Chinawest
Jewlers
About
Paul and Kathy Yih opened their doors in 1975 through their gemstone connections in Brazil. After being one of the first colored stone wholesalers in the United States, they decided to open a retail venue in Lake Geneva, WI in 1977. The stunning Lake Geneva store has been the flaship location for Chinawest Jewelers of Lake Geneva. It is one of the hallmark stores in Main Street in resort town of Lake Geneva. As part of the brand, for over 25 years, they have actively supplied major wholesalers and retailers world-wide with both rough and faceted Brazilian gemstones. Amonth them were well known American companies such as Sharper Image, Montgomery Wards, Fortunoffs, and Greyhound Leisure Travel.
What separates Chinawest Jewelers from other personally owned jewelry stores is the result of the unmatched collection of colored gemstones selectively collected over the many years of business. The Yih's have accessed some of the best gem sculptors in the world. Geraldo Brandao, of Brazil, for example has been a personal faceter for Chinawest Jewelers for over 25 years.
Each piece of jewelry is designed and custom made within the talented staff of Chinawest. If you do not see what you want in the case, they will pull out a dazzling palate of gems in luscious colors and shapes to create "your" piece of jewelry. Don't ask for designers you have seen in the catalogues, there's simply nothing "off the rack" at Chinawest. Paul and Kathy's customers expect something special and one-of-a-kind. Chinawest pieces not only have to be artistically beautiful, but well constructed and wearable for a lifetime. "Jewelry is one of the most personal posessions we have. It is something that's cherished and passed down... I will be one of the hardest people to please before a piece is put out to be shown to our customer," says owner Kathy Yih. Materials used are 14k, 18k white or yellow gold, platinum, and palladium. A very few select pieces are made in silver. Gems to work with include aquamarines, tourmalines, amethyst, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, Citrines, Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire to name a few. Among these stone families are some rare shades and colors.
Although the vast colored stone arsenal distinguishes Chinawest, the diamond is still a constant for any jewelry business. Quality is not an overused word at Chinawest, whatever the clients price range, Paul and Kathy have a high standard for color, clarity, and cut they insist upon. "I would rather have that diamond be a little smaller and sparkle across the room than sell my clients a bigger diamond of lesser quality. We spend a lot of time working with our customers throug the process so they have an understand of what the variables are and how that correlates to cost. We work on a very small margin with diamonds in particular. It is of utmost importance for our product to be representative of who we are. We want them to have great quality and a good buy." Both Paul and Kathy were former college professors, so much of their time is spent educating their clients on what are important variables to look for in diamond or colored gemstones. "It is only then, they will understand the value we are offering them. We often recommend to look around...and they come back."
About the Colored Gemstones
It's no secret in the jewelry industry that Chinawest Jewelers has long established iself as a leader in the colored gemstone market. This is based on deep roots in mining and wholesaling from Brazil, and family contacts in Asia. Both Paul and kathy have lived in South America and are multi-lingual offering them the extra edge of understanding and expertise in buying. Ask for it, they can pull it right out of the gem safe. Some comment that Chinawest is like a museum, but this museum is select for you. View vivid green peridots like you've never seen, aquamarines like the sea, shades of tourmaline, royal purple amethyst, precious topaz, impressive bright emeralds, really red rubies and cobalt blue sapphires. rare hues of these and more gemstones for those who want distinction.
About Chinawest Diamonds
Chinawest Jewelers demands a high quality of product on all levels. Diamond is one that has specific qualities agreed on in the industry and can be articulated. They are called the 4 C's: Clarity, Cut, Color, Carat Weight. Each area impacts the look and the value of the diamond. Paul and Kathy have earned their reputation of transparency, value and high level of selection and workmanship for their clients. There is no low quality sold from Chinawest Jewelers. Large or small diamonds, clients will leave Chinawest with a diamond of high gem potency, most people call that "sparkle". Buyers will know exactly what they are purchasing on the 4 levels of the C's, a price comparison, and a great value. Ask questions, it is important to know what you are buying!
Chinawest staff GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Certified Gemologists, reviews every diamond for the select grades of color, clarity, cut to the Chinawest standard. Larger stones are sold with a Lab Certifcation for either GIA or EGL along with an appraisal. Purchase your diamond with knowledge and confidence.
CUSTOM
JEWELRY
Our Story
Our Vision
Our innovative way of business and our on going engagement of the global logistics has allowed Chinawest Jewelers to direct the richest global arsenal of unique rocks, minerals and specimens to any parts of the world by our now "Global Consortium".
Chinawest Jewelers is a family owned jewelry store located in the heart of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
We specialize in natural colored gemstones, custom made and designed jewelry by chinawest jewelers, pearls, wedding bands and jewelry maintenance and repair. Gemstones from around the world, all custom designs made in the US