Compressed Spring 2026 Issue - Flipbook - Page 34
Sweet Shop
LABOR
OF L OV E
Chicago’s Steve Quick Jeweler blends
impeccable taste with a steadfast
commitment to independent designers
STEVE
QUICK
JEWELER
2471 N. CLARK ST.
CHICAGO
stevequickjeweler.com
J
Smiling Sun Shine
pendant with
turquoise and
diamonds in 18k
yellow gold by Leigh
Maxwell Jewelry
30 SPRING 2026
ewelry is art and love is everything reads the large
blue neon sign on the back wall of Steve Quick
Jeweler in Chicago. You notice it immediately
when you step into the jewel box of a boutique.
The message sets the tone and nods to the owners’ openheartedness and love of design—both of which
are easy to discern by talking with them and perusing
their cases, which are full of work from independent
designers they’ve helped nurture on the way up.
“It encapsulates who we are,” says company president Melissa Quick, who runs the retail store with her
husband, Steve Quick, who founded the store in 1986
on Chicago’s Jewelers Row. Two years later, the retailer
moved to a corner space on North Clark Street and West
Roslyn Place. The location has been a firm favorite with
local brides, couples, and jewelry lovers ever since.
The store itself is a joy to shop. Floor-to-ceiling glass
on two sides bathes the space in sunlight—key for getting
gemstones to really sparkle. The decor feels warm and
stylish: The light maple wood showcases were built and
installed by local carpenters and artisans; reclaimed
metal-and-wood sawhorse tops have been transformed
into cool light fixtures to illuminate engagement rings,
designer pieces, and estate jewelry; vintage wooden
stools with adjustable heights are scattered throughout.
“Everything is custom-made,” Melissa says. “We didn’t
buy a single showcase. We don’t want to be corporate and
big. We want to be small and edgy and fun.”
GEMANDJEWEL.COM
PHOTOS BY SARAH CROWLEY (6)
BY KRISTIN TAYLOR YOUNG
