Recently we were searching for a custom jeweler to make wedding bands for both my fiancee and myself, as well as to perform some delicate repair work on her 110-year-old engagement ring. A friend recommended J Yontef, and we couldn't be happier they did. We were thoroughly pleased with every facet (pardon the pun) of our dealings with them and give them our enthusiastic recommendation. The business consists entirely of Jay Yontef and his wife Adriane. They are extremely nice, unpretentious people whose enthusiasm for their subject is infectious -- they really love creating fine jewelry, and it shows in their attitude towards their customers. Best of all, not only are they incredibly nice people, but both of them are super-experts in the jewelry world and command an impressive knowledge of their field, and have the accomplishments to show for it.
The Yontefs created for us a pair of stunning wedding bands, starting with our own basic ideas for their design and expanding upon them with what they knew was possible given the materials and style we wanted. Jay and Adriane were extremely easy to work with here, offering suggestions but never pushing anything on us that we didn't want, and always striving to make sure we got what we wanted. The finished products are exactly as beautiful as we'd hoped they would be, are totally unique because they were hand-made, and surprise -- they didn't break the bank, either. Wondrous craftsmanship, and we couldn't be happier.
In the case of repairing the engagement ring, there was a lot of small filigree work involved and the repairs it needed were very delicate indeed. We were hesitant to entrust the work to just anyone, but after examining the ring and authoritatively explaining what needed to be done and how he'd do it, Jay put our fears to rest. And indeed, the repairs were carried out flawlessly and the ring looks better than ever. I can't imagine another jeweler doing a better job, and I can easily imagine other, less experienced ones not doing as well.
In summary, I really can't say enough good about the Yontefs -- they do simply fantastic work of the highest quality, and they couldn't be nicer people to work with. If you're wanting superbly crafted custom jewelry or a re-engineering of pieces you already own, I honestly would look no further.
more