If you are here, you probably want to know a little bit about me, my background and what you will get from me that you can’t possibly get from a big box jewelry store.   Jewelry as the Family Business First of all, I am a third generation jeweler carrying on a family tradition. My Grandfather, Joseph Blando, came to America in 1912 from Sicily as a tailor, with a background in jewelry sales.  His son, Guy Vito Blando, a diamond setter by trade and followed his father into jewelry sales. As a young boy, I spent my summer days running errands for my father Jewelery store in the Mallard’s building located in downtown Chicago.   My Start As A Jeweler My real journey into the jewelry business began in 1976 with a four-year apprenticeship with master crafter Mike Guellerra. Mike Guellerra had over thirty years of jewelry manufacturing experience when I first went to work for him. Mike taught me more than just how to use the torch, but the true love of crafting jewelry as art. In all my years in the jewelry business, the years I spent working side-by-side with Mike were the most informative. Mike love for the art of manufacturing jewelry could be seen in each item he worked on.  

As I served my apprenticeship with Mike, I also worked at my father’s business. On evening and weekends, I’d sell jewelry from home. My customer service knows no limits!  In 1981, G. Blando Jewelry move out of the Mallard”s building and open the business in Brookfield, Illinois. For the first time, G. Blando Jewelry had a location that allowed for expansion. Living and working in Brookfield allowed me to spend more time designing jewelry. Our new business also allowed our clients to have a suburban location that was convenient, safe and friendly to purchase their jewelry from.  Within the first few years of working at G. Blando Jewelry, my personal business had expanded enough that I was able to hire a bench jeweler and a diamond setter. Over the years, my design work and the quality of the jewelry built by my staff and I have gained more and more recognition. My passion for redesigning existing jewelry into a stunning original jewelry statement is one of the best examples of my work. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than disassembling the old and creating beautiful new pieces so that it matches the personality of the owner.  In 1991, I opened up my own jewelry store in Indian Head Park, Illinois. Then in 2008, I moved the business to new location. Our new store is very open, with glass in each office to allow a full view of the entire interior. We now enjoy a larger showroom, four private design rooms and a four-bench shop with a polishing area.  I offer a Diamonds 101 class that uses nine loose diamonds to show color, clarity and make. This class takes about one hour, but will give you the experience needed to pick a diamond for purchase  Our location is at the intersection of I-294 and I-55 with ramps minutes away.  To set up an appointment, get directions or if we can answer any questions,  please call 708-246-8100 or email me at guyblando@gmail.com  We are happy to help you with all your fine jewelry needs.  Come visit us on Facebook!      Thank you,  Guy R. Blando