Custom Designs by Midwest Employees

Which pieces would you like to learn more about? (Click on the picture to discover more about each piece)

Tanzanite:

Tanzanite History: Tanzanite, a gemstone discovered only in 1967, is one of the rarest and most captivating stones in the world. Found exclusively in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, it was named by Tiffany & Co. in honor of its unique origin. Renowned for its vibrant trichroic properties, tanzanite displays varying shades of blue, violet, and burgundy depending on the viewing angle and lighting.

Designed By: Stephanie Hart-Jones (Assistant Manager)
 Most Interesting About This Ring: While tanzanite is typically faceted to maximize their brilliance, this cabochon cut is a unique and uncommon choice. The smooth, rounded surface highlights the gemstone's rich color and natural inclusions, giving the ring an organic and distinctive character. This rare cut enhances the stone's allure, making it an exceptional piece for collectors and those who appreciate understated elegance.

Designed By: Stephanie Hart-Jones (Assistant Manager)
 Most Interesting About This Ring: This 14k white gold tanzanite ring stands out with its vibrant pear-shaped tanzanite, encircled by a sparkling halo of diamonds. The unique twisted band, also adorned with diamonds, adds an elegant and intricate touch. The ring combines exceptional craftsmanship with the striking contrast of deep blue-violet tanzanite against the bright white gold, creating a timeless and luxurious statement piece.

Sapphire:

 Sapphire History: Sapphires have been valued for thousands of years, with their name likely derived from the Greek sappheiros, originally referring to lapis lazuli. Ancient cultures, like the Persians, believed the sky was blue due to a giant sapphire, while biblical texts describe the Ten Commandments as inscribed on sapphire, linking the gem to divine power. In the Middle Ages, sapphires symbolized Heaven and were believed to protect and heal. As gemology advanced, they became a symbol of royalty and virtue, especially in Europe. Major sapphire sources include Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Myanmar, Thailand, and Montana, with Kashmir sapphires particularly prized. The 20th century introduced synthetic sapphires via the Verneuil process, expanding their use in jewelry and industry. Today, sapphires are treasured not only for their famous blue hue but also for their wide color range and enduring symbolism in culture, royalty, and fashion.

Designed By: Holly Showley-Reyome (Custom Designer)

 Most Interesting About This Ring: This custom necklace features a stunning 8.87-carat shield-cut Ceylon sapphire with a deep, rich blue color. Ceylon sapphires, from Sri Lanka, are especially prized for their vibrant hue, natural clarity, and the fact that they’re typically not heat or color treated—making them rarer and more valuable. What makes this piece even more unique is the star-shaped pattern of diamonds hidden behind the sapphire, visible through the stone. It's framed by two triangle-shaped diamonds and hangs from a chain with marquise-shaped diamond links. The detailed setting, with diamonds along the sides and back, adds extra sparkle and shows off the careful craftsmanship.

Designed By: Brian McCall (Owner)

 Most Interesting About This Ring: This striking ring features an oval-cut blue sapphire held by two ornate yellow gold loops encrusted with diamonds, rather than a traditional bezel, adding both structural support and decorative elegance. The contrast between the vivid blue sapphire, the warm yellow gold loops, and the white gold band enhances the stone’s brilliance and creates a rich, luxurious look. Flanked by triangle-cut diamonds and accented with pavé diamonds and round sapphires along the band, the design blends regal flair with modern sophistication, showcasing expert craftsmanship and an eye for detail.