CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Champaign Jewelers is inviting the community to take part in two upcoming in-store events aimed at helping customers create meaningful, customized jewelry.
The store’s monthly Design Brunch gives customers a relaxed setting to bring in heirloom pieces or outdated jewelry and explore remodeling options.
“It’s a really fun, low-pressure time to just hang out, bring a friend, and work through different design ideas,” said Kari Smith of Champaign Jewelers. “A lot of times people inherit something that has heartfelt meaning, but it’s not quite their style. The whole point of jewelry is to wear it and enjoy it.”
The event allows customers to collaborate with designers to transform sentimental items into pieces they’ll wear every day.
“It’s a great place to get started if you have an idea in your mind but don’t quite know how to make it happen,” she said.
Later this spring, Champaign Jewelers will host its Wedding Band Weekend March 19 through 21, featuring an expanded selection of bridal designers and savings of up to $500 on wedding rings.
“This is one of my favorite events that we host,” Kari said. “We bring in a huge selection of styles that we can’t have in the store every single day, and it’s an awesome way to see the newest designs and save some money.”
One featured designer, Lashbrook, specializes in customizable wedding bands, including unique materials such as meteorite, dinosaur bone, colored diamonds and specialty inlays.
“Years ago, a plain gold band was really the only option,” she said. “Now there are hundreds and thousands of styles available, and you can truly make a one-of-a-kind ring that reflects your personality.”
In addition to its in-store events, Champaign Jewelers travels twice a year to Antwerp, Belgium — widely known as the diamond trading capital of Europe — to hand-select diamonds for clients.
“Every diamond is unique,” Kari said. “You can have two that look identical on paper but completely different in real life. Being able to see them side by side and choose the very best one for our clients is really special.”
Appointments are recommended for Wedding Band Weekend and can be scheduled through the store’s website, social media pages or by calling or texting the store directly at (217) 693-7655.