Leo A. Bachrach Jewelers — Local services in Chicago

TL;DR. Come visit Mark and Eli for your jewelry. You’ll most definitely be glad you did.

For those who have the time, sit down and enjoy a story of a man on a hunt for the perfect ring for his love…

We were incredibly lucky to stumble into Leo A. Bachrach Jewelers where Mark welcomed my fiancé and I with open arms.

To set the stage, we knew NOTHING about purchasing rings/diamonds a few months prior to meeting Mark. Where do we all start to learn about something we’re new to? The internet. After browsing a number of websites (some of which sold their diamonds and rings) the online research got us an elementary understanding of cut, color, and clarity.

After our online research, we corresponded with several jewelers via email, phone, virtually, or in person. Online interactions yielded no meaningful substance - all I got was excitement from our seller and urgency to purchase as soon as possible so that we can get the stones before they get snapped up. We’re spending, for me, a good chunk of change on this and not something I want to rush, especially without seeing the stone in person. Once we saw the enthusiastic but pushy selling style of online vendors we went in person.

Our first stop was simply terrible. We walked to the jeweler closet to our home. We walked into, five staff members all talking with one another, and no greeting for us. A couple of them were smoking vape pens while one was chewing tobacco - no problem with either vice, but while working? Come on! This spot had glowing reviews about the quality of work and personnel. Little did I know about different in caliber of jewelers.

We next tried for an online jeweler. After this, I knew that I needed a person touch. Online shopping f could have been convenient, but it was like I was talking to a hard salesperson. Every time we spoke on the phone, it was about urgency of buying now else prices are going to go up. Pieces for all this stuff is going up, no need for trying to sell a false sense of urgency! After a few emails and phone calls with the online jeweler, they didn’t strike me as the most professional. Sure, they have wonderful marketing, but what they show on their website didn’t align well with what I was looking for in a diamond-buying + engagement ring design experience.

After a couple hiccups, we couldn’t have been more thankful to visit Mark. We wanted something unique, but classy. Something custom, but subtle. Something meaningful to my partner. And, boy, did Mark deliver. We came to Mark and he gave us the run down as novices. Brought out a range grades and sizes of diamonds to compare and contrast - letting us know that it’s up to what we want in a diamond. He’s a class act folk - and educated us on how the diamond refracts light, the wide range of clarity and if we can tell a difference, the different cuts. We felt that no stone was left unturned - no pun intended. After the education and seeing a great variety of diamonds, we were set. We found the stone.

Concurrently, we had some inspiration about a ring design, but nothing concrete. Eli listened to what we wanted and sketched out an idea. Frankly, I wasn’t sure how the drawing was going to turn into a ring, but I can say we were pleasantly struck with the results. The curves, the way the diamond sits, the uniqueness of the piece - there wasn’t a single flaw. It was beautiful and my fiancé loves it. We’re so incredibly happy with the results, and my fiancé gets positive comments on the diamond. It’s...

I'm staring at the beautiful ring that I just had made at Leo Bachrach Jewelers. I live in Las Vegas, but am originally from Chicago. My husband and I just celebrated our 30th anniversary. My sweet husband wanted to get me a special piece of jewelry. I wanted a diamond eternity band, but I had all sorts of boxes to tick with regard to the ring. When we were married 30 years ago in Chicago, Mark made our wedding bands as well and the earrings my husband purchased for me to wear on our wedding day. When making a decision on where to purchase this ring, we knew we had to have it made by a trustworthy, special jeweler. I contacted Mark who was more than accommodating in the design of my ring. He and Eli send pictures, asked and answered question and more. The ring is exactly what I envisioned! I know for any further special jewelry pieces - Leo Bachrach Jewelers is our place! Thank you to...

Shopping at Leo Bachrach Jewelers will not disappoint. They offer a range of jewelry designs, from traditional to contemporary, and at a range of price points. If you don't see what you are seeking, Mark will do all that he can to find or create what you want. Over the years, we've purchased items from investment pieces to more casual gifts, have always been happy and received many compliments. They will also expertly clean, resize or repair.

I recently referred a friend who was looking for a gift for her daughter. She visited a few places and was thrilled when she got to Leo Bachrach and met with Mark. I comfortably and confidently refer friends and always receive a hearty "thank you" after they've visited.

Leo Bachrach is what jewelers used to be; a high quality business where craftsmanship and customer service matter. You could go to a chain but you will pay the same or more...