was very honest with the prices and it came out to be 30% cheaper than we thought. Parking is an issue but if you drive down Wabash going south there is public parking on the street. They are quick and efficient as well. They constantly stayed in communication with us when the ring was done so we wouldn't have to go back unless we were supposed to. My wife and I really recommend this place! We will definitely be coming back!

Anastasia Anastasia. I attended a few events at Anastasia. It's a cute, trendy and witty boutique…read morefull of unique personality. Each piece is designed to fit your bubbly and fun loving personality. Anastasia is fun loving and full of life. She designs clothing that are colorful, edgy and each garment is filled with a touch of uniqueness. I love how she brings out the fun in her clothes. You can even sign up to take one of her sewing classes at her Fashion Design Studio. Some of the clothing is pricey but you can catch some deals on her sale racks. Nice handmade jewelry and accessories to match up with your garment. If your having an issue with the clothing not fitting Anastasia will even alternative to give you the perfect fit.

No, I'm not a woman...but yes, I am a satisfied customer of Anastasia's thanks to her One-Fit…read moreCustom program. Back in the summer, I saw Anastasia's products at the Guerrilla Truck/Art Show and found out that she makes shirts for men, completely custom. As a 6'1" lanky guy, it's always tough finding shirts that are slim and fit my long arms just right, so I decided that custom is the way to fly. Once I got down to my playing weight (I lost a lot of weight this year), I dropped by Anastasia's newly-opened shop to learn more about her program. Needless to say, I'm a fan. I opted for three button-down shirts in unique colors, French cuffs, and a collar style that fit for me. Over 3-4 visits to pick out patterns, do a fitting and then a second fitting, Anastasia makes the process fun and makes you feel like you are the genius (when obviously you are NOT the genius, since she's the artist!). All said and done, the process took about a month and the shirts fit like a glove, just like I asked. Anastasia has a few men's accessories as well (pocket squares, braces/suspenders, etc.), and over time I expect to make a visit to upgrade other items in my shirt wardrobe as well. Highly recommended. Support local business!