Yanke Designs Fine Jewelers and Jewelry Designers — Local services in Traverse City

The word “stunning” does not do this ring justice. I came to Yanke Designs with a very basic engagement ring design that I knew my (fiancée) loved. Frank and Kim were happy to duplicate it, but after I started looking at their incredible designs, we jointly developed something much different but still simple, classic, and uniquely elegant. The best part for me: Aside from Yanke Designs’ national award-winning design expertise, Frank’s true passion for diamond perfection becomes evident as he takes you on the very gratifying journey of evaluating, assessing and ultimately, choosing diamonds for your custom piece. I came to Yanke designs with a lot of knowledge about evaluating diamonds for light performance, facet angle, symmetry, etc. – even obnoxiously bringing my own diamond evaluation tools to the private showroom - and I was elated to find Frank wanting to take an even deeper dive into diamond quality. Most jewelers present a diamond they want to sell to you in the very best light (literally). Frank’s approach is different. With his decades of experience in high-end diamonds, he walks you through a process that encourages a critical eye and that challenges you to choose the diamond with the “personality” that evokes your emotion – from different angles and in varying light. The simplest way to describe the impact of this ring (which can’t be understood from photos), is to say that the first 2 people to see it were the CFO and the president, both old friends, at the company where I’ve worked for 29 years. Now I can tell you, these guys have been around and have seen a lot in their day. But coincidentally EACH of them, viewing the ring separately in there respective offices could say only one word: “Wow.” And then they each just kind of stared at me with a loss for words. In my case, Yanke Designs came highly recommended by a friend, so while my fiancee was away I drove the 2.5 hours to Traverse City during an ice storm, damaging my car – and it was STILL one of the most enjoyable and gratifying purchasing experiences I’ve ever had. It’s been 7 months since I proposed to my bride-to-be, and she is still telling me that she can’t stop looking at her ring; and the compliments continue to roll in from her friends, clients, complete strangers, etc. I’d like to say “you can’t buy that kind of satisfaction”, but actually I DID. And the price was surprisingly reasonable! Underpinning this experience is the fact that Frank and Kim are really good people who just happen to be at the very top of their profession. I’m looking forward to going back for the wedding...

I have admired Yanke Designs unique creations for over 20 years and knew there was no one else I wanted to help me re-design my wedding ring. I brought my ring in to their shop in Franklin and explained that I wanted to use the diamond from my original ring along diamonds from a pair of earrings and a smaller ring I owned to create something special. I wasn't really sure what I wanted so Frank started out by reviewing several designs he had to get an understanding of my tastes. We went back and forth over several meetings over several weeks choosing different elements to incorporate. I was so impressed at how Frank could take an Idea I had and quickly make a wax mold out of it to show me how the different elements would fit together. We went through several wax mold revisions and he was extremely patient with me but what we ended up with was stunning! If you are looking to work with a very creative and caring professional, then I highly recommend you contact Yanke Designs. You will...

Frank and Kim are amazing. I am what I call a second generation customer. Following my mother in-laws recommendation, all my jewelry is professionally made by them. I was excited for them when they moved to Traverse, but also selfishly left wondering who I could trust with future jewelry purchases. We have been loyal customers for over 30 years. I recently made the trip to Traverse (3 hours) just to work with Frank and Kim on a new wedding ring. This is my third ring with them. And every ring somehow bigger and better than before. I have had earrings made, necklaces, grandmother pendants and more. The best part is they never rush you, never pressure sell you and always work within my budget. They get to know you. They are like family to us. Thank you Frank and Kim! Once again you made me a one of a kind ring that I...