Why jewellers don’t reply

[Lovesparklesparle]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to move forward with upgrading my e ring. I have had the stone since about August last year. I was in contact with my chosen jeweller back then, but due to the Christmas rush and longer turn around times I decided to hold off sending my pieces up until the new year. Also my friend was trying to rush an engagement ring, so I didn’t want to compromise his chances. I have since tried to open a dialogue the last few weeks with the jeweller but they seem totally disinterested in me now I have tried through Instagram (I know the message has been seen) and through email most recently, with no response. When they were away on holidays, I was to be contacted upon their return. But I had to chase them up once they were back.

I have been trying to figure out the design of the ring and been asking questions but not getting any answers. They were incredibly responsive and engaging with my friend which is why this seems off.

So now I’m thinking I need to find another jeweller. I don’t want to appear over bearing and painful to the jeweller by continuing to message them.

Why would they do this? My project is going to be under $1800 so is this the reason? Am I like the naive girlfriend that just doesn’t get the hint shes being told hes not interested?

I’m both sad and annoyed

 

[the_mother_thing]

That’s unfortunate you’re not getting a response. It could be any number of reasons, but I doubt it’s that they just don’t like you/want to work with you. If you’re that annoyed and feeling put off, don’t let it dissuade you from pursuing your project/s. Maybe it’s just time to find another vendor to work with if you’re not getting the level of customer service you expect. I’m of the mindset that - rather than continue chasing someone to work with/take my money - I’d dissolve that frustration and just move on.

I don’t know who your vendor is, but I can share that I’m aware of a couple of setting vendors who post on IG have recently shared they’ve had personal emergencies, illness, etc. to let their customers/followers know response time may be slower/delayed. I’m guessing it’s not one of these/you haven’t seen a message posted by them along those lines?

 

[JPie]

You could try level-setting with them. Send an email letting them know you’d still like to work with them, but from their lack of response it seems they’re not interested in working with you. If that’s the case, you wish them well, and if they do want to work with you, then you hope to hear from them by xxx date.

 

[kmoro]

Of course I’m only guessing here, and my guess is no better than yours, but I suspect the value of your project could have something to do with it .... but it seems more likely to me that there is something going on with the jeweller. If the project is under their minimum, I would expect them to reply to let you know. I’m not sure how recent your last messages were to them ... who knows, maybe they will sill respond. It is right before Valentine’s Day and maybe they’re too busy ... still, if it were me, I would give up.

I think the question has become: Do you still want to do business with them? I hope that you consider someone more responsive. Nothing against a jeweller going through a personal problem, but if you don’t want to wait any longer, that’s ok too. A lot of people here like David Klass for custom designs, but I have no experience in that area.

I hope you’re able to get your project underway soon!

 

[yssie]

I personally often "fit check" a jeweller with a low-value (low-risk) project before committing to larger efforts - vendors would be silly to devaule lower-dollar projects, and I sincerely doubt that's the case unless your vendor is extremely inexperienced or has an established business catering to a particularly exclusive clientele.

Can you just pick up the phone and talk to someone? Most vendors still have boring ol' not-social-media contact information.

 

[Lovesparklesparle]

That’s unfortunate you’re not getting a response. It could be any number of reasons, but I doubt it’s that they just don’t like you/want to work with you. If you’re that annoyed and feeling put off, don’t let it dissuade you from pursuing your project/s. Maybe it’s just time to find another vendor to work with if you’re not getting the level of customer service you expect. I’m of the mindset that - rather than continue chasing someone to work with/take my money - I’d dissolve that frustration and just move on.

I don’t know who your vendor is, but I can share that I’m aware of a couple of setting vendors who post on IG have recently shared they’ve had personal emergencies, illness, etc. to let their customers/followers know response time may be slower/delayed. I’m guessing it’s not one of these/you haven’t seen a message posted by them along those lines?

Thanks for the reply. No I don’t think there are any circumstances like this with this vendor. They have been posting completed works on social media.

I will give it another shot then move on. I contacted Erica from LAD where the stone came from, and even though I told her I had another manufacturer in mind, she has been a gem- sending me ideas and pictures. If the price is right she will be my next avenue.

 

[Lovesparklesparle]

You could try level-setting with them. Send an email letting them know you’d still like to work with them, but from their lack of response it seems they’re not interested in working with you. If that’s the case, you wish them well, and if they do want to work with you, then you hope to hear from them by xxx date.

This is a great idea- the T in SMART goals! I will try it.

The problem is I haven’t found a comparable vendor in terms of style and quality in Australia and I was hoping to work domestically.

Any suggestions for reasonably priced but quality Australian vendors?

 

[Lovesparklesparle]

Of course I’m only guessing here, and my guess is no better than yours, but I suspect the value of your project could have something to do with it .... but it seems more likely to me that there is something going on with the jeweller. If the project is under their minimum, I would expect them to reply to let you know. I’m not sure how recent your last messages were to them ... who knows, maybe they will sill respond. It is right before Valentine’s Day and maybe they’re too busy ... still, if it were me, I would give up.

I think the question has become: Do you still want to do business with them? I hope that you consider someone more responsive. Nothing against a jeweller going through a personal problem, but if you don’t want to wait any longer, that’s ok too. A lot of people here like David Klass for custom designs, but I have no experience in that area.

I hope you’re able to get your project underway soon!

I thought so too, but I also thought it was decent pocket money for just a peg head I initially thought that the quote was very high! My friends ring was $2500 for the semi mount with a halo and $5k something for the stone. So for just the head replacement of mine I thought it would be a desireable bit of business.

I do still want to do business with them but my confidence isn’t as high as it once was.


Can you tell me more about this minimum?

So jewellers do prioritise work according to $$$?

I just had a terrible thought.... I was talking to an owner of an earthmoving business for developments. He said for jobs he doesn’t want he grossly over quotes the job. Like ridiculously, but he keeps winning the tenders! Could this be happening to me?

Thanks for the reply

 

[Lovesparklesparle]

I personally often "fit check" a jeweller with a low-value (low-risk) project before committing to larger efforts - vendors would be silly to devaule lower-dollar projects, and I sincerely doubt that's the case unless your vendor is extremely inexperienced or has an established business catering to a particularly exclusive clientele.

Can you just pick up the phone and talk to someone? Most vendors still have boring ol' not-social-media contact information.

Yes I should do this. The last contact I had was around 2 weeks ago when they said I could send my pieces up, but as we didn’t have a design settled it didn’t feel right. In January I also asked for a quote to reset my “old” diamond into a pendant and was told all details would be discussed after the holiday.

Maybe they don’t think I am serious because I didn’t send my pieces up?

 

[AV_]

I wood assume the place has enough work & no more.

____

I understand that virtual joints are very much like people on the street, not obligated to anything they do not agree to explicitly (and even then). A store front changes this: my stepping in is the beginning of a transaction that is owed appropriate response. The virtual world has no equivalent of this cursory engagement & no response means nothing.

 

[yssie]

Just call.
For real.
You’re devolving into truly pointless speculation about this vendor’s motives - that way lies a never-ending list of concerns and no answers to anything.
Their response, or lack thereof, will tell you everything you need to know to make a decision.

 

[tigertales]

Yes, don't fret over this. A phone call usually solves everything. However, this problem will persist. Things rarely change, if it's the pattern. Definitely scout out the other jeweler. To feel sad about a happy project...well, it's already tainted the whole thing. Clear things up by phone, and then if need be move on.

 

[doberman]

I don't think yoy're being naive so much as not thinking things through and jumping to very possibly incorrect worst case scenarios.

I don't know why you haven't tried calling him directly. If you have to leave a message, do so, and then wait 24 hours (unless it's the weekend and possibly Friday). If you receive no response, you're going to have to find another jeweler.

 

[prinsad]

I had this when I wanted to do a custom ring through a vendor, I called and it resolved everything. They were really nice to speak to on the phone as well!

 

[mrs-b]

@Lovesparklesparle -

Can I ask who the vendor is?

 

[GliderPoss]

This is a great idea- the T in SMART goals! I will try it.

The problem is I haven’t found a comparable vendor in terms of style and quality in Australia and I was hoping to work domestically.

Any suggestions for reasonably priced but quality Australian vendors?

I too would love to know some more reasonable local vendors who do great work...

Have sent off a stone with my local jeweller and a MONTH later I'm still waiting for just the bl**dy quote...

 

[Lovesparklesparle]

Just call.
For real.
You’re devolving into truly pointless speculation about this vendor’s motives - that way lies a never-ending list of concerns and no answers to anything.
Their response, or lack thereof, will tell you everything you need to know to make a decision.

Am going to call now- I don’t know what to expect from the call and it’s weirdly making me a little anxious now.

 

[Lovesparklesparle]

I too would love to know some more reasonable local vendors who do great work...

Have sent off a stone with my local jeweller and a MONTH later I'm still waiting for just the bl**dy quote...

So it is not unusual to send your jewellery away without a solid plan? Do they like to look at what they will be working with then design the piece?

 

[Lovesparklesparle]

I too would love to know some more reasonable local vendors who do great work...

Have sent off a stone with my local jeweller and a MONTH later I'm still waiting for just the bl**dy quote...

Oh no! What is their reasoning?

 

[Lovesparklesparle]

@Lovesparklesparle -

Can I ask who the vendor is?

I am worried they might be here so I will wait until I resolve the matter to tell you!

 

[GliderPoss]

Oh no! What is their reasoning?

None. The local jewellery shop sends them off to a bench elsewhere so all I got from her was just " they haven't gotten back to me yet..." :roll The bench is very good as I've had rings done with him before but he is very slooooooow.

 

[Lovesparklesparle]

So they couldn’t give you a quote without you sending them your stone?

 

[the_mother_thing]

I am worried they might be here so I will wait until I resolve the matter to tell you!

This is a consumer forum. Yes, there are vendors who post to help educate consumers (and probably some who only lurk); however, I believe the goal/focus of PS is on/for consumers. You shouldn’t feel intimidated from posting about your experience (or lack thereof) and with whom. If anything, it should empower you to share and give/get feedback when spending your hard-earned money. And any vendor who cares about their customers & reputation should consider the opinions & experience their customers have and share on here.

And I am not trying to pressure you into sharing the vendor; I just don’t understand why you are worried about doing so now if you plan to reveal the vendor later.

 

[mrs-b]

I am worried they might be here so I will wait until I resolve the matter to tell you!

This isn't about criticism, @Lovesparklesparle . A lot of us here have a lot of contact with various jewelers. If we know who it is, somebody might be able to help you get in touch with the jeweler. And besides - wouldn't it be useful if they were here and saw this thread? You're not being critical - you're just trying to make contact. If it's one of the high volume jewelers on this page, there's every chance they simply haven't seen your email, or havent had a chance to respond; the run-up to Valentine's Day is one of the busiest times of the year for jewelers. Anyway, if you tell us who you're trying to contact, one of us can probably help you connect.