Chicago’s central jewelry district lies just behind Michigan Avenue on Wabash Avenue, in an area known as Jeweler’s Row. Here you can find some of the best jewelry stores in Chicago, right in the heart of the Loop. Jammed into a few city blocks are dozens of chain and independent jewelry stores, some piled floor upon floor with diamonds, gold and other precious stones for sale. Of course, there are plenty of other jewelers spread throughout the city, many offering unique design work and custom styling. - Christine Zibas

(credit: http://www.embellishchicago.com)

Embellish Chicago

4161 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 525-4400
www.embellishchicago.com

This North Center boutique carries a wide selection of jewelry designed by local Chicago artisans. Each piece is high-quality, hand-crafted jewelry. Prices range from inexpensive, for simpler pieces, to very pricey jewelry considered “wearable art.” With a constantly changing stock and interesting group of designers, visiting this store is never the same experience twice. Custom ordering is not just available, but welcome here.

(credit: http://gemjewelryboutique.com)

Gem

1710 North Damen Street
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 384-7700
www.gemjewelryboutique.com

This Bucktown neighborhood jewelry store specializes in unique handmade jewelry from both local and international designers. About half of the pieces available are the work of owner, Laura, who has been designing jewelry for more than 10 years and blogs regularly about her work and love of jewelry. Stopping by the shop will provide plenty of inspiration and more than a little temptation with about 20 unique designers featured at any given moment, offering a constantly revolving showcase of new items.

(credit: http://www.radiancefinejewelry.com)

Radiance Fine Jewelry

2139 North Damen Street
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 486-5710
www.radiancefinejewelry.com

This staff at this jewelry store listen to their customers. In an ever-changing jewelry market, they look to customers for requests, particularly regarding jewelry designers. Much of the fine jewelry on sale here has a modern feel, with each piece seeming even more beautiful than the last. This is also a great store for repairs; the in-house repair shop is extensive, and repairs are done on site, with a quick turnaround time. Look for trunk shows and other special events showcasing jewelry designers.

(credit: http://www.windycitydiamonds.com)

Windy City Diamonds, LLC

1 South Wabash
Chicago, IL 60603
312-327-9463
www.windycitydiamonds.com

The accolades flow for this store. Chosen best jeweler by CitySearch, winner of a Better Business Bureau Complaint-Free Award and recipient of the Bride‘s Choice Award, Windy City Diamonds is a jewelry store that won’t disappoint. Specializing in bridal design and custom orders, this is the place where couples come to capture a tiny piece of their dream. Not a bride-to-be? There’s plenty of other sparkly stuff available for purchase that requires no commitment.

From modern art pieces to traditional diamond engagement rings, Chicago’s best jewelry stores focus on great customer service and custom work. While Jeweler’s Row continues to draw in Chicago customers, many new boutiques around the city offer their share of dazzling designs to inspire and intrigue.