Green Lake Jewelry Works

When we saw that Green Lake Jewelry Works doesn't employ salespeople, only actual crafters, we were convinced. They have made us three custom pieces so far: our wedding rings and a 5-year anniversary pendant for me. In all three cases, the craftspeople worked with us collaboratively on the design, and kept us informed about the progress of our piece. Upon pickup of the final piece, they gave us a CD with professional quality close-up pictures. And if you bring in your ring for a cleaning and inspection every 6 months, they guarantee it against diamond loss.

They can do almost anything, but specialize in either fancy filigreed Victorian-esque pieces or sleek, modern, asymmetrical pieces. Their website has an extensive gallery of past pieces -- if you can dream it, they can make it happen!

Green Lake Jewelry is not the typical store that has a lineup of generic items. This is a business that employees artists on-site that custom design jewelry for you and they also have premade items to purchase.

I've had several items custom build at Green Lake Jewelry. The way it works is that you can bring in the sketch of your design or they can help you. An assistant will work with you through the entire process. A wax model of the item will be designed if necessary and then adjustments will be made. At the final stages it all comes together with your choice of stones placed in the design and presented to you for approval.

It's fabulous to do business with Green Lake and the prices are very reasonable considering the handwave artistry and custom designed nature of the work. I can't wait for the next occasion to work with them.

Please also note that they recently moved to Northgate, although their name has not changed.

PROS: Incredible crafsmanship and artistry; personalized service
CONS: They had a small space but that's been resolved over the past years

Green Lake Jewelers has some unusual items
that could peak your taste. I really like their
selection and craftsmanship.