5 /5 Kyle Bailey: The short and sweet version: Jame and the team at Baraka create an experience unparalleled in the Seattle area. If you want bespoke, custom made jewelry or a premade piece from their floor collection, this is the place to go.
Our story:
I visited three jewelry shops in the Seattle area when searching for a vendor to create a custom engagement ring for my fiancé. The first, didn’t meet communication standards for what I’d expect as a client. The second, had astronomical fees for setting stones and creating custom designs. With two strikes, I decided to inquire at my local shop, just down the road. This was Baraka.
After setting up an appointment, I met with the owner Jamie about creating a custom engagement ring. Immediately I knew I was in good hands. He impressed me with his knowledge of the jewlery industry and wasn’t shy to share what he knows. As a novice in the field i was happy to have someone so easy to work with.
The creation of the ring had me deeper enthralled with this place. Flexing his industry connections, he was able to order 7 different ring samples to his store for me to look at in person. I took these rings in hand and selected traits from each one that I liked. The style of basket for the stone, a rounded edge on the bank with taper towards the star of the show, a marquee diamond of the highest quality. I had chosen a different stone and Jamie stumbled upon this increased quality diamond for a very minimal additional cost. Of course, he brought it to my attention and we found the perfect diamond to fit the ring. Once the diamond was chosen and the proportions of the ring were set, it was off to his team to create CAD renders. Shortly after I left that day, I had an email in my inbox with 3D, rotatable images of the ring design. It was incredible to see the creation for the first time, especially because it showed me the flaws. From the render I was able to see that the two accent stones beside the marquee were much to big. I had Jamie size them down and send me a new rendering. Once I saw the revision, I knew we had it nailed. From there he handled everything, collecting the accent diamonds, getting the custom band made and setting the stones. The first time I saw it, it took my breath away. The first time she saw it, she said yes.
Without any doubt, I recommend Baraka at the highest level. From custom jewelry, to hand selected pieces in store you cannot go wrong with this Phinney Ridge business.
If you’re still interested in hearing more, let me tell you quickly about my wedding band. Again, I was able to order multiple custom styles, all in my size. Square edge, rounded, slim fit, gold, titanium and anything else I was interested in. Once we had the band selected, there was one final step. I wanted something special. I’m an audio engineer by trade and I asked for a custom engraving of my fiancé saying “I love you”. He wasn’t sure it would work, but asked for a clear image and he’d send it to his best people to make it happen. Once again, Jamie’s career connections in the industry coming through in a big way. We got the ring back and the outline was just like the image. It matched every curve of the waveform to a tee. But Jamie wasn’t satisfied, he showed me, under a high powered microscope, that the laser used for the engraving stopped every so often and left lines in the indentation. Not visible to the naked eye, but clearly seen when taking a closer look. He had yet another craftsman that could take the ring and ensure its perfection. A few weeks later, we got the ring. It was like the lines had never existed and here sat a perfect recreation of my finance voice, laden in gold to sit on my hand forever.
For me it wasnt only the hospitality, the attention to detail, the willingness to collaborate, but the true dedication to the craft that will make Baraka my only option for jewelry.
Baraka creates an experience unlike any other jewler.
