The Loop, Chicago · Since 1997

Jewelry designed for one person.

Second-generation custom jewelers in downtown Chicago. Designing engagement rings and remaking heirlooms since 1997, one conversation at a time.

Two-tone rose gold and platinum engagement ring with a princess cut diamond in a halo, made for a client
18k yellow gold stacking rings remade from a client's engagement ring, wedding band, and diamond studs
GIA Graduate Gemologist Second generation, since 1997 Downtown Chicago studio
A modern bar-set solitaire with a single princess cut diamond
No. 01

Design something new

An engagement ring, a band, a piece that exists nowhere else. Start with a photo, a sketch, or nothing at all.

Start a design
Stacking rings remade from an inherited bridal set and diamond studs
No. 02

Remake something you already own

Her ring, your hand. A brooch becomes a pendant, earrings become a ring. The stones stay; the story continues.

Start a restyle
Andrea Mattei, designer and Graduate Gemologist, at the Judith L. Ansteth studio
Andrea Mattei · Designer & Gemologist
The studio

Trained as a designer. Credentialed as a gemologist.

I studied design before I ever studied diamonds, and the two disciplines meet at this bench every day. Most of what leaves this studio began as a conversation: a photograph on a phone, a stone from a grandmother's ring, a sketch on the back of an envelope.

My job is to listen until the piece makes sense, then draw it, then build it. Since 1997 I have run the studio my mother founded, and the work is still done the same way: one client, one piece, one story at a time.

Andrea

  • GIA Graduate Gemologist
  • GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional
  • JBAR Appraisal Course
  • WJA Midwest Board, 2001–04
  • Design Training, Portfolio Center
Read our story
The process

How a ring happens here.

Four steps, no mystery. You see the piece at every stage before it exists, and nothing moves forward without you.

Book your consultation

Consultation

We talk. Bring a photograph, a sketch, an heirloom, or nothing at all. In person on Michigan Avenue, or virtually.

A platinum three-stone ring with a dark blue sapphire and two oval diamonds

Design

A hand sketch first, then CAD. Formal design training means the drawing is the craft, not an afterthought.

A modern bezel-set diamond solitaire in platinum

Approval

Review the 3D render from every angle. Change anything. Nothing is cast until it is exactly right.

A platinum split-shank ring with a chocolate diamond in a white diamond halo

The bench

Made, set, and finished locally. Every stone checked by a Graduate Gemologist before it leaves the studio.

A gold charm bracelet with engraved, diamond-studded detachable charms
Client stories

The moment it comes home.

Zach proposing to Alexa with the ring Andrea designed
Zach & Alexa · A proposal

Alexa absolutely loved the ring. It was beyond her expectations, and everyone has been impressed with the creative style.

Zach B. · Custom engagement ring

She took great care to ensure the pavé in my engagement ring would not be harmed by the wedding band. Kind, honest, and so easy to work with.

Amanda Vlcek · A bridal set

We met with her to redesign my engagement ring. I love how the existing stone looks in its new setting, and I find myself looking at my left hand as if I were just engaged.

Jean Patrick · A redesign, years on
Read all reviews
Fine jewelry

A small collection, finished and ready.

The journal

Notes from the bench.

All journal entries
The studio · Visits by appointment

8 S. Michigan Avenue,
Suite 802
The Loop, Chicago.

One block from Millennium Park, eight floors up. A private studio, not a showroom floor: when you visit, the appointment is yours alone.

(312) 782-7004
Getting here

Enter at 8 S. Michigan, take the elevator to the eighth floor, Suite 802.

Consultations

In person or virtual. Complimentary, about an hour.

Book Call