Working with Us - Engagement Ring Process
1: Consultation
We often meet with clients from all over the world, but our home base is in Lincoln Park. If you're ever in the area, stop by to say hello. :)
Whether you're working with us remotely, or meeting with us in person, an initial meeting is set up to kick off the process. This pivotal first step can be initiated by scheduling a discovery session tailored to your convenience, available through video chats, phone calls. Alternatively, you can also reach out by text to 312 291 1436, or email "info@theclassicgem.com" with a brief outline of your objectives, desired timeframe, and budget.
During this time, we hope to understand your goals, timeline, inspirational designs and learn a little bit more about you and your partner. It's also okay if you're not sure, we can do our best to guide you through the process and help brainstorm ideas. We also recommend that you start this part of the process no later than 2 months before you plan to have the ring in hand. While we can accommodate most time crunches, we realize the process is more enjoyable when it's not saved for last. Once we get a pretty good understanding of where you're at and what your needs are we'll put together a thoughtful recommendation and plan of action.
2: Center Stone Selection
2a: If you're just starting off and exploring options:
If you are ready to commit:
We value our time and we value yours, so we do our best to minimize surprises. All too often something looks great on paper only to find there was just something off so we make sure the diamonds and gems pass the test before even proposing it to you.
Upon confirming your interest, we'll secure the selected diamond or gemstone and arrange for its shipment to our premises for further inspection. We diligently screen for nuances beyond what can be seen on paper, and collaborate closely with you, and our suppliers, conducting thorough research before finalizing the best choice to bring in. This ensures that we offer you the best value, without sacrificing quality while searching a broader range of options. In summary, it is best to schedule the in person diamond review when you are ready to commit on the center stone. Once you select a diamond, we ask for a minumum of good faith deposit to reserve the diamond for you and begin the design process. Book a finalization meeting here.
This process is a bit non-traditional but it is the way we chose to work because it ultimately provides our clients with the best value, and more options and flexibility. This is one of the main reasons why we are different, we try to be unbiased, up to date, and we don't push you on old inventory because we already know how nerve wracking the process may be. Instead, we listen to your needs, and get to work to find the best option for you based on our deep rooted experience in this industry. We compare with our best suppliers, and even they aren't so keen on this but eventually understand that a business can only be successful when we put our customers first. We genuinely care what you think and that you feel confident working with us.
3: Custom Designing (or choose from the curated selection in our showcase)
One of the most notable hallmarks of a fine piece of jewelry is in the details of the craftsmanship with a focus on structural integrity, best practices on widths and tensile strengths that vary greatly for each stone it supports vs retrofitted to fit, but doing so while still maintaing proper proportions and aestetics that strike the right balance based on design goals. Our goods are all made to order, one of a kind, not mass manufactured or retrofitted to fit a standard mould which can compromise structural integrity and overall quality of build and aesthetic. This is often overlooked, and is one of the most important aspects of the enagegement ring. Learn more about our standards and quality here.
While this is only a glimpse of the process, there are so many ways to work with us and we are flexible! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us and we will do our best to guide you in the best way. Send us a design inspiration picture or just let us know what your goals are like "I want to save time and money and get the best 2 carat round solitaire I can get" :) ! We'd be happy to start the process of curating and providing you with information, price ranges, and videos what's available at the moment. Of course, we'd be happy to jump on a call or video chat at any point in time to discuss options and whatever you'd like, even the weather :).
Talk to you soon,
