behind the bench
Marie's Ring: How We Turned Her Antique Diamonds Into a One-of-a-Kind Masterpiece
Co-Owner · Ben Garelick
Peter Manka Jr.
GIA Graduate Diamonds25 years in fine jewelryWilliamsville, NY
Co-owner of Ben Garelick, Peter has spent 25 years helping couples choose engagement rings, wedding bands and fine diamond jewelry.
25+
Years helping couples find their engagement ring
1952
Family jeweler since
GIA
Graduate Diamonds diploma
About Peter
Helping couples find the ring that's right for them
Peter Manka Jr. is co-owner of Ben Garelick, the Williamsville, NY jeweler that has served Western New York since 1952. For 25 years he has helped couples choose engagement rings, wedding bands and fine diamond jewelry, and he holds the GIA Graduate Diamonds diploma.
Peter routinely attends JCK Las Vegas, the Centurion Show and the Couture Show to meet designers and source new collections. He also travels to diamond suppliers in Amsterdam and the diamond districts of New York City and Los Angeles, choosing stones in person.
For custom pieces, Peter guides each customer through the process: listening, asking the right questions and helping decide what matters most. He then works alongside designer Grace to bring the ring to life.
Favorite center stone
Emerald cut
In Peter's words
Questions for Peter
What do you look at first when choosing a diamond for a client?
The first thing I look at is what matters most to the customer. Is it the reaction he hopes to get from his girlfriend? The "wow" factor? Staying within a budget? Usually, it's a combination of things, and my job is to listen and help guide him toward the right diamond.
All diamonds have their own beauty—it's about finding the kind of beauty that speaks to that customer. In the end, I want him to feel happy and confident that we've found a diamond that checks all his boxes.
Why is an emerald cut your favorite center stone?
I love how you can see right into an emerald-cut diamond. There's an openness to it, fewer facets to hide inclusions, so the beauty of the stone really has to speak for itself. The clean lines make it feel classic and sophisticated to me.
I also love its history and glamour. I think of Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jacqueline Kennedy, who all wore emerald-cut diamonds. There's something about that cut that feels like New York's Upper East Side meets old Hollywood glamour. Who could say no to that?
What have 25 years of gem trade shows taught you?
OMG, so much! First, get to know your suppliers and make time to network. I've met some of our best suppliers through recommendations from other retailers and connections through people I already knew.
Keep an open mind, walk the aisles, and talk to people. You'd be amazed at what you can discover in the smallest booth. And make time for seminars—I always leave each one with at least one tip or idea, and usually more, that I can bring back and put to work in our business. After 25 years, I'm still learning!
What's the most common mistake people make buying an engagement ring?
One of the biggest mistakes is deciding exactly what you want online before ever trying anything on. The internet is a great resource, but a ring can look completely different on your finger. Try different styles, metal colors, and diamond shapes—even a colored gemstone. Be open to surprising yourself!
With custom designs, it's easy to get caught up in tiny details on an enlarged CAD rendering on your monitor. Those personal touches are part of the fun, but remember that the actual ring is much smaller. A detail that seems like a big deal on the screen may be very subtle on your hand, so don't let every little decision stress you out. And give yourself enough time to enjoy the design process without feeling rushed.
My advice is to use the internet for inspiration, then come into a store, ask questions, and try things on. That's where you really find out what you love.
What does designing a custom ring with you actually involve?
The number one thing is listening. What is the customer really saying? I'll often repeat things back and ask questions to make sure I understand. Can you live without this detail? Is that part a deal breaker? Those conversations help us figure out what matters most and what we can rule out.
There's some back and forth, but only as much as we need. I'm happy to communicate however the customer prefers—in person, over Zoom, by email, text, or just talking on the phone.
I don't like to waste anyone's time, but I want to get both the ring and the experience right, from consultation through production and delivery. For many people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so let's take our time, communicate, and create a ring that feels perfect for them.
There's something about that cut that feels like New York's Upper East Side meets old Hollywood glamour. Who could say no to that?
Peter Manka Jr. · Co-Owner
Guided by Peter
A few of Peter's favorite projects
What customers say
Reviews from our customers
Written by Peter
Peter's guides and articles
Design your ring with Peter
5001 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY 14221 · Tue–Fri 10–6 · Sat 10–5