PROS - TRUE MASTER JEWELER + LOCAL, DOES OWN BENCHWORK, WITH STOREFRONT We wanted a true master jeweler who did all their own benchwork in-house and had a storefront with many complete display pieces. Most "custom" jewelers in the big markets (LA, Chicago, NYC) didn't make the cut (they mostly CAD the design, contract with jewelers who do benchwork, and don't have many finished pieces on display). I felt fully confident that Lester Lampert (LL) could make, change, modify, and fix anything easily if needed - BEAUTIFUL, UNIQUE ART PIECES After being disappointed in the lack of display pieces at custom jewelers, we went to all the big box stores on Michigan Ave and Oak St. They were so boring and all looked the same. LL is whimsical, artistic, and very Alice-in-Wonderland. If you're looking for something different, this is your place - LOW PRESSURE SALES This is NOT the place that pressures you towards any sale, ring, direction, etc. They DO NOT upsell. I asked multiple times if I should get a bigger diamond, and everyone told me "you could, but this size suits you well" - NO NICKEL AND DIMING Free steam cleanings, resizings, small diamond replacement! We wanted to buy local for the relationship and service. It's typical that jewelers offer free cleanings, but many nickel and dime you on resizings and small diamond replacements. Both are free here - ONLY NATURAL DIAMONDS / NO LAB If you care about this, it's a huge plus (I let my s/o pick, and he only wanted natural). LL does not work with lab at all. They test every piece that comes in, even for a cleaning. If it's lab, they don't touch or clean it. LL strongly stands behind natural diamonds, and this is also quality control for their customers, who never have to worry that their diamonds could be "swapped out" for inferior quality - REASONABLE PRICING The pricing is actually extremely reasonable, if you follow the market. It's cheaper than the "custom jewelers" in the Diamond District, who have to contract with/pay the actual bench jewelers, diamonds, etc - SAFETY It feels very secure. There's usually 2 security guards, and they remember every existing customer's face, even if it's been months. It's nice they remember you over time read more

Discovering Lester Lampert jewelers in 1988 was like finding Mr. Right. When you know, you just "know." I acquired a few brooches, a morganite ring, and one stunning pair of statement earrings and all of those pieces still look as current and relevant as the day I purchased them or the day they were given to me. If you consider fine jewelry to be treasures rather than just purchases, then this is the jeweler for you. I will miss the Oak St. store as it was a fixture along the Gold Coast along with Marilyn Miglin's salon and the IKAT boutique, but I am happy to see that the shop has moved to 7 E. Huron. A dear friend of mine still owns the original gold watch he bought for himself in the early 70's when his band finally made it nationwide, and it still has the original engraving on it. It was just so precious that he still wears it after all these years and it can still light up his eyes like a 21 year old. You can window shop at Tifffany, but with the personalized and attention-to-detail service at Lester Lampert, why not go local? It's the best investment you will ever make. read more

After our home suffered a tremendous fire, we took several pieces of jewelry to Lester Lampert for cleaning/restoration. They were empathetic, attentive, and extremely diligent. Our jewelry was returned looking new, and it was clear that great care had been given to each and every piece. We will be repeat customers. read more

I knew that proposing to my future wife was going to be the biggest decision/moment of our lives and I wanted to bring my A-game. The ring selection process can be a grind... time consuming, stressful, expensive, confusing, etc. Don't waste your time (and money) store-hopping in Jeweler's Row or for that matter, in any other jewelry store in Chicago. Lester Lampert Fine Jewelry is the place to go. The store itself is beautiful, filled with a robust selection of all sorts of jewelry. It's honestly like you're in museum, except it's filled with welcoming, friendly, informative, and supportive staff that truly only want the best for you (or the recipient). The capabilities are off the charts. Want to customize a design for a piece and see what it looks like practically in real time? They can do it, and they can do it all on-site. Lester Lampert is a trend setter, not follower; however, they also provide an array of jewelry that encompasses high-end/high-quality traditional and classic style with more trendy and hot style. This makes the selection process fun, exciting, and most importantly, easy and cost-flexible. David Lampert runs the show, and he is the BEST. The first time I met with David he welcomed me as if he had known me for 30 years. He asked me some questions about the recipient, and as I responded, he was sketching up some ideas for the piece that tailored to not only what I was looking for, but also his feel for her personality. David worked with me to provide a completely unique and customized piece that honestly has blown everyone away (and most importantly, my fiancee!). He did so in a time efficient manner and kept me within budget. He was in constant communication with me throughout the process, providing with high levels of trust and comfort. There is truly nothing more that one can ask for when it comes to the experience and customer service level. Go to Lester Lampert Fine Jewelry, you'll be extremely glad that you did. read more

We love this place! Lester lampert has a fabulous store, filled with beautiful jewelry, there's something for everybody here- the people that work there are very professional, attitude free, and charming. I especially like Fradine, she helped us designing our platinum and diamonds wedding rings, and she personally made sure that the pieces were 100% perfect, she also helped us with another ring made with pink gold and white and pink diamonds, she is Lester lampert's daughter and a super big asset to the store, she listens to you, she's great following up, she has a lot of patience and she puts herself in your shoes. Every time I go there I feel comfortable and welcome. I love my wedding bands they r fabulous and beautiful! Patrick ^_^ read more

They repaired my ring very nicely and are very fair on price: they had initially estimated the repair to cost 150$, and in the end it seems it cost closer to 200$ but they price matched their initial estimate. read more

Disclaimer: This review is from my experience 2 years ago. Sorry! Some recent engagements have prompted me to review. First, I know a diamond ring is the thing to get when getting engaged but I want to give props to all the ladies out there who opt for other stones. A diamond is traditional and symbolizes eternity and A LOT of people get them. I mean, how many times do I have to look at an engagement ring and squeal, "it's beautiful!!!!!"? They all start to look the same after a while...and then there's the whole blood diamond thing too. So with all this said, we decided to look into getting an aquamarine engagement ring. It's not my birthstone, I just thought the range of blues they can be were beautiful and they remind me of the ocean and sky. I called around and Lester Lampert had some aquamarine stones they could show us. It was a little stuffy in there and I distinctly remember another patron sternly saying that his fiance's ring must be at least 2 carats. Even though we weren't creating a high-end ring we felt like we got the same service as someone who was. We had several stones to choose from as well as settings. The jeweler said the chance of the stone chipping would significantly decrease if we had diamonds outlining the stone. We did not opt to do this and were not pressured about it. Long story short, I ended up getting my husband's great-grandmother's engagement ring from the 1800's, but the bastard (I say this lovingly) surprised me with the aquamarine ring as a wedding gift on the day of our wedding. It's a really beautiful ring and I can take it in to get cleaned and resized for free whenever I like. read more

I just moved to Chicago and a very precious (sentimental in that it was a gift from my parents and simply a beautiful piece of jewelry dated 1915) necklace with a fine platinum chain got tangled and had a small knot. I looked online and saw that a company called Trabert & Hoeffer on East Oak Street provided "jewelry repair services." I won't go into what their "repair services" entail...but someone pulling a paperclip out of a drawer to complete a repair wasn't what I had in mind. I left T&H and went to Lester Lampert down the street (Note: they are moving to 7 East Huron) where I met the lovely and personable Elena---a graduate gemologist and expert untangler of early 20th century platinum. She couldn't have been more helpful or professional. Lester Lampert should be everyone's jeweler of choice in the Gold Coast, Chicago and for that matter all of Illinois. Thanks Elena. read more

Beautiful things, no more expensive than any other fine jeweler. Beautiful original designs. Service is very personally oriented and far better than excellent. read more

My husband and I only shop for our jewelry with Lester Lampert Fine Jewelry. Each piece is so special and if you don't see what you are looking, they'll make it for you!!! Jewelry is something that is timeless and to me a treasure that i'll pass down within my family. Their artistry is amazing and the customer service is outstanding. read more

This is, hands down, the best jeweler in Chicago. The ambiance in the shop is extremely elegant and "designer" while the service has the feel of the family shop Lester Lampert actual is. They are so accommodating and willing to spend all the time/effort that is needed to get your pieces done just right. My fiance designed my engagement ring with Fradine and I worked with her to design the perfect wedding bands. I am almost jealous that he got to have all of the fun the first time around without me! They are the best of the best. read more

Amazing! We've purchased from Lester for over 10 years. They're simply the best for quality and service!

Working with Mark to design my engagement ring and wedding band was such a pleasure. I get compliments all the time, it's so unique! We can't wait to come back to design my fiancé's ring too. read more

My fiance and I visited Lester when shopping for engagement rings last year. First class experience all the way. Very knowledgeable staff and GORGEOUS and unique pieces. My fiance purchased a custom designed engagement ring as well as a wedding band. I constantly get compliments on my ring and people tell me that they've never seen another ring quite like mine. That is the reason you go to Lester Lampert. read more

They worked with me and State Farm to replace my missing wedding band. The result is breathtaking. More beautiful than the original. The jeweler was very knowledgeable and explained all parts of the process. They make their own jewelry on-site, which cuts down on overhead costs. Don't shy away from them just because they are in a posh area of the city, if your on a budget. read more

Wonderful service. I got my engagement ring sized for under $100 and fast!

Excellent experience with Lester Lampert! Extremely skilled, knowledgeable, and friendly. Best of Chicago.

Great designs and quality workmanship. Above all, though, is the attentive service and follow through. Many diamonds and sizes were shown without pressure to upsize at any point. Great experience. read more

For almost 40 years Lester, his family, and his staff have help me create some very memorable jewelry. Lester's designing ability has always been able to fulfill my vision of what I am trying create. Over the years Lester has become a trusted friend who I count on for that unique piece of jewelry. I don't know how many friends I have referred to Lester, but I do know Lester exceeded each of their expectations. In addition, Lester's personality shows his love of jewelry and giving his clients a special experience. The best recommendation I can give him is that he has helped three generations of my family. read more