I'm so pleased with Lauri and the Jewelry Studio that I can't say enough nice things. Since they're located near my S.O.'s parents' house and they've had good experiences there, my S.O. and I visited the shop in November 2007 to look at diamond stud earrings. Lauri was very patient with us when she showed us what they have, including pre-set studs and loose diamonds that could be made into studs. I ended up with a beautiful pair of studs in a martini setting that were made from loose diamonds.
Fast forward a year: When my S.O. and I were thinking more about the possibility of marriage, we returned to The Jewelry Studio to try on engagement rings. I went in with a specific idea in mind -- possibly a 3-stone, round center, modern, yet classic -- and fell in love with a ring that was completely different. Lauri was smart. She told me after the fact that she had a specific ring in mind, but that she had me try on all of the others first so that when I got to that one, I would know it was THE ONE. She was right. It was love at first sight. The ring was an older Sholdt design with a solitaire and other pave- and micropave-style stones on the band and basket.
While an engagement was still not in our immediate future, that ring was burnt into my memory. In fact, I went to other more local stores to try on rings and kept looking for ones like that one. Nothing compared.
So, when my S.O. proposed to me the other week (!), imagine my surprise and delight to see that he offered me the Sholdt ring! I said, "YES!"
Apparently, he and Lauri had emailed back and forth and had talked on the phone about diamond education, the ring, and potential diamonds for the center stone. My S.O. sent his dad in to give the final ok before Lauri shipped it to him.
Overall, we've both really enjoyed our experience working with Lauri and the Jewelry Studio. I have a feeling we'll return in the future. read more