More about our Company

More About Our Company

Dear Mr. Martin,
I just wanted you to know that my fiancee was absolutely thrilled with the diamond ring I purchased from you. In addition to thanking you for the gorgeous ring, I just wanted to thank you for putting an end to a very frustrating shopping experience. Never having bought diamond jewelry before, I referred to my usual source for information, the internet. My eye caught the listing of a store that advertised that it had thousands of diamonds and would beat any price. However, when I arrived at the store, it turned out that the "thousands of diamonds" was just a diamond database on their computer, and "beat any price" meant selling me what seemed like an inferior stone in the size and grade I was looking for. Upset with this experience, I once again turned to the internet. I found what I thought was the perfect stone and purchased it from a major internet company. It was only after receiving that stone that a friend referred me to your store. When I saw your diamonds, I was amazed at how much better they looked, and I was also impressed by how much money you were able to save me. Needless to say, I returned the internet diamond. Thank you again for keeping me from making a big mistake.
- Matthew C.
(Posted with customer permission)

M. Martin and Company is one of the oldest established businesses in the Mallers Jewelers Center. Although a large percentage of our business is selling to stores, dealers, and through online internet companies, we have recently opened our doors to the general public in cooperation with the Mallers Jewelers Center Marketing Program. The business is owned by Steven R. Martin, a GIA Graduate Gemologist. M. Martin and Co. is a member of the Chicago Jewelers Association and the New York Diamond Dealers Club.

Steven R. Martin, President, holds the title of Graduate Gemologist (GIA) with diplomas in Diamond Grading and Colored Stones Grading and Identification. In addition, he has a B.S.E.E. from Illinois Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. degree from Loyola University. As owner of one of Chicago's oldest jewelry stores, he is proud that they are now selling to fourth generation customers. Steve uses his years of experience to select only the finest in quality and value that will be sold at M. Martin and Co. He has also served as an "expert witness" and does industry consulting on jewelry criminal and fraud cases.

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Stan Perkins has been with M. Martin and Company since 1996 and holds the title of Graduate Gemologist (GIA) as well as Accredited Jewelry Professional. He is responsible for the inventory and the quality control of jewelry sold at M. Martin & Co. All of the diamonds and other gemstones which comprise each piece of jewelry must be matched for cut and quality so that every item looks its best, and Stan's attention to detail assures you that the jewelry you purchase will be of the finest quality.

WHAT WE CARRY

M. Martin and Company sells jewelry for the quality conscious individual at wholesale prices. Every diamond* sold is personally selected by Mr. Martin. In today's market, most diamonds are not cut properly, so only a very small percentage of all the diamonds we inspect are even considered for purchase by our company. We carry a wide range of sizes and qualities in stock including some that display the "hearts and arrows" faceting pattern. For engagement ring and wedding band buyers, we have over 400 rings and mountings in stock for you to try on (we do not expect you to buy a piece of jewelry from a picture). We also carry all types of fine jewelry (with the exception of watches) including wedding bands, cocktail rings, cultured pearls, bracelets, pendants, earrings, etc. Since we design and manufacture many of our own pieces, we can offer a wide variety of diamond grades and prices for those on a budget.

We do not sell watches. However, we can repair all major brands, including antique models. For waterproof watches such as Rolex®, Tag Heuer®, and others, we have the latest pressure testing equipment to be sure your watch is properly sealed to protect it from the elements. You will be provided with an estimate before any work is started.

We specialize in custom design and can restyle your old jewelry into new and modern pieces. We can also reproduce an item from any picture or sketch. Due to the amount of time needed, appointments for remounts can only be scheduled during weekday hours.

Ring being designed in our shop by our skilled craftsmen using CAD/CAM. A multi-view rendering is made available to be viewed by the customer. Once approved, a wax model is made of the ring. Finally, the ring is cast in the appropriate metal. All diamonds are selected by us and are then set in the final piece.

*M. Martin and Co. does not sell diamonds from conflict areas of the world. All of our suppliers possess "Kimberly Process Certification." Adherence to the Kimberly Process acknowledges that diamonds have been purchased in strict compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by resolutions of the United Nations.

STORE HOURS

Our showroom hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday (Closed Wed.) and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. We are closed on Sundays, holidays, and on holiday weekends. We are currently working by appointment only to better serve you.

MAIL ORDER INFORMATION

Though it is easiest to view jewelry if you are in the Chicagoland area, customers who live out-of-town can be sent jewelry or loose diamonds on approval. This is usually done by charging the purchase to a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express card. There is a 10 day approval period on all merchandise received. If you wish to obtain a second opinion regarding the quality or valuation of the item, it is recommended that an independent appraiser who does not buy or sell jewelry be used. (A jeweler who is not an independent appraiser may not have the proper appraisal training or may not be able to give you a totally unbiased opinion.) Items are sent by insured mail. Please be aware that according to insurance regulations, once the item is in your possession, you become liable for that item. Therefore, you may wish to notify your insurance company in order to obtain coverage while the item is in your possession.

If an item is to be returned to M. Martin and Company, we request that it be sent by registered U.S. Mail only, and that it be insured for its full value. For your protection, request a return receipt as proof that M. Martin and Company has received the item. Also for your protection, all returned packages are opened in the presence of a U.S. Postal Department employee so that the contents of the package can be verified.

A MESSAGE FROM STEVEN R. MARTIN

At M. Martin and Company, I believe in carrying diamonds of the finest cut and polish. These factors are the most important characteristics that a diamond must have if it is to possess maximum beauty and brilliance. Since most diamonds in today's market are not cut properly, I will inspect many diamonds before I select the ones that meet the high standards of M. Martin and Company. My sales staff all hold credentials from the Gemological Institute of America. They will educate you on how to use the system to your advantage, so that you can make an informed decision. Some stores are able to advertise low prices because they sell inferior quality jewelry. Since we operate a low-overhead "upstairs" store, we can bring you wholesale prices on quality jewelry. I would like to think that we have been doing things right, since we have been doing business from the same location since 1939.

                                                              Sincerely,
                                                              Steven R. Martin
                                                              President

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