We're so lucky to have an amazing team that's well known in the industry - and among clients - for being smart, funny, generous, talented, and experts in the field. In order of tenure:
Erika, Manager, GIA Certified
Erika started as an admin after graduating from DePaul, and over the past 9+ years has become an amazing jeweler, friend to all, and boss lady. She swears that she used to be painfully shy, but we’re not sure we believe her! Born in Romania, she moved to the US at 13, when she already spoke 4 languages but zero English. She made it work right away though, and she won a statewide (English) essay contest in her very first year. She’s still just like that: already smart but always still looking to learn more. She relishes new challenges and meeting new people. She’s got an excellent eye for the sparkliest diamonds, plus clearly she has great style. She genuinely loves jewelry and design but her favorite part of the job is maintaining the relationships she’s built with clients over the years - nothing is cooler than being there for a couple’s engagement, wedding, anniversaries, children (she is still waiting for someone to name their firstborn Erika). Erika does not like fruit, but she does love her teacup Chihuahua, Truck.
Eric, Consultant, GIA Certified
Eric is our Chicago jewelry OG. He grew up in a family business and has been expertly sourcing diamonds and gems ever since. He has been part of the ELJ and Casting House teams for the past 9 years and has built up a huge family of loyal clients and colleagues. He’s our go-to for all things Chicago sports and events. He knows everyone and has friends everywhere, so you're just as likely to get help snagging tickets to the next big game as you are to Disney on Ice. (And hey, Eric's even great with kids!) He also has a heart of gold and is well known for bending over backwards for customers and coworkers. He’s beyond resourceful and just really knows his stuff. ELJ doesn't sell watches, but feel free to ask Eric your watch questions, he can help. He’s got excellent, long-standing relationships with diamond dealers, gem cutters, and jewelers, who have respected him for years. Eric loves the industry and his clients, but he also loves warm weather and escaping to Florida any chance he can get.
Danny, Consultant, Sketch Artist
Danny attended college for art and design, and once he found jewelry, he was hooked. He still does most of our sketches, and we turn to him for personalized, unique designs that clients love. The sky’s the limit, so if you can imagine it, he can help you bring it to life. He keeps up with trends and production capabilities, so he's a wonderful resource for creating new jewelry designs. Danny says that the best part of his job is getting to interact with people and help them figure out exactly what they want - and he does it expertly! He also loves searching high and low for the perfect diamond for clients and has an affinity for lab created stones. A total music lover, his favorite band is Umphrey's McGee, who he’s seen live SEVENTY SEVEN times. We tease him, but his loyalty and enthusiasm is admirable. His other favorite hobbies include Netflix and draft beer, so he's tons of fun to chat with and trade movie recommendations over a frosty mug.
Andrea, Consultant, Design Associate
Andrea’s like a ray of sunshine (even though she wears all black) and can be counted on to be “on it”. She’s built up a wealth of jewelry knowledge, makes excellent design recommendations, and is especially up to speed on modern jewelry trends. With Andrea, you’re in good hands, working with someone who really cares about helping you. On top of all this, she has amazing organizational skills and jumps in often to help keep ELJ running like a well-oiled machine. She has a deep love for Stevie Nicks, likes to ski, and has great taste in jewelry.
Kristy, President
A boomerang employee, Kristy returned to ELJ as an eCommerce professional and former digital product manager. Kristy's love for jewelry took root nearly 2 decades ago, and she's since attended GIA and other industry institutions throughout the years in tandem with earning her MBA. Her first stint with ELJ's parent company was 2008-2012, when she worked for the jewelry manufacturer as a CAD manager, marketing director, and product developer. But today she obsesses behind the scenes about supporting the team and their amazing clients. Kristy's favorite thing to do in her downtime is to hang out with her kids and husband in the city. She can't cook and is grateful for all the wonderful food Chicago has to offer! Feel free to reach out to her directly any time at [email protected]
Lauren, Consultant, GIA Certified
Lauren is a natural diamond and design consultant because she’s just so damn excited about helping people out. She truly can’t wait to help guys find the perfect diamond to propose with, and she loves hearing couples tell the stories of how they met. Lauren finds meaning and excitement in every project. Lauren graduated with a BA in Fashion from the Illinois Institute of Art, so she’s got an eye for style. She also has a background in customized production, and used to run the embroidery presses at a local company that specializes in wedding invitations and personalized gifts. Jewelry is a natural extension of those stories, and she’s jumped right in since joining ELJ. Now she’s working her way through the GIA’s Graduate Gemologist degree. Lauren recently got engaged herself, and her fiancé came to Ethan Lord under a series of fake names and shadowy appointments, to keep the whole thing under wraps. It worked and she was surprised! Besides having marriage on the horizon, she's busy at home with her dog, cat, and cool artistic hobbies such as vinyl letter making.
Mehdi, Consultant
Bio coming soon!
Our Jewelers and Manufacturers
We're backed by a leading jewelry manufacturer that employs Chicago's top talent, and they make most of our jewelry right here in the Mallers Building. CAD/CAM professionals, casting and production experts, the finest bench jewelers and gemstone setters produce heirloom-quality jewelry on the 6th floor. You get direct access to our world-class production team, which means big-name brand quality without inflated pricing. As a result, we're proud to offer free lifetime maintenance and the best value for your money. Learn More
ELJ Specialties
Engagement and Wedding Rings- Custom Jewelry Design
- GIA-Certified Diamonds
- Ring Resets and Repairs
- CanadaMark Diamonds
- Anniversary and Fine Jewelry
- Lab Grown Diamonds and Alternatives
- Colored Gemstones
Our Reviews
Peter
Erika listened to what we wanted, showed us what we asked for, and answered our questions clearly. No hidden agenda just wanting to do the best for the customers. I would give her 6 ⭐️ if possible
August, 2021
Ryan M.
I had a great experience with Erika. She really did her research before my appointment and catered the diamonds we looked at to what I told her was important for me. She was patient, friendly, and taught me a lot about ring/diamond details I hadn't thought of.
August, 2021
John S.
Best experience I could have had designing and purchasing an engagement ring. Danny was fantastic to work with, patient, and diligent. After helping design, he sourced stones until we found the perfect ones and was a pleasure to work with.
August, 2021
Scott K.
I highly recommend! I was pretty nervous about the process, but Eric's relaxed vibe and being able to clearly explain how everything works really relieved my stress. My favorite part is that after I initially told Eric my budget, he never tried to up-sell me on a more expensive product--he stayed within my range at all times.
June, 2021
Jacqueline B.
Lauren is amazing. I had a great experience at Ethan Lord; highly recommend. Driving to the city is absolutely worth it for EL!
February, 2021
Amanda V.
What a wonderful experience I had at Ethan Lord. I was able to customize my wedding bands to my engagement ring. Lauren assisted me every step of the way and was incredibly courteous and helpful throughout the entire process.
March, 2021
Venita F.
My consultant Eric was fantastic! He helped us design a very special engagement ring to replace one lost many years ago. The new ring was a way to celebrate our 37 years of marriage. Thanks Eric. I love my ring!
October, 2020
Peri M.
I had an incredible experience working with Lauren and her team at Ethan Lord Jewelers. Lauren was very patient, attentive, reassuring, and caring... The proposal went great and seeing my fiancé's face light up when she saw the ring, I know I made the right choice to go with Ethan Lord.
October, 2020
Colin O.
Of all of the other jewelers we had talked with Danny was most insightful, helpful, patient, and took the time to educate us on the elements of diamonds as much as possible... I would give it 6 stars if I could...
November, 2020
Yun P.
I had a few appointments w diamond dealers in Chicago. I had Eric as a rep and he was the most professional and knowledgeable. Follow up was amazing and overall amazing to work with.
April, 2021
Michelle J.
Every interaction we had was stellar from the 1st time we walked in to the moment we received the ring and thereafter. The vibe you get is that they are truly excited to see you and everyone enjoys being there.
March, 2020
