Client Profile: Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers, located in the greater Washington, DC area (yes, my family’s business).
Client Needs: According to a survey conducted by The Knot in 2017, 40% of online shoppers searching for engagement rings look to build one-of-a-kind, custom engagement rings. Massive online retailers like Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth now dominate the custom engagement ring market, pumping out millions of custom rings built by robots. In the midst of the madness, we’ve reaffirmed our belief in the beauty of the human touch.
My Analysis: Liljenquist & Beckstead glorifies the work of our Master Goldsmith, Steve Clarke — perhaps the most recognized and most trusted Goldsmith in the US, whose designated hands are the only hands trusted by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for resetting and maintaining the the world’s most valuable collection of precious gems — most notably including the Hope Diamond — the most famous diamond in the world. If you want a Goldsmith’s hands on your ring, they’re Steve’s.
My Process: No readily available camera lens on the market was capable of depicting the microscopic artistry that takes place under Steve’s eye. Fortunately, I unearthed a unique 180 millimeter macro lens roughly the size of my arm — and documented the forging of a custom engagement ring for a soon to be be engaged groom — a lucky guy who trusted Liljenquist & Beckstead with the most important moment of his life.
My Outcomes: Liljenquist & Beckstead continues to proudly create the finest custom jewelry and custom engagement rings in the greater Washington, DC area — now by appointment only.
