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Funny experience at Jared''s Galleria of Jewelry

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When I first started looking for a new stone a year ago, I walked into a chain store just to see what they had. I asked a question about fluorescence. I was curious because I had read about it, but didn''t quite know what it looked like in a stone. The salesman didn''t know what I was talking about and called the manager over. He didn''t know either, but told me that he never received complaints about the rings he had sold and that I shouldn''t worry about that fluorescence thing. I thought that was kind of funny. I went from there into a non-chain store where I had a wonderful conversation with 3 salespeople who seemed to appreciate that I had been doing research. They took me to the case with their AGS diamonds and showed me all kinds of different stones, colors, sizes, etc. I was in there for several hours, and it was so much fun!!
 
Date: 5/15/2008 12:50:32 PM
Author: DiamondGirly
Threads like this amaze me a bit. If someone came on and wrote something similar about an experience with a GOG or WF employee everyone would jump down their throat for making generalizations about the company etc etc.
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No chance of that happening - wouldn''t get that kind of crap service at WF or GOG!
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Interesting commentary, everyone.

When I was a District Manager for a very large jewelry chain in the early 1990''s..the
only real focus was on exceeding sales goals. The store managers had nine thousand
directives coming from every corporate office everyday and training was not high on the list.
Sure, it was frustrating for the consumer to get wrong or little information when asking a legitimate
question, but hey "i''m not here to educate you..I just want you to open a credit account with us..pretty
please..today only..and I''ll give you an additional 20% off and I can call my District Manager for a better
price if you buy it right now.." The last day of the month was brutal and the pressure was intense to make the sale.

Remember..nothing happens until someone sells something.

And NO I''m not defending salespeople that are misinformed or not trained properly.
If you''re selling any product..you need to know more than the person who''s buying that product.
Features and benefits.

Jeff Averbook,GG
Graduate Gemologist/Appraiser
since 1986

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com
 
It''s not just Jared''s...I was in Saks today and went into their Fine Jewelry department. They have some pieces from Fred Leighton and quite a lot of estate pieces and I asked to see a lovely jabot pin because the two ends were tiny diamonds with moonstone in the center. As she took it out of the case she said "the center is opal..." I finally said, "really? it looks like moonstone to me." "Oh yes, that''s what I meant, moonstone." I asked if the stones were old cuts but I could tell she didn''t know what old cuts were so I just louped them (yes, old cuts). She read the list book on the piece and said "it says here it is a Ja-bot (bot as in "robot") and I said, "oh! I jabot pin, yes like an ascot). I''m not sure how someone who works around fine jewelry doesn''t know moonstone from opal, or what old cut stones are, or what a jabot pin is...She also said "it''s a ''brooch'', whatever that is..." Seriously.
 
Interesting....................Wonder what department she usually works in.
 
I had an experiance at saks that was like this also,but it wasnt because of the untrained employees...the poor customer service...it was at the Saks in Palm Desert,Calf. and I went shopping with my sister for diamond stud earrings.We were the only people in the whole jewelry department and i counted 3 sales associates on the floor talking and not a single one greeted or offered help.After almost 20 minutes of walking around,I finally stood directly in front of them at a case telling my sister how i wanted to see the 24 karat hammered bangles with diamonds and they just kept on talking until I actually had to ask for assistance.i was very surprised to find that this wasnt the only upper-scale store that this happened...went to a jeweler to look at 3 carat twt diamond studs and wasnt greeted or even acknowledged by the very young sales person when we entered.We had to ask to see the earrings after being ignored for 15 minutes and were the only people in the store shopping.We left and bought the studs from a store that was out of state.
 
Different jewelers have different fields of expertise, although in this case Jared''s employee''s should certainly know about bridal jewelry. On the other hand, these salespeople are usually transient and for many this may be their first experience working with fine diamonds and jewelry. One thing is for certain, the Pricescope community seems to represent an upper echelon of diamond consumers and the knowledge here is vast and impressive, so it comes as no surprise that the users will often be more educated than many retailers. As a result, we shop accordingly, I doubt the OP will purchase something from Jared''s after her experience. Yet for another consumer, Jared''s will be perfectly suitable because they meet her needs and their level of expertise may suit her fine. Almost like eating at a gourmet restaurant versus a fast food joint; discriminating palettes. At the end of the day though, a big name like Jared''s should really educate their employees...
 
I think it really does depend on the salesperson - some have a desire to be knowledgable, and some just see selling jewelry as a job. I have been to Zales and been either wowed or disappointed in the knowledge of the associates, and it was usually the younger ones that seemed totally lost when I asked questions. I did buy my e-ring setting from Jared''s (along with my husbands band and a Movado watch), and every time I have been in to get my ring checked or cleaned, I am always amazed at how nice they are and how much they know...and I don''t know as much as the rest of you, but I know enough that I wouldn''t get jipped on a diamond.

And Jared''s does have ideal cuts now - I looked at them when we bought my ring - and I could hardly breath when I saw the prices. They are expensive, but they are also very beautiful.
 
My godson has been working at Kay Jewelers for the three years he has been in college and he will not believe me that the square step cuts in my wedding ring are not princess cut stones. He thinks rectangles are emerald cuts, squares are princessess and you cannot change his mind.
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This is really an amusing thread. My sister called me from Arizona freaking out yesterday- she wanted to buy her FI a titanium or tungsten band, and Jared''s salespeople told her that if he got injured the hospital would cut his finger off because they couldn''t cut the ring, and that they scratch more easily than gold, they were trying to steer her towards platinum.
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Luckily she knew to call her jewelry-obsessed big sis- I found her lots of information quickly that eased her mind. But I wonder how many people get scared away from things because salespeople are not knowledgeable or are trying to make a bigger sale?
 
Hey MMMD,
Tell your godson to read this thread and we will inform him about step cuts and that there is a difference between emerald,princess and french cut stones.
 
Date: 5/18/2008 12:19:27 AM
Author: jennalyns
This is really an amusing thread. My sister called me from Arizona freaking out yesterday- she wanted to buy her FI a titanium or tungsten band, and Jared's salespeople told her that if he got injured the hospital would cut his finger off because they couldn't cut the ring, and that they scratch more easily than gold, they were trying to steer her towards platinum.
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Luckily she knew to call her jewelry-obsessed big sis- I found her lots of information quickly that eased her mind. But I wonder how many people get scared away from things because salespeople are not knowledgeable or are trying to make a bigger sale?
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thats a disgrace that they actually tried to scare her into spending more money by saying they would "cut his finger off".

although, that said my Fi has told me that if it were a Real emergency it is possible (he used to work in theatre) - but this is still a totally unethical way to try to sell something.
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neverendingupgrade and j''man, yeah, you''re both right, I think this sales associate didn''t actually work the "Fine" jewelry dept, but the "high end other" jewelry area that sells Yurman, etc. So she probably is a sales person who happens to sell jewelry. That said, shouldn''t she be able to see the difference between moonstone and opal? Even white, milky opal doesn''t look at all like a moonstone. And the appear to not know what a "brooch" is? Seriously? Come on! It was so weird, I felt like I was giving her a lesson, but I tried to be sensitive and gently let her know what the stones were and what a jabot pin was, etc.

Imagine how different jewelry buying would be if most sales people actually knew what they were talking about!
 
Date: 5/18/2008 12:19:27 AM
Author: jennalyns
This is really an amusing thread. My sister called me from Arizona freaking out yesterday- she wanted to buy her FI a titanium or tungsten band, and Jared''s salespeople told her that if he got injured the hospital would cut his finger off because they couldn''t cut the ring, and that they scratch more easily than gold, they were trying to steer her towards platinum.
38.gif
Luckily she knew to call her jewelry-obsessed big sis- I found her lots of information quickly that eased her mind. But I wonder how many people get scared away from things because salespeople are not knowledgeable or are trying to make a bigger sale?
Click to expand...

Just so there''s no confusion. Cutting off a ring made of titanium, carbide or other ''exotic'' material sometimes involves slightly different tools and techniques than cutting off a gold, silver or platinum one but with the correct tools it can be done in a matter of seconds. Ambulance and similar emergency personnel are generally well trained and equipped to deal with it. It is correct that their process is more destructive to the ring than it is with more traditional materials and your jeweler probably won''t be able to repair the damage to the ring but your fingers are not in jeopardy from wearing titanium. This is a myth.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver
 
Thanks, Neil. I sent her the link to this post, hopefully it will ease her mind a bit. It's obnoxious that people sometimes don't know what they're talking about, and then resort to spreading rumors/myths to look like they're knowledgeable, or even spread lies to get a sale. No wonder so many people are wary about jewelry buying, it's worse than car shopping in most places!!
 
like most myths there is just a hint of truth behind it when they first came out and it was found that the same tools wouldn''t work for them as gold/plat there was a news article on it.
Then the news came out that the ER personnel had already figured out another tool they had to use and the word was already out to ER and emt''s nationwide.
So basicaly sloppy reporting is what caused the whole mess to start with.
 
Date: 5/18/2008 3:37:15 PM
Author: jennalyns
Thanks, Neil. I sent her the link to this post, hopefully it will ease her mind a bit. It's obnoxious that people sometimes don't know what they're talking about, and then resort to spreading rumors/myths to look like they're knowledgeable, or even spread lies to get a sale. No wonder so many people are wary about jewelry buying, it's worse than car shopping in most places!!
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Did you know that not that long ago, the local downtown independent jewelry store owners (Mom and Pop) carried
the same level of prestige as the local bank officer, attorney, doctor, CPA??

Unfortunately, in some cases (not all) the level of prestige for the above occupations has slightly eroded over the years.

There are still hundreds of local downtown jewelry stores that were opened decades ago and are currently being operated
by sons and daughters. These are the trusted local merchants that continue to serve their communities, contribute to local charities, and have a loyal
customer base.

Bottom line is sales. Salespeople in ANY occupation only stay employed if they sell something. Many sales positions are
commission based and yes, many sound like used car salesmen!



Jeff Averbook,GG
Graduate Gemologist/Appraiser

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com
 
Date: 5/18/2008 2:04:15 PM
Author: denverappraiser

Date: 5/18/2008 12:19:27 AM
Author: jennalyns
This is really an amusing thread. My sister called me from Arizona freaking out yesterday- she wanted to buy her FI a titanium or tungsten band, and Jared''s salespeople told her that if he got injured the hospital would cut his finger off because they couldn''t cut the ring, and that they scratch more easily than gold, they were trying to steer her towards platinum.
38.gif
Luckily she knew to call her jewelry-obsessed big sis- I found her lots of information quickly that eased her mind. But I wonder how many people get scared away from things because salespeople are not knowledgeable or are trying to make a bigger sale?
Click to expand...

Just so there''s no confusion. Cutting off a ring made of titanium, carbide or other ''exotic'' material sometimes involves slightly different tools and techniques than cutting off a gold, silver or platinum one but with the correct tools it can be done in a matter of seconds. Ambulance and similar emergency personnel are generally well trained and equipped to deal with it. It is correct that their process is more destructive to the ring than it is with more traditional materials and your jeweler probably won''t be able to repair the damage to the ring but your fingers are not in jeopardy from wearing titanium. This is a myth.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver
Click to expand...
Neil, just out of interest, this was also my first reaction - so I started raving to my Fi about what a crock it is! (he has worked in theatre for many years).
Well, to my surprise he explained that the hand held tool they use to cut off the rings is very primitive and sometimes in effective and so yes, if it came down to the wire this is possible. Of course, not likely but possible.
I was quite surprised to hear this as the last hospital he worked at was a private (read expensive) establishment.

So I suggested they should invest in a saw with a diamond blade, so this is never an problem
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I agree 100% though that the realm sales people use the info in bring its to being a myth.
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I think a lot of the problem too, and someone else pointed this out I think, is that the jewelry industry at large is more focused on getting their salespeople to sign customers up for credit cards than really training them in diamonds and jewelry. I spoke to a local appraiser who had gotten out of the retail end after 15 years for that very reason.

I have bought several settings at Jared and they are always trying to get me to get their credit card. Fortunately, they have layaway too, which I always use, but of course they don''t make any money off of interest that way.
 
A standard ring cutter is a little hand crank circular saw that looks sort of like this. They cut through the ring at the bottom center and bend it apart. Even this will eventually cut through a titanium ring but it may take a little while if it’s a hard alloy and a heavy gents band. Titanium doesn’t bend well so it’s necessary to make two cuts, one on each side, so the ring comes apart in two pieces. Here’s an updated electric model that’ll do it in 10 seconds. It uses a different type of blade that looks like a small, thin grinding wheel. This’ll go through titanium, tungsten, even stone rings like jade. If they’re really in a hurry, they can also do it with a standard bolt cutter although patients probably prefer more delicate sorts of instruments if they’re conscious and watching. I can’t speak for the equipment of every ambulance crew or ER but these are not unusual tools, they are not expensive, they are not difficult to operate and they are standard equipment in the usual places where you would expect one.

http://www.buyemp.com/product/1042204.html

http://www.grobetusa.com/ProductDescriptions/electricringcutter.html

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

ringcutter.jpg
 
Date: 5/19/2008 7:27:58 AM
Author: denverappraiser
A standard ring cutter is a little hand crank circular saw that looks sort of like this. They cut through the ring at the bottom center and bend it apart. Even this will eventually cut through a titanium ring but it may take a little while if it’s a hard alloy and a heavy gents band. Titanium doesn’t bend well so it’s necessary to make two cuts, one on each side, so the ring comes apart in two pieces. Here’s an updated electric model that’ll do it in 10 seconds. It uses a different type of blade that looks like a small, thin grinding wheel. This’ll go through titanium, tungsten, even stone rings like jade. If they’re really in a hurry, they can also do it with a standard bolt cutter although patients probably prefer more delicate sorts of instruments if they’re conscious and watching. I can’t speak for the equipment of every ambulance crew or ER but these are not unusual tools, they are not expensive, they are not difficult to operate and they are standard equipment in the usual places where you would expect one.

http://www.buyemp.com/product/1042204.html

http://www.grobetusa.com/ProductDescriptions/electricringcutter.html

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver
Click to expand...
no worries!
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Modified brilliant,
I am so glad that you mentioned that the traditional jewelry store used to be respected and it once was considered prestigious to be employeed by a jewelry store.This is before the chain store and the 60% discount mode of doing business.That said...When JENN mentioned the used car salesman approch I thought about an experiace I just had on Friday....Went to visit an ex-coworker at a mall jewelry store.Before she could get to me when i walked in a young man literally ran up to me and with no personal space between us grabbed my hand and said"my name is ----- whats yours?''''Before i could answer he asked me what i was shopping for and what my budget is...this all took about 45 seconds.When my friend spoke up to formally introduce me ,the young man just walked off to the next person who walked in the store cutting off yet another sales person and grabbing the hand of that new customer.When i asked who the man was i was told he was the manager.Bet he recived most of his sales experiance selling cars or cell phones!
 
I had some weird experience, too. First, went into a well-known jewelry store and asked for some emerald-cut solitaires. the assistant did not understand first, then he showed me some emerald rings!!! I said, not emerald, emerald cut DIAMOND. he had no idea and called the manager. the manager said, ''you mean baguettes?'' I attempted to tell him the difference but gave up. Second, another famous jeweler and same request: an EC. the salesman gave me a princess cut. I said ''not a square cut!'' and he said that there was no such thing as a square cut. What? He was so sure and he didn''t refer to the stone as princess cut, either. I didn''t even bother teaching him.
 
Date: 5/18/2008 11:05:52 PM
Author: arjunajane

Neil, just out of interest, this was also my first reaction - so I started raving to my Fi about what a crock it is! (he has worked in theatre for many years).

Well, to my surprise he explained that the hand held tool they use to cut off the rings is very primitive and sometimes in effective and so yes, if it came down to the wire this is possible. Of course, not likely but possible.

I was quite surprised to hear this as the last hospital he worked at was a private (read expensive) establishment.


So I suggested they should invest in a saw with a diamond blade, so this is never an problem
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I agree 100% though that the realm sales people use the info in bring its to being a myth.
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Click to expand...


Just wanting to clear up any misconceptions about jewelery and health-related emergency situations. I'm quite positive your FI is extremely knowledgeable and has experienced his share of serious injuries, but as an ER resident, your FI has been misinformed. We would have no problem cutting it off (titanium, steel, gold, platinum, etc.) and we'd get it done in seconds. The situations where amputations are necessary are completely unrelated to jewelery and the inability to remove it. Examples include extreme crushing injuries, hypothermia, severe infections, burns, etc. Of course, if such examples were the case, we would likely be taking more than just a ring finger.
 
that is actually pretty sad, there are some folks out there that may believe them.
 
Wow this has turned into an interesting thread. I am glad I found this website so that I can be a more informed customer when I go into certain b&m stores. My husband has a titanium band and we also were told in a jewelry store that he might be in trouble if he ever has a problem with his ring finger because titanium can't be cut. I tease him occasionally and tell him that if this ever happens I'll give the hospital permission to slice his finger off
emsmile.gif
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