Custom Jewelry Experts

Four years ago when Dustin Sutherland was looking for the perfect ring for his proposal to his girlfriend, he went to Rich Pacula. 

“We had stopped in one or two jewelry stores prior to visiting Rich and were always being pushed,” says Sutherland. “When we visited Pacula Diamonds, Rich was great. He gave me all of the necessary information on what a particular piece was, the different stones available and what my options were. He wasn’t pushy at all.”

Sutherland had a design in mind and worked with Pacula to come up with something special. “Ultimately, he was able to deliver exactly what we wanted,” Sutherland says. 

Pacula says he’s able to create the perfect piece because he takes time to get to know his clients, who come from all over the country. For him, it’s not just a transaction or a sale. “I’m an old-fashioned romantic,” he says. “I think a wedding ring should be a reflection of a couples’ love.” 

Combining new technology and old-school techniques allows the business to create one-of-a-kind rings, earrings and necklaces. Pacula Diamonds can come up with a design in 24 hours and have a finished piece in just 10 days. Pacula and his daughter Sydney, who joined the business several years ago, have diamontologist degrees and specialize in GIA certified diamonds. Rich focuses on computer-aided design and Sydney loves the custom process.

Today the pair work side-by-side in their studio located in the First Source Bank building in downtown Fort Wayne. Visits to the studio are by appointment only, meaning clients get one-on-one attention and receive a white glove experience. 

“When we tell potential clients we’re by appointment only, they often think it’s going to be expensive,” explains Rich. “We can make very high-end pieces. We specialize in diamonds as large as two to five carats, but at the same time we are very low key. Our prices are extremely competitive and we make the process an experience.”

That’s exactly what Sutherland was looking for when he bought that engagement ring over four years ago. He and his wife Bethany have come back again and again, buying more than half a dozen pieces of jewelry since their wedding. “Not only are you getting more for your money, but you’re working with someone who has a vested interest in giving you exactly what you want,” stresses Sutherland.

While the majority of their business is engagement and wedding rings, Rich and Sydney can design virtually anything, from necklaces to pendants to bracelets.

“Oftentimes the pieces are something clients have inherited from a mom, grandma or someone else in the family. They love it and it has so much meaning, but would never wear it in its current state. I like to help them figure out how we can use what they have and then make something they will enjoy,” says Sydney. “I always think, ‘What can I do to make something they really love and want to wear?’”

Rich agrees that is always the goal, whether creating something new or freshening up something old. The father and daughter take great pride in making it a memorable experience from start to finish.

“We really do take care of people after the sale. There are so many stores that promise the world and say, ‘We’re going to give you this and we’re going to give you that,’ but they don’t always stick to their word. We do the opposite. Our customers become our friends,” Rich concludes.  

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