brick and mortar experiences?

[pannini]

just wanted to say that i''ve gone to two b&ms today in los altos, ca, and it was quite unpleasant. one of the shops the lady approached me with caution as if i didn''t look serious to be in the place, and asked me what i was looking for. i went ahead and told her i wanted to take a look at their ering collection and their custom designed pieces. she asked what i preferred, and i requested to look at pave work. so she led me to the case of their custom pieces. i immediately saw a sample of a bead setting and pointed to it. she immediately shook her head and with a really condescending tone told me that it wasn''t pave. then proceeded to point to the micropave rings and v prong pave rings. she said the one i liked was called bead set and that was not pave. i didn''t argue with her, i just blushed and said "oh well i guess i''m not educated with the terms, pardon me." she proceeded to show me the differences and then asked me what size diamond i had in mind for the setting. i told her the bf and i purchased a 1.3 carat diamond. she then looked at me as if i was an idiot, and said "you mean 1.03 or 1.30?" i said 1.30. she shook her head and said well that''s "one point three zero carats." how dare she?! i should''ve left right then, but i tried to be patient and just thanked her and went on my way. my bf was shocked that i put up with such poor treatment from the lady. he said he could tell she had some venom in her bite. i don''t get it at all. i was so humiliated.

next stop it was not as mean, but they weren''t very willing to educate me on their settings or their custom design process. this all the more makes me want to go to Leon. which is nice to confirm.



anyway, thanks for listening. i just don''t know if anyone has had similar b&m experiences. i know not all are like this. the ones in SF haven''t treated me poorly at all.

 

[anyname]

ugh, i''m sorry to hear that you had such an awful experience. I don''t understand why some places are like that, are they doing so well that they don''t need the business? Who knows, anyway, i hope it all works out for you in the end and you get the ring you love!

 

[Monnyjay]

Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience. Some SA''s can be very rude, don''t worry just don''t every go back. I went to Tiffany''s today and the lady could not have been more helpful, (I did have my dh with me, so sometimes I think that makes a big difference). I asked to have a look at some bands and she could not have been more helpful and pleasant, I know this is not always the case. The sad thing is if you did want to make a purchase from this shop she would have spoilt the whole process with her rudeness.

 

[Lorelei]

I am so sorry you were treated this way!!!

 

[strmrdr]

next time answer a 130 pointer and watch their head explode.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 5/23/2009 5:38:28 AM
Author: strmrdr
next time answer a 130 pointer and watch their head explode.

pan, I''m sorry you were treated poorly, but not surprised.

 

[WinkHPD]

Date: 5/23/2009 1:46:06 AM
Author:pannini
just wanted to say that i''ve gone to two b&ms today in los altos, ca, and it was quite unpleasant. one of the shops the lady approached me with caution as if i didn''t look serious to be in the place, and asked me what i was looking for. i went ahead and told her i wanted to take a look at their ering collection and their custom designed pieces. she asked what i preferred, and i requested to look at pave work. so she led me to the case of their custom pieces. i immediately saw a sample of a bead setting and pointed to it. she immediately shook her head and with a really condescending tone told me that it wasn''t pave. then proceeded to point to the micropave rings and v prong pave rings. she said the one i liked was called bead set and that was not pave. i didn''t argue with her, i just blushed and said ''oh well i guess i''m not educated with the terms, pardon me.'' she proceeded to show me the differences and then asked me what size diamond i had in mind for the setting. i told her the bf and i purchased a 1.3 carat diamond. she then looked at me as if i was an idiot, and said ''you mean 1.03 or 1.30?'' i said 1.30. she shook her head and said well that''s ''one point three zero carats.'' how dare she?! i should''ve left right then, but i tried to be patient and just thanked her and went on my way. my bf was shocked that i put up with such poor treatment from the lady. he said he could tell she had some venom in her bite. i don''t get it at all. i was so humiliated.

next stop it was not as mean, but they weren''t very willing to educate me on their settings or their custom design process. this all the more makes me want to go to Leon. which is nice to confirm.



anyway, thanks for listening. i just don''t know if anyone has had similar b&m experiences. i know not all are like this. the ones in SF haven''t treated me poorly at all.

I am just curious, were these typical chain type stores or independants?

I ask because it is not uncommon for the chain type stores to hire someone who knows little about jewelry and then train them. Some independants work the same way, but many will hire only knowledgeable staff and continue to train them during their stay. From this type of store you can get truly spectacular service and should actually expect it.

I know a lot of places where the treatment you described would land someone back in the case wiping department if not get them out right fired.

Please do not give up on B&M stores, just be discerning aobut what you want and be quick to leave when you do not receive the service that you believe you should. It is always nice to have a local person to clean and polish your jewelry and to take care of minor repairs. Ir is really nice when that person has also earned the right to make your fine jewelry to begin with.

Wink

 

[asscher_girl]

Hi Pannini, so sorry you had a bad experience. I think we come by that more than not at B&M''s especially w/ all of our PS knowledge. I thought I would suggest a few other b&m''s that I''ve had good experience w/ in that area in case you still want to check some more out. Have you been to Darren McClung in Palo Alto? Darren (owner) and Dee Dee (SA) are very nice and it''s an amazing little store. Also, I''ve been really happy w/ Joe Escobar too. So far all of my pieces have come from PS vendors and Tiff''s but I would have no problem buying from DM or JE. I had JE do some repairs and they did an excellect job (fixed a crack in my 1930''s antique plat/diamond band and completely re-finished my DH''s wedding band). Hope that helps

 

[AndyMN]

Like Wink and Asscher said, there are a lot of great Independents out there that not only take great pride in their work and staff but are willing to go out of their way to give you a great shopping experience! Many of these stores are willing to take the time to educate their customers to empower them to make the best decision for themselves and make you a customer for life. As you learned the hard way, the trick is to ask around and locate the store that is right for you.
Good luck and enjoy the long weekend!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 5/23/2009 5:38:28 AM
Author: strmrdr
next time answer a 130 pointer and watch their head explode.

hahaha Once I went into Gordon Jeweler''s and asked if they had any pears in around the 70 point range and the gal told me that size would be too small to set into a pendant! lol

 

[pannini]

Thank you everyone for your kind words and supportive optimism for other independents. I actually gave some other shops a chance today in San Francisco, on Union Street, and found two really great shops who gave my bf and I exceptional customer service. So great that we decided we will go forward with one of them! I can''t believe, it because we were convinced we would stick with Leon Mege, but the turn-off for us was more the long distance relationship we''d potentially have with Leon. I of course adore Leon''s work and would be so happy with that choice as well. I think for my bf''s peace of mind, he wants to go with the local designer, and I am actually confident in them. The lady who helped us was patient and extremely kind, even made us laugh while looking at their various settings. She knew how to narrow down my preferences so that we finally came to a conclusion on "THE" ring! So to my total surprise, we are going to go with a local! I really really thought we''d go with the online route. I am happy my Brian Gavin Signature will find a happy home. Let''s just hope it comes out beautifully.

Thanks again for all your tips. Btw, I did say "130 pointer" and they were a bit surprised! I chuckled to myself and thought of all my new PS friends.

Crossing my fingers and I will follow up with any ongoing questions or results!

 

[Imdanny]

pannini, thank you for your thoughtful posts and congrats on your Brian Gavin Signature diamond! I'm glad that you found someone you want to work with! I'm looking forward to the results!

 

[Ellen]

I''m so glad you''ve found someone you''re confident in. It''s nice to be able to go local, certainly has it''s advantages.

I can''t wait to see your ring!!

 

[DiamondFlame]

I''ll give that unpleasant female SA the benefit of the doubt. Can''t be easy for her having had to reschedule her hemorrhoidectomy just to come to work that day.

Anyway, I''m glad you found a jeweler you''d be glad to work with. It will certainly make the whole process of setting your BG Signature much more enjoyable! Do post pics when you finally got it done, ok?

 

[joelly]

Date: 5/23/2009 12:06:25 PM
Author: Wink

Date: 5/23/2009 1:46:06 AM
Author:pannini
just wanted to say that i''ve gone to two b&ms today in los altos, ca, and it was quite unpleasant. one of the shops the lady approached me with caution as if i didn''t look serious to be in the place, and asked me what i was looking for. i went ahead and told her i wanted to take a look at their ering collection and their custom designed pieces. she asked what i preferred, and i requested to look at pave work. so she led me to the case of their custom pieces. i immediately saw a sample of a bead setting and pointed to it. she immediately shook her head and with a really condescending tone told me that it wasn''t pave. then proceeded to point to the micropave rings and v prong pave rings. she said the one i liked was called bead set and that was not pave. i didn''t argue with her, i just blushed and said ''oh well i guess i''m not educated with the terms, pardon me.'' she proceeded to show me the differences and then asked me what size diamond i had in mind for the setting. i told her the bf and i purchased a 1.3 carat diamond. she then looked at me as if i was an idiot, and said ''you mean 1.03 or 1.30?'' i said 1.30. she shook her head and said well that''s ''one point three zero carats.'' how dare she?! i should''ve left right then, but i tried to be patient and just thanked her and went on my way. my bf was shocked that i put up with such poor treatment from the lady. he said he could tell she had some venom in her bite. i don''t get it at all. i was so humiliated.

next stop it was not as mean, but they weren''t very willing to educate me on their settings or their custom design process. this all the more makes me want to go to Leon. which is nice to confirm.



anyway, thanks for listening. i just don''t know if anyone has had similar b&m experiences. i know not all are like this. the ones in SF haven''t treated me poorly at all.

I am just curious, were these typical chain type stores or independants?

I ask because it is not uncommon for the chain type stores to hire someone who knows little about jewelry and then train them. Some independants work the same way, but many will hire only knowledgeable staff and continue to train them during their stay. From this type of store you can get truly spectacular service and should actually expect it.

I know a lot of places where the treatment you described would land someone back in the case wiping department if not get them out right fired.

Please do not give up on B&M stores, just be discerning aobut what you want and be quick to leave when you do not receive the service that you believe you should. It is always nice to have a local person to clean and polish your jewelry and to take care of minor repairs. Ir is really nice when that person has also earned the right to make your fine jewelry to begin with.

Wink

Hi Wink,
Thats very nice of you to remind us not to give up on B&M stores. There are many stores in my area that saying bad things about buying stones online. Their comments actually encourage me more to buy online.

 

[marcy]

Sorry you had such a poor experience at first but I am delighted to hear someone you want to work with locally. I can''t wait to see your finished ring.

 

[Fly Girl]

Awesome that you decided to go local. Over the years I have discovered several local jewelry designers in my city, and I love to give them my business. It is wonderful to be able to drop by and look at the wax in progress. Also, I continue to drop by the shops to this day, and it is a lot of fun to show the new sales associates examples of earlier work from the designer they now work for. Designers'' work continues to evolve and I love seeing their latest ideas.

I hope your project turns out well. Please keep us in the loop.

 

[pannini]

Just a quick opinion(I''ve asked in my other threads) needed here, is $4200 appropriate for wax cast ering that is not very complicated in design?
(I''m keeping a tally here)

Shared prong pave shank with round brilliant solitaire, 4 prong head, platinum.

?

 

[WinkHPD]

Date: 5/24/2009 5:25:31 PM
Author: joelly

Date: 5/23/2009 12:06:25 PM
Author: Wink

Date: 5/23/2009 1:46:06 AM
Author:pannini
just wanted to say that i''ve gone to two b&ms today in los altos, ca, and it was quite unpleasant. one of the shops the lady approached me with caution as if i didn''t look serious to be in the place, and asked me what i was looking for. i went ahead and told her i wanted to take a look at their ering collection and their custom designed pieces. she asked what i preferred, and i requested to look at pave work. so she led me to the case of their custom pieces. i immediately saw a sample of a bead setting and pointed to it. she immediately shook her head and with a really condescending tone told me that it wasn''t pave. then proceeded to point to the micropave rings and v prong pave rings. she said the one i liked was called bead set and that was not pave. i didn''t argue with her, i just blushed and said ''oh well i guess i''m not educated with the terms, pardon me.'' she proceeded to show me the differences and then asked me what size diamond i had in mind for the setting. i told her the bf and i purchased a 1.3 carat diamond. she then looked at me as if i was an idiot, and said ''you mean 1.03 or 1.30?'' i said 1.30. she shook her head and said well that''s ''one point three zero carats.'' how dare she?! i should''ve left right then, but i tried to be patient and just thanked her and went on my way. my bf was shocked that i put up with such poor treatment from the lady. he said he could tell she had some venom in her bite. i don''t get it at all. i was so humiliated.

next stop it was not as mean, but they weren''t very willing to educate me on their settings or their custom design process. this all the more makes me want to go to Leon. which is nice to confirm.



anyway, thanks for listening. i just don''t know if anyone has had similar b&m experiences. i know not all are like this. the ones in SF haven''t treated me poorly at all.

I am just curious, were these typical chain type stores or independants?

I ask because it is not uncommon for the chain type stores to hire someone who knows little about jewelry and then train them. Some independants work the same way, but many will hire only knowledgeable staff and continue to train them during their stay. From this type of store you can get truly spectacular service and should actually expect it.

I know a lot of places where the treatment you described would land someone back in the case wiping department if not get them out right fired.

Please do not give up on B&M stores, just be discerning aobut what you want and be quick to leave when you do not receive the service that you believe you should. It is always nice to have a local person to clean and polish your jewelry and to take care of minor repairs. Ir is really nice when that person has also earned the right to make your fine jewelry to begin with.

Wink

Hi Wink,
Thats very nice of you to remind us not to give up on B&M stores. There are many stores in my area that saying bad things about buying stones online. Their comments actually encourage me more to buy online.

You are welcome. It would be easy to bad mouth so many of the B&M stores, but in truth it is so much better for the client when they can work with someone local, just as Panini is now going to do. She will get the benefit of an on line diamond AND the benefit of local quality service for the jewelry.

In reality we live in an infinite world and there is plenty for every one and no need to try to grab every thing. It has been my experience that when we look to the best for every one concerned that more comes to every one and that when we try to grab that every one gets less. It may not be intuitive, but that is the way it works for me.

Wink