Amy Certilman is a personal jeweler and designer known for transforming meaningful stones into modern heirlooms. With a deep appreciation for jewelry across all periods and styles, she approaches each piece with both reverence and intention — grounded in tradition, yet designed for how people actually live.

How It Began

Amy's work began with resettings — first of her own jewelry — encouraged by both of her grandmothers, who believed jewelry should be worn, not stored away. That early influence became a guiding philosophy: nothing meaningful should sit idle when it can be brought back to life.

An early pioneer in resettings, Amy completed more than 50 resettings and original designs in her first year alone. She launched her first website in 2010 as a simple way to share her work with new clients. In 2011, an appearance on The Nate Berkus Show accelerated her business — expanding her reach from a primarily referral-based practice to a national one.

At the time, most jewelers were focused on selling new stones in ready-made settings — with little appetite for the time, creativity, and engagement that resettings demand. Amy filled that gap. Clients responded.

A Business Built on Trust

Satisfaction with both her product and process was consistently high. Clients kept coming back — not just for resettings, but for her judgment on new purchases — often sending their boyfriends and husbands in, knowing she would get it right. As demand grew, so did the scope of her role.

She returned to formal study at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), earning credentials in diamond and pearl grading and deepening her ability to source exceptional stones. By 2012, what began as a resetting-focused business evolved into a full-service jewelry firm — designing entirely new pieces destined to become the next generation's heirlooms.

While resettings remain her foundation, sourcing diamonds and pearls has become her strength.

"I love the concept of creating new jewelry with stones that have a history — but also with new stones that will acquire one. Each piece has a story — whether continuing one or beginning a new one."

Evolving With the Market

As the industry shifted — especially with the rise of lab-grown diamonds and CAD (computer-aided design) — Amy adapted without losing her footing. She seamlessly incorporated CAD technology into her custom process, giving clients the ability to visualize and refine their piece before a single stone is set. The result: fewer surprises, more confidence, and a final piece that's exactly right. Her ready-to-wear and semi-custom offerings are a natural extension of that same philosophy — built for clients who want immediacy without sacrificing taste or integrity.

With over 270 five-star reviews, Amy has earned a reputation for something harder to teach: instinct. She quickly understands what suits a client's lifestyle and aesthetic, creating pieces that feel inevitable — never generic, never forced.

Her work has been recognized across national and regional media, including Bella Magazine, The Long Islander, Jewelry Business Success News, and an appearance on The Nate Berkus Show. She is also a recipient of the WeddingWire Bride's Choice Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Amy Certilman?

Amy Certilman is a GIA-trained fine jewelry designer and the founder of The Perfect Setting. With over two decades of experience, she specializes in custom engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond and pearl jewelry, and heirloom redesign — working one-on-one with each client from concept through completion.

What does The Perfect Setting specialize in?

The Perfect Setting specializes in fully custom, semi-custom, and ready-to-wear fine jewelry — including engagement rings, wedding bands, lab-grown and natural diamond pieces, pearl jewelry, and the redesign of heirloom pieces. Every piece is designed and fabricated with direct client involvement.

Is Amy Certilman GIA certified?

Yes. Amy completed diamond and pearl grading training at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and continues her education through GIA's ongoing programs. She personally selects every stone for her clients.

Does The Perfect Setting ship nationwide?

Yes — The Perfect Setting ships to clients across the United States with fully insured, signature-required delivery. Every piece is carefully packaged in a branded jewelry box.

How do I get started with a custom piece?

The process begins with a conversation. Contact Amy here to share your vision, and she'll guide you through stone selection, design, and fabrication — at your pace.

Today, Amy remains what she set out to be from the start — a trusted advisor. Not just a designer, but a steady hand in a market full of noise. Someone who knows that jewelry, at its best, isn't just worn.

It's carried forward.