Diamond Design Company

John built my engagement ring and both our bands a little over 2 years ago. My husband did extensive research and ended working with the DDC in person (not online — as we are in SF, CA). He was impressed with John because of his extensive knowledge and the gem machinery he uses (I’m not sure of the specifics, but know he is one of a few who has a certain machine). I just picked up my new/​updated band — and eternity ring based on the Tiffany «Jazz Celebration» ring. John even went to Tiffany up the street to do some reconnaissance for me! It turned out perfectly (He did a wax mold which I approved) — I absolutely love it! And the best part? Less than half the price of Tiffany’s! I have already recommended DDC to all my friends and will definitely be back! (Already thinking about my diamond pendant!). Thanks!

We just picked up our rings from John at Diamond Design Company and couldn’t be happier. There are times for lighthearted, funny reviews, but this isn’t one of those times: we went to DDC because we were looking for someone who could help us create custom wedding bands (a man’s and a woman’s band). We’d shopped in stores, met with jewelry artists, and had a decent idea of what we were looking for.
As far as I can tell, John operates on his own. He has a little office attached to his workshop. No glitz, no prime real estate that forces him to tack overhead onto the price of your ring (though he is on Market St, very convenient to BART). He DOES have just about every important tool you’d want for someone who was making your rings: he models the ring, based on your description, on his computer. Then he sends you images for your feedback, thoughts, and adjustments. And then he gives you an honest price estimate based on the weight, labor, etc. Next, he has this neat tool that actually makes a wax cast of your ring. You try it on, and again decide if you want to make adjustments. Then, finally, he casts the ring, sets the diamonds, and finishes it. He works alongside (as in – same hallway) diamond guys, etching artists (I can’t remember the proper terminology, but you know what I’m talking about) and anyone else that might be required to help perfect your ring.
Beyond the incredible tools and personal process, we also found John available during perfect hours for us – he came into his office on Saturday mornings to meet with us.
If Unilocal would let me, I suppose I would give John and DDC 4.75 stars instead of the full 5. My fiancée and I are Type-​A personalities and it tweaked us a bit that John didn’t write down our details and sometimes forgot things (also, he had a relaxed, casual demeanor that made this slightly nerve-​racking, particularly when you’re planning a wedding!). Never anything major and, again, because we had approval and feedback opportunities every step of the way, it wasn’t an issue in the end. Indeed, when my fiancée saw the final product, she exclaimed «This was exactly what I had pictured in my mind, but better!» so I rounded up to the full 5 stars. I was also thrilled with my ring (I’m less creative, so it was a modification of some rings I had seen in those standard jewelry stores).
Finally, the process does take a while (which we had planned for), as I’m sure is always true if you’re looking for custom jewelry. John said he’s never delivered late, though I’d still recommend you leave plenty of time if you have a hard deadline.
Summary: super nice guy with a real «I want to build what you want» attitude, great tools, no pretension, great process, reasonable price. Exactly what we wanted when we were looking for custom ring designs. Thanks, John!

Diamond Design Co. custom made me a pair of beautiful diamond earrings. They were helpful, personable and professional. I wouldn’t get custom work done anywhere else!