Back in 1980, Dennis and Sandy Burdeen broke ground in the Jewelry industry with meager resources, but held fast to a rich dream. They appreciated all of the finer things life had to offer and foresaw grand visions of success in fine jewelry design and sales. They wanted to make their customers’ dreams come true by bringing the best jewelry designs to life. In the beginning, they created pins and necklaces, operating from their Chicagoland suburban home while their two sons played in the next room. Dennis Burdeen worked at night to refine his jeweler skills, apprenticing under the finest European artisans in Chicago. By day, he and Sandy hit the art show circuit where in 1982, their designs and custom jewelry pieces were picked up by Nieman Marcus.

While an account of that stature put the Burdeen’s name on the map, the couple missed the interaction and intimate experiences they so much enjoyed from their participation in the show circuits.

“There is nothing more rewarding than watching our clients’ joyful response when picking up a piece we hand-created for them, or hearing romantic tales of their heirloom pieces we’ve restored or recreated.”

Dennis Burdeen immediately realized working directly with his clients truly rewarded him more than the uncongenial wholesale side of the jewelry industry. In 1983, Burdeen’s Jewelry opened their humble 600 sq. ft. flagship store in Buffalo Grove, IL. The store, built on a family-first environment, would serve areas in and around Chicagoland.

A 'Dazzling' Legacy Lives On

Thirty years later, Dennis’s son, Matthew Burdeen, shares similar auspicious goals that only further validate the transformation path he began charting nearly two decades ago while earning his Graduate Gemologist degree and working under his father. It was a path that had little to do with inheritance and everything to do with innovation, talent and hard work. At Dennis and Sandy’s retirement in 2009, the Burdeen’s elegant concepts and family-jeweler legacy were passed to their sons' hands to pave the way into the future. Together, Matthew and Jason brought Burdeen's to the forefront of luxury designer jewels and fashions, while still maintaining their neighborhood family-jeweler sensibilities and charm.

“Since my advent, I have made it my priority to refine and build upon the elements my parents set forth for our success,” Matthew said. “Customer service is and always will be paramount, and with that first, all other things follow. We take immense pride in our selection and service; there is not a single piece in our collection that we don’t love! These concepts make for an honest and uncomplicated exchange. Our goal is to build long-lasting relationships. We accomplish this by providing the best experience, offering the most remarkable jewelry and timepieces imaginable, and all at the most reasonable prices.”

Looking forward, Matthew felt that in order to provide a level of quality that would meet or exceed international designers, the Burdeen’s first expansion back in 2003 would include the acquisition of their own custom design and manufacturing facility in partnership with his brother, Jason Burdeen. Successfully managed and once operated by Jason, the Burdeen’s studio employs designers and craftsmen with graduate jeweler, gem and diamond degrees. Now in its tenth year of operation, the facility's world-renowned skill and expertise have set an unsurpassed standard of quality at Burdeen’s at the international level they strive for, but at a much more reasonable price point for their clients.

The Local Family Jeweler

In early 2008, the Buffalo Grove, IL company, then known as “The Local Family Jeweler,” entered the national arena and grew both their clientele and product offering through exclusive collaboration with prominent luxury timepiece manufacturers such as Ulysse Nardin, Breitling, Chopard, Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Glashutte Original. In addition, Burdeen’s now boasts the largest pre-owned fine timepiece collection in Chicago, with pieces ranging from $500-$100,000-plus, answering the demand for purveyors by collectors and enthusiasts.

As a partner in life and also in business, Rada Burdeen, Matt’s wife, soon confidently left behind her career in human resources and business administration within corporate America to support and foster the growth of the new Burdeen’s Jewelry by managing the operational and financial aspects of the family’s venture.

In present years, while combining decades of experience and true passion for design, Matt and Rada travel the world to find the most sought-after, exquisite designs to proudly present one of the most enticing and memorable jewelry collections available. Our “Always Custom” mantra solidified the Burdeen’s mission; ‘to provide the most discriminating client the luxury of a high-quality jewelry selection with fair pricing and unequivocal service,’ and with such, has further established their foothold as a leader in the industry. Burdeen’s presents both the beautiful, timeless pieces filled with tradition and the modern, unique selections for the truly sophisticated.

A New Location, A New Beginning

Now established as a go-to source for cutting-edge fashions, impeccable service, and trusted family-jeweler warmth and familiarity, the Burdeen’s laid out plans to expand even further than ever imagined, permitting clients the lavish shopping experience that they deserve.

In October 2013, Burdeen’s Jewelry moved to a luxurious, custom-built 6,000 square foot location. This new Chicagoland location showcases Burdeen’s opulent collection of fine jewels and haute timepieces from the finest Swiss brands like Omega, Breitling, Chopard, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Glashutte Original, and Ulysse Nardin with fresh style and flair. With an exhilarating and dynamic gallery for clients to visit, Burdeen’s Jewelry will emerge to a bright future as your exclusive jewelry destination.