(Press Release)
CHICAGO – Lester Lampert, a Chicago-based jewelry company, will move its showroom and manufacturing studio this summer to 7 E. Huron St., located in the heart of Chicago’s River North design corridor.
Nearly 25 years after it became the first jeweler on the city’s posh Oak Street, Lester and his son David, co-owners and third- and fourth- generation jewelers, respectively, accepted a buyout offer from developers who plan to tear down their current building. The deal came as an opportunity for the 95-year old company to refocus on craftsmanship and service.
“We’re an atelier, and our new location, near stores like décor destination Material Possessions, custom men’s clothier Frederick Lynn, and of course the legendary fashion boutique Ikram, speaks to that,” says David. “It also made sense for us because we have a huge client base in and around River North.”
The new four-story, 5,000-square-foot space will include a main-level showroom, a watch mezzanine and a design center in which clients will have the opportunity to work with Lester and David to create custom pieces, including diamond engagement rings, a growing segment of their business. Lester Lampert’s corporate division – which specializes in custom-made employee, executive and commemorative gifts and is run by Lester’s daughter Fradine Lampert Kipnis – will be located on the third floor. As with the Oak Street location, all Lester Lampert designs will be made on-site in the company’s own manufacturing studio on the fourth floor.
“An important factor that distinguishes us from other jewelers is having our artisans in-house,” says Lester. “This not only helps us to maintain the highest level of craftsmanship throughout the entire design process, but it also means we can produce or modify projects as quickly. Our clients appreciate that kind of service.”
Lester Lampert will retain the entirety of its staff when it moves to its new location.
“We’re a family business, and that includes our staff,” added David. “Everyone who works at Lester Lampert is here because they love what they do. They love getting to be a part of our clients’ engagements, anniversaries, birthdays – their happiest moments and biggest celebrations. It’s a privilege.”
The company has plans to expand into the casual market with their new CasueLLe line, a collection designed for everyday wear that, according to David, “will look as great with jeans and a t-shirt as they do with a ballgown.” Additionally, the new design studio will allow the jeweler to enhance its “Lesterization” service, which offers clients the opportunity to have their family, heirloom or outdated jewelry rebuilt, reconstructed or redesigned.
Lester Lampert’s retail store and corporate division can be reached at 312-944-6888 and at lesterlampert.com.