How are you treated in jewelry stores?

[that_someone_special]

Was sure if this should go here or RT...

I am genuinely wondering how everyone is treated in jewelry stores. I have been to about 5 different stores this year, looking at estate pieces, getting quotes and some jewelry repair. Tonight, was the worst.

I walked in, and was asked if someone could help me in this kind of tone
While I talked with a jeweler, my fiance walked around looking at their watches... Rolex to be exact. The security guard started chatting him up (at least... I think he was guard) and in MID sentence with my fiance, he looked out side at our car, walked outside, looked at it again, walked BACK inside and ignored my fiance

I went in asking only about prong repair and the conversation went something like this "Well these are nice and we could repair these prongs but you might as well just replace the whole head then.. and then we'll have to do this and this and this to it. And THIS ring, well, why don't you just replace the entire basket on this? Yeah? How about all 3 then?" I was then quoted $1400 to replace the 3 platinum baskets in my ring, while they both looked at each other and laughed. I was quoted $1600 to replace the whole thing in gold.. when I just wanted the prongs repaired.

It went down hill from there.

We left there 2 hours ago and I'm STILL feeling creeped out by it. When I mentioned that I got a quote to replace the ring from someone else already and at lower price they went on and on about how their quality is the best out there, and they do everything the best and I should go with them so I don't have a shoddy ring on my hands and no jeweler online could be as good as them. When we left fiance said they reminded him of car salesmen. Don't get me wrong, they had nice jewelry and the only studs I saw for diamonds were MINIMUM 2cttw.. but I didn't expect being treated like I was a hobo that came off the street. I am still really upset by this. I plan on going back to get my ring (changing the head out $230 ) and never going back. blah!!!


So do most people have good/ bad stories? I think I am done with B&M stores.

 

[Nashville]

My local jeweler is old school. The store as been on downtown main street for over 50 years and it's a family business. They really don't have much to offer in terms of colored stones or diamonds, but they do awesome repair work and they do it right and at a good price. They have a passion for beautiful things and like to chat.

I went to Tiffany's once and may as well have been invisible, but to me that's almost part of the Tiffany Experience it seems

 

[that_someone_special]

That's true too! There is a Tiffany store not that far from me, if I don't wear jewelry they ignore me. If I do, they try to sell me $30,000 eternity bands...

Yes, I think that IS the Tiffany experience!

 

[Miss Sparkly]

Depends. I have one jewelry store that I love and a two bench jewelers that I go to on a regular basis for all needed work. Those three treat me like gold. All of the other jewelry stores I've tried just kind of ignore me when they figure out that I will not buy anything without sleeping on the idea first . The pawn shops really love me

 

[artdecogirl]

Yikes! Bean, I would run the other way. I figure if they can't treat me right they must not want my money. I have had problems with mall stores but mostly just lack of knowledge from sales people instead of treating me poorly. Have you gone to Knox jewelers in minneapolis? I bought my setting from them and had them set a family stone that is less then wonderful and they were very nice and did not high pressure me or anything to buy something different. I do not know how much repair they do but it might be worth a call, they are very nice guys.

 

[Arkteia]

First like a mindless idiot (in Alaska the guy wanted to sell me a sapphire cabochon ring for 27 K), then like they want to kick me out (when I asked him about Be treatment).

 

[that_someone_special]

Yikes! Bean, I would run the other way. I figure if they can't treat me right they must not want my money. I have had problems with mall stores but mostly just lack of knowledge from sales people instead of treating me poorly. Have you gone to Knox jewelers in minneapolis? I bought my setting from them and had them set a family stone that is less then wonderful and they were very nice and did not high pressure me or anything to buy something different. I do not know how much repair they do but it might be worth a call, they are very nice guys.

Funny you should say that! I was there about a year ago and was told they were not sure on custom price and I would have to bring it to another place to get my diamonds set for like $150-$200 or something.

Did they charge you differently to set your stone? Maybe I should try them again.. they are in walking distance

 

[that_someone_special]

First like a mindless idiot (in Alaska the guy wanted to sell me a sapphire cabochon ring for 27 K), then like they want to kick me out (when I asked him about Be treatment).

I have seen that too! They all want their customers uneducated idiots so they can sell them anything.. at any price!

 

[Autumnovember]

Most of the time it all depends on how I'm dressed and what jewelry I'm wearing. Its the jewelry stores that don't pay attention to that and treat me well that I give my business to and will spread the word about.

Me and SO think its pretty funny. A good salesman will NEVER underestimate an customer. My SO and I have purposely gone into high end jewelry stores while dressed extremely casual. We get ignored. The moment SO rolls up his sleeve and his expensive watch is visible to the jewelers they are suddenly nice to us and want some business. No thanks. It is THOSE jewelers we give NO business to.

Pathetic. He looked at what kind of car you were driving in? That just angers me. Glad you laughed in his face, too.

 

[Gypsy]

Depends. But generally I go in with a confident friendly attitude and I find I'm treated pretty well. Last time I was treated poorly was at HW in LV, and the gus were snots, but I was also not confident and didn't demand respect and service like i normally do. 5 minutes later I walked into Fred Leighton and had a freaking BLAST with the ladies there and got to try on everything in the store. I think your attitude has to be that respect is your due. And if you go in educated about what you want to see, and have a price point in mind for services you will back up your demeanor with an educated conversation. I don't go to "maul" stores though. I generally go to high end family owned jewelers for repairs or to Joe Escobar in Campbell whom I trust. And browse at high end BMs ONLY and buy online at PS vendors where I know I will get the quality, service, warranty, and pricing I expect for a fantastically made product.

 

[diamondbuggy]

When my FI and I were still looking at engagement rings we were treated like stupid little children messing around with their jewellery (we look really young). It was very frustrating because many of them didn't even bother to get back to us about sourcing diamonds for us. I also find many of them don't know what they're talking about. One guy went on and on about how amazing their jewellery is and when I asked about Asschers he actually told me there's no such thing as an Asscher and that I shouldn't believe everything I see on the internet. Can you believe that?! Asschers aren't very common here in South Africa but you'd think he'd at least know what it is!

Only one place treated us like gold and we eventually gave them our business because of their good attitude. I wish I could go show all those other salepeople my engagement ring so they can see what they missed out on by being so rude and unfriendly!

 

[Trekkie]

When my FI and I were still looking at engagement rings we were treated like stupid little children messing around with their jewellery (we look really young). It was very frustrating because many of them didn't even bother to get back to us about sourcing diamonds for us. I also find many of them don't know what they're talking about. One guy went on and on about how amazing their jewellery is and when I asked about Asschers he actually told me there's no such thing as an Asscher and that I shouldn't believe everything I see on the internet. Can you believe that?! Asschers aren't very common here in South Africa but you'd think he'd at least know what it is!

Only one place treated us like gold and we eventually gave them our business because of their good attitude. I wish I could go show all those other salepeople my engagement ring so they can see what they missed out on by being so rude and unfriendly!

Thanks to my English stepmother's relentless coaching on posture and elocution (she insists that it's 'dreadfully vulgar' to sound 'colonial') and far too many years at a posh private school, I'm generally treated quite well at jewellery stores...

I struggle to reciprocate though. Far too often the sales staff are utterly clueless. You ask them for a cushion, they show you a princess. You say no, a cushion, it's rectangular. They show you an emerald cut. You ask to see Tanzanite, they show you light sapphires - after all, it's *exactly* the same stone, only lighter. What do you mean, you want to see a pink sapphire? *Everyone* knows sapphires only come in blue.

It's enough to make me want to throttle them.

JF is very good though, as is Brown's. Years ago, at Brown's, when I told the sales girl that we were newly engaged, she squealed with delight and brought out champagne and chocolate - before we had even bought anything from them!

The rest of South African jewellers are crap... To say nothing of Galaxy or Sterns or American Swiss. How do people justify buying their over priced, low quality rubbish?

I really wish BGD or WF or GOG could deliver to South Africa...

 

[diamondbuggy]

When my FI and I were still looking at engagement rings we were treated like stupid little children messing around with their jewellery (we look really young). It was very frustrating because many of them didn't even bother to get back to us about sourcing diamonds for us. I also find many of them don't know what they're talking about. One guy went on and on about how amazing their jewellery is and when I asked about Asschers he actually told me there's no such thing as an Asscher and that I shouldn't believe everything I see on the internet. Can you believe that?! Asschers aren't very common here in South Africa but you'd think he'd at least know what it is!

Only one place treated us like gold and we eventually gave them our business because of their good attitude. I wish I could go show all those other salepeople my engagement ring so they can see what they missed out on by being so rude and unfriendly!

Thanks to my English stepmother's relentless coaching on posture and elocution (she insists that it's 'dreadfully vulgar' to sound 'colonial') and far too many years at a posh private school, I'm generally treated quite well at jewellery stores...

I struggle to reciprocate though. Far too often the sales staff are utterly clueless. You ask them for a cushion, they show you a princess. You say no, a cushion, it's rectangular. They show you an emerald cut. You ask to see Tanzanite, they show you light sapphires - after all, it's *exactly* the same stone, only lighter. What do you mean, you want to see a pink sapphire? *Everyone* knows sapphires only come in blue.

It's enough to make me want to throttle them.

JF is very good though, as is Brown's. Years ago, at Brown's, when I told the sales girl that we were newly engaged, she squealed with delight and brought out champagne and chocolate - before we had even bought anything from them!

The rest of South African jewellers are crap... To say nothing of Galaxy or Sterns or American Swiss. How do people justify buying their over priced, low quality rubbish?

I really wish BGD or WF or GOG could deliver to South Africa...

I love that there's somebody out there that feels my pain! The sad thing is that most SA consumers don't even realise that they are being shown/told the wrong things. I'm sure there are people out there who have bought a princess cut thinking it's a cushion. Thank goodness for PS, otherwise I probably would've been one of those people!

 

[Trekkie]

When my FI and I were still looking at engagement rings we were treated like stupid little children messing around with their jewellery (we look really young). It was very frustrating because many of them didn't even bother to get back to us about sourcing diamonds for us. I also find many of them don't know what they're talking about. One guy went on and on about how amazing their jewellery is and when I asked about Asschers he actually told me there's no such thing as an Asscher and that I shouldn't believe everything I see on the internet. Can you believe that?! Asschers aren't very common here in South Africa but you'd think he'd at least know what it is!

Only one place treated us like gold and we eventually gave them our business because of their good attitude. I wish I could go show all those other salepeople my engagement ring so they can see what they missed out on by being so rude and unfriendly!

Thanks to my English stepmother's relentless coaching on posture and elocution (she insists that it's 'dreadfully vulgar' to sound 'colonial') and far too many years at a posh private school, I'm generally treated quite well at jewellery stores...

I struggle to reciprocate though. Far too often the sales staff are utterly clueless. You ask them for a cushion, they show you a princess. You say no, a cushion, it's rectangular. They show you an emerald cut. You ask to see Tanzanite, they show you light sapphires - after all, it's *exactly* the same stone, only lighter. What do you mean, you want to see a pink sapphire? *Everyone* knows sapphires only come in blue.

It's enough to make me want to throttle them.

JF is very good though, as is Brown's. Years ago, at Brown's, when I told the sales girl that we were newly engaged, she squealed with delight and brought out champagne and chocolate - before we had even bought anything from them!

The rest of South African jewellers are crap... To say nothing of Galaxy or Sterns or American Swiss. How do people justify buying their over priced, low quality rubbish?

I really wish BGD or WF or GOG could deliver to South Africa...

I love that there's somebody out there that feels my pain! The sad thing is that most SA consumers don't even realise that they are being shown/told the wrong things. I'm sure there are people out there who have bought a princess cut thinking it's a cushion. Thank goodness for PS, otherwise I probably would've been one of those people!

Hehe! Yay! We're not alone!

When a friend from the States recently visited to show off her 2ct Royal Asscher, she was stunned when everyone commented on her 'pretty princess cut'!

 

[arjunajane]

Depends. But generally I go in with a confident friendly attitude and I find I'm treated pretty well. Last time I was treated poorly was at HW in LV, and the gus were snots, but I was also not confident and didn't demand respect and service like i normally do. 5 minutes later I walked into Fred Leighton and had a freaking BLAST with the ladies there and got to try on everything in the store. I think your attitude has to be that respect is your due. And if you go in educated about what you want to see, and have a price point in mind for services you will back up your demeanor with an educated conversation. I don't go to "maul" stores though. I generally go to high end family owned jewelers for repairs or to Joe Escobar in Campbell whom I trust. And browse at high end BMs ONLY and buy online at PS vendors where I know I will get the quality, service, warranty, and pricing I expect for a fantastically made product.

Gypsy,
you would think that what you've said makes sense right..
However, probably the Worst experience I have had was a store where I went in with confidence (not arrogance) and knowledge to back it up (but only when I was prompted to demonstrate it)..the following is something like how the experience went..

Background - this is a very old B&M with a strong rep, and one of the only which sold H&A rounds at the time in my city - the industry is pretty behind in most respects here.
At the time I owned and was wearing my 1.25 K SI1 H&A sig. RB from GOG.
I was asking about and trying on w-bands, when I think it was the assistant manager noticed my diamond. He started to ask about it, where it was from, the specs etc - he then called over what I now know is the owner to check it out. At first they were both quite nice, commenting how well the stone was cut and it didn't face up like its grades, etc..
They then compared under loupe some of their H&A's to mine. Eventually, the owner asked what I had paid.

With a bit of trepidation, I did tell him (for reference, if I had wanted to purchase one of their H&A's of ~1ct it would have cost me about twice as much as my GOG ring).
Immediately the mood changed and the owner became aggressive and extremely rude - he straight up called me a liar about the price, carrying on about how he "travels to New York twice a year and Knows what diamonds really cost!" And that He "couldn't even buy diamonds for that kind of price!"
I tried to explain how I had purchased from a joint B&M/internet Co which helps to keep the prices down, I had done my research etc..
The owner than started carrying on about how it must be falsely graded (although 2mins previous they had agreed the grading - AGS - was very strict)...up until now I had just been mildly amused, as clearly it was a case of a B&M owner feeling threatened by internet prices..

However, he then started threatening me and threatening he was going to report GOG to Australian customs, because according to his logic we must obviously be flouting import tax laws in order to buy at those costs, how he is a member of the "Australian Jewelers this and that" and he was going to bring up this criminal behaviour at their next meeting and make sure 'these internet companies' get prosecuted for breaking Australian tax laws and scamming Aussie consumers!!!???

Of course, by now things had become very adversary and aggressive and when I attempted to correct him, I was basically thrown out and told not to come back.

I was fuming..but once I had calmed down, I later wrote a very polite and carefully worded email to them, referencing the conversation and trying to 'clear the air' of some of his misconceptions (and also commenting about my perception of his unprofessional behaviour, tbh seeking an apology at the least).
Suffice to say, I got a very nasty and vulgar email back where he again threatened to report me and the stores I buy from to all manner of authorities and how he was planning to expose this scam to all his diamond buddies. sheesh!



This is just one example, and is the most extreme one - but pretty much every experience I have had with B&M's in Perth has been poor (ie. misnaming diamond shapes or types of settings, other forms of ignorance and mis-education, poor service, rude service, and so on). I agree with others in this thread about "The Tiffany Experience" - I was excited when a store finally opened here a couple years ago, but for the most part found the sales people aloof and uneducated.

If it has been okay service, and we have gotten past that initial stage with me ignoring them trying to correct when it is they who are wrong -
I have soon be turned off by exorbitant quotes.

I really do wish I could have a fun B&M experience, the type some PSers get to have where they have fun with the staff, get to try on lots of pieces and take photos etc..As it is, there is not one local store I can think of where this could occur.

 

[lknvrb4]

When DH and I went shopping for my upgrade setting we went to a reputable jeweler who's motto is" I want to be your jeweler". We walked in and started looking an some guy came over to help us an I explained what I was looking for, getting him to help was like pulling teeth. We were treated like we weren't buying. We left and went to several other stores and then decided to go back to the first one. We went in again but this time got a nice lady to help, we explaine we were in earlier and that the other guy was not helpful. When he noticed we came back a second time and the lady was helping us he of course ran over and told the lady he helped us earlier and he started acting like we were best friends. I was fuming, the jerk was worthless the first time but when he realized we were serious about buying he wanted to help. I hate that. Needless to say we ended up not buying from them.

 

[oranges]

That's true too! There is a Tiffany store not that far from me, if I don't wear jewelry they ignore me. If I do, they try to sell me $30,000 eternity bands...

Yes, I think that IS the Tiffany experience!

This is EXACTLY how I get treated at Tiffany. The last time I went in there I was totally ignored until I tagged down a sales associate to see a bezel pendant and she grudgingly came over and once she saw that I had the Tiffany Jazz and Metro rings on she was suddenly sweet as sugar and super helpful I was so peeved. I only purchased from Tiffany when I didn't know of any other jewelers like Leon Mege or BGD. I'll be getting a barbara pendant when the time comes! Tiffs wanted 4,000+ for a .41 G VVS2 pendant

 

[diva rose]

It depends on location - when DH and I are overseas we get flocked and sales people are super nice to us.
I'm not sure if it is because we are Asian so they think as foreigners we have lots of money or something?
When we're in Dubai, London, Paris, Asia - people are very attentive. Doesn't matter if we're dressed casual or what we have on.
Especially Paris - those ladies were sticking to me like glue.

In Sydney (our home) it's a hit and miss. Usually we get treated well but I think it is dependent on the sales person. A few times DH and I walked into a store and they introduced themselves to us etc. Even when we told them we're just looking - they spend time talking to us and giving us their business cards. They even remember us after a month or so.
DH and I look pretty casual when we go into these stores.

I find the worst stores are: Tiffany and Chanel. Their sales staff are terrible!
My experiences at Cartier have always been positive.
Sadly though, Australia isn't known for friendly sales people - they just don't have the skills/customer service like the other major cities.

 

[princesss]

I am always treated very well in jewelry stores. I'm not sure why, but I never get ignored or treated poorly. But then, I'm very picky about the stores I go into, and I ask a lot of questions so I usually get somebody that knows what they're talking about. I've had a few people tell me that since I love jewelry so much, I should consider taking the GIA course, and generally people spend a long time showing off their treasures - the things that don't get pulled out of the case as much because they're not in style/trendy enough, but that are absolutely beautiful. I love chatting and admiring, and I make sure to go in during off-peak times so that I have plenty of time to admire and talk - I see some of the most beautiful pieces that way!

 

[Tuckins1]

Totally depends on the store... There are some very upscale snooty stores around me that look at me like i'm some stupid kid that is wasting their time and doesn't have the money to shop there (which I do), and others treat me like some idiot yokel who doesn't know a diamond from an opal..... I tend to only frequent the few stores that I know of where they have always treated me with kindness and respect, even one that caters to high rollers and has very nice (expensive!!) stuff.

 

[elrohwen]

Generally I get treated like everyone else I guess - I get ignored more than the older people, since it's assumed I have less money to spend, but I get treated better than some of the younger people, because I am wearing an almost 2ct stone so they assume I have some money (not that I actually ever spend anything though, haha).

For the most part, I only go the jewelry store down the street from my house. I got both of my rings from them and go in frequently for cleanings. It's a high quality place and family owned, so at this point they usually recognize me and treat me nicely - no ignoring or obnoxious behavior. Then again, they have great customer service in general, which is why I like the store so much. I can't imagine them being obnoxious to any customer.

 

[Iowa Lizzy]

I've seen service from all ends of the spectrum. Sometimes I've gone into stores and spouted off knowledge and the associate will say "Okay! You know what you want and I like it!" Other times, they have kinda rolled their eyes at me like "Oh lowly consumer, how dare you try to understand something as complex as diamonds. You'll never know as much as ME." And that's usually not the case.

I've had jewelry store owners tell me everything from "cushion and princess cuts are basically the same" to "there's nothing wrong with buying a non-certed diamond, they're all the same." I usually don't argue with them but I always take my business elsewhere.

I have a local store now that is just awesome. Great customer service. The first time we went in, the owner gave me a tour of the entire store and showed me the bench, all their computer CAD software, everything. It was so refreshing. The quality of their diamonds isn't the highest (they do have a branded cut, but it's horribly overpriced) and they don't have a great selection, but for repair work, I wouldn't go anywhere else.

Oddly enough, when I bought some of that sterling "Return to Tiffany" jewelry years ago, the sales associate was much more attentive than when I went looking at DBTY and Jazz bands last year. So strange. Think it depends on the store and the associate.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I have been marvelously treated at H Stern, even though I was a young student, looking for pretty much the cheapest thing in the store (a very tiny sapphire band that cost around $100). The sales assistant showed me all the pieces that fit, understood my budget and was happy to help out. Some years latter, I had a blast at their flagship store, trying on fantastic pieces even though I told them I was just browsing. They were more than happy to talk gems with me. While I do hate some of their product lines, I have been treated pretty well.

Amsterdam Sauer was another great experience. They showed me everything (even the largest, cleanest, greenest emerald I have ever seen - with 8 0.8ct D VVS2 diamonds set on the band ). The salespeople had some knowledge and were willing to admit they hand't heard of Mahenge spinels, for example.

Then... there are the other jewellers. I have had my share of snotty, uninformed jewellers. Agh! Since I dress simply, I am often ignored. One even told me to "stop kidding myself, that is an obvious fake" (about my spinel!).

 

[that_someone_special]

I can't believe these stories!!!

 

[artdecogirl]

Yikes! Bean, I would run the other way. I figure if they can't treat me right they must not want my money. I have had problems with mall stores but mostly just lack of knowledge from sales people instead of treating me poorly. Have you gone to Knox jewelers in minneapolis? I bought my setting from them and had them set a family stone that is less then wonderful and they were very nice and did not high pressure me or anything to buy something different. I do not know how much repair they do but it might be worth a call, they are very nice guys.

Funny you should say that! I was there about a year ago and was told they were not sure on custom price and I would have to bring it to another place to get my diamonds set for like $150-$200 or something.

Did they charge you differently to set your stone? Maybe I should try them again.. they are in walking distance

Bean, They did not charge me anything for the work but I bought a setting from them, I am suprised at the response to you, not sure??? Well it might be worth a stroll, if nothing else you get to see some bling!

 

[shihtzulover]

I am never really taken seriously, because I look like I'm still in high school. I'm 24, but I have been asked if I'm 18 yet (by a salesgirl trying to get me to apply for a store credit card).

I went into a lower-end jewelry store the other day (not to buy, but because I had time to kill), and no one seemed interested in helping me. When the other customers left and I was the only person still in the store, the salesgirl did speak with me, but she didn't seem too interested. I know that she thought that I didn't know what I was talking about, and also that I couldn't afford what she was selling.

It is really aggravating, and it's not even just in jewelry stores - it's pretty much everywhere. I tried to return a shampoo to a salon one day, explaining that it had really bad reviews. The stylist talked down to me, like I was still a child. She said that I shouldn't just listen to reviews, and basically that I was wrong about one of the ingredients in the product, and the effects of it (even though I had researched it thoroughly). I went in to the same place with my mom a few days later, and she was a totally different person. My mom even said something to her because I had told her what happened, and the stylist claimed that she didn't remember.

 

[partgypsy]

So odd. I dress like crap with old shoes, but I've never been treated snootily, etc at jewelry stores I've been to. I haven't been in the last year or so (no jewelry fund right now ) but I can't see how these places can afford to be like that with the economy the way it is.

I do have to say, that some customers like alot of service and are offended if you do not approach them, while other customers do not want to be approached or have sales assistants be overly friendly or pushy. It's probably hard to get it right 100% of the time. But dismissive behavior is never good in my book.

 

[vespergirl]

The two higher-end local jewelers that I use are Mervis Diamond and Quest Jewelers, and I am always treated very well there, probably because they know that I will actually buy/service my jewelry.

In other random jewelry stores, I find that I get much better treatment if DH is with me. Which is stupid, because DH knows I'm particular, so he always gives me cash "jewelry credits" to pick out my own jewelry, so whenever I'm shopping by myself, I am there to seriously look, but I think that many jewelers think that a woman there without a man is not there to purchase.

 

[gardengloves]

Hey Bean,

I went into an estate antique store today that had some multi colored tahitian necklaces, which I know you love. I think I shocked the heck out of the whole place, when I bought a piece I'd been wanting for ages. May have seemed like an impulse buy, but I had done research and scourced sites, when I finally saw the strand, which this stored happened to have among an assorment of antiques, estate finds, etc. and I saw this necklace shining in the window I went in and pounced. Good times all around!. It's in the Pearl Thread, my multi colored strand.