Lawrence Miller & Co Review

They're really very good at what they do. Per the other reviews, yes, they do sell antique jewelry, but they also cups, salt and pepper shakers platters, frames, and various other antique items. There are some pretty interesting filigree pendants on display in the antique case. Unfortunately, I didn't inquire about the price. I imagine they're very expensive though.

I worked with them over a period of three weeks to create the most perfect engagement ring that could fit in my budget. Except, well... I went beyond my original budget. I ended up settling on a piece that they had on display, but had to forge specifically in a very short period of time. Very awesome. The woman was very happy with it.

If you're looking for something specific, they'll work with you, draft up some ideas or guide you through the catalogs they have on hand. I'll be returning to work with them on some wedding bands when the date approaches.

Lawrence, Tim and Liz are among some of the coolest people in Old Town. Go there. Spend all of your money.

121 S Royal St Ste 1
Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 548-0659

I Gorman Jewelers Review

To be honest, I was a bit terrified to go engagement ring shopping. And not because of the whole life commitment thing. Unlike a lot of women, I knew nothing about what kind of ring I wanted. Nothing. My fears were quickly displaced when we came to I Gorman. They were extremely helpful and asked me questions about my personal style before even suggesting some rings. They gave us a quick primer about diamonds and cuts which I of course can't remember now but found enlightening at the time.

Although buying a ring can be a stressful situation (maybe more so for the purchaser), we never felt pressured and they worked within our price range. When I had narrowed down my choices to three rings, they gave me their honest answer on what looked best on my semi chubby fingers even though it wasn't the most expensive option. They have a wide selection ranging from modern styles to more traditional ones and I ended up with a unique ring that I really love.

1133 20th St NW
(between N L St & N M St)
Washington, DC 20036

(202) 775-8544

Steve Quick Jeweler Review

So I've been wanting to write my review here for a while.... But considering that I bought an engagement ring, I thought it wise not to broadcast that fact until AFTER I had proposed to my now fiance.

I found Steve Quick on Yelp after having traveled around to several jewelry stores.  I was amazed at that poor service I received at places that were thought to be reputable.  And the thing is, I was the easiest sell ever! "Hi, I'm going to buy an engagement ring.  I have this money, and I will give you as much as you need to make the ring I want"  That was pretty much how it went down.  It seems that many places have their stock jewelry and are hesitant to do any custom work.

When I walked into Steve Quick, it was like a breathe of fresh air.  I came in, stated my intentions and described the ring I wanted.  They never shied away from any of my requests.  I had a very specific design in mind, and I knew it would have to be custom because I had a gemstone as my center piece.

I gotta give Traci some love here.  She worked with me from beginning to end and was so patient with me even as I figured out payment and also steadied my nerves to make the big purchase.  I think I viewed over ten different stones during four separate visits.  She was super patient and helped to educate me on anything I wanted to know.  Her honesty was very apparent and I felt incredibly comfortable throughout the whole process.  She was working to give me what I wanted.  At no time did I feel like she was trying to 'sell' me something.

Once I received the ring, I knew why Steve Quick was so willing to do custom pieces.  The work was incredible and looked exactly like I wanted it to.  My fiance was incredibly happy with the ring and we are both agreed that we are going through Steve Quick to buy our wedding bands as well.

Super positive experience.  Close to jeweler's row, so very competitive prices.  Honest and trustworthy staff.  They LOVE what they do there, and it shows.

2471 N Clark St
(between Arlington Pl & Roslyn Pl)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

(773) 404-0034

Bryn Mawr Jewelry Co Review

Another shinny and sparkling review for Scott!!  The minute you meet the man, you will see that he is just glowing with friendliness you will want to give him your business too.

Yelp lead us here on the search for a men's wedding band, and our first stop was not super successful.  We had just come from a big jewelry shop downtown and found a ring that we loved.  Scott does not carry much inventory in the store, so we left empty handed, but his great impression stayed with us.

We decided to be sneaky and go back to the overpriced jewelry store downtown, pick out a ring, and have Scott order us a ring to its exact specifications.  He absolutely succeeded, and for about half the price!!

Scott also ordered our ring from a Chicago supplier.  He shared that he tries to do all his business locally and support Chicago.  On my last visit to the store, I even heard him abruptly hang up the phone on a New York supplier who was bugging him for business.

My hubby-to-be, and I agree, that all further jewelry purchases we make (and I told my man, there better be many!! :)) Scott is our go-to-guy.

1125 W Bryn Mawr Ave
Chicago, IL 60689
Neighborhood: Edgewater

(773) 271-6263

San Francisco Diamond Exchange Review

I bought an engagement ring for my girlfriend here about a year ago after finding this place on Yelp.  It was such a great decision!  All of the staff people were so friendly, helpful, and understanding.  They took a lot of time to help me make an informed decision and understood exactly what I was looking for.

I had a very specific budget of what I could spend.  As I was checking out jewelers I immediately told them exactly what I could spend and told them I couldn't do a penny more than that.  You'd think that was specific enough, but other jewelers kept bringing out options that were outside of that budget (I'm looking at you Ben Bridge and Kay Jewelers).  San Francisco Diamond Exchange didn't do this.  They embraced my budget and helped me make the most of it.

My fiancee (she said yes!) liked the ring so much and said it's EXACTLY what she wanted.  I had such a good experience that I went back there when it was time to buy my wedding band and had a similar, great experience.  San Francisco Diamond Exchange will absolutely be my first stop for all of my future jewelry needs!

868 Brannan St
Suite #309
(at 8th St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: SOMA

(415) 255-0999

Ruby Review

I'm all about accessories lately for myself and those who I am supposed to be a personal shopper for.  Spending other people's money?  I'm doing my part to help the economy.  I don't even care that I don't end up with anything in the end. 

So, I came in to this store and immediately saw earrings, bracelets and necklaces I thought could work.  Unfortunately, I was jewelry-blocked because the one salesperson was helping someone else.  

Any other time, I might have been able to wait around but it was about 80 degrees in the store and I had to  be somewhere.  Also, I could tell from the conversation that the other customer was in no hurry to make a selection and get moving. 

Even though they prevented me from spending money, I give them 4 stars because the selection looked good and there was a cool pug that needed my affection.  I'll try again sometime.


3602 20th St

(at Valencia St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission

(415) 550-8052

Mixcoatl Arts and Crafts Review

Hand-beaded wonderful things in bright desert colors. Six foot iguanas, for instance. This is not an el-cheapo craft mart. This place is the real deal for amazing hand-crafted art and very nice silver jewelry. AND they sell Mexican wrestling masks, as well as a year-round selection of Day of the Dead/funeral fetishes for loved ones who have passed on.

The folks who work here are very patient with browsers. I looked at stuff in here for a couple years before I could bring myself to buy something -- resisting the impulse to buy the smallest, cheapest thing I could afford just to own something from a beautiful store. 

I finally got my folks a really stellar six-inch-high reindeer in oranges and blues and blacks, and I paid $65, and although that almost priced me out of buying any other Christmas gifts, it was worth it. They love it.

I believe "Mixcoatl" is the original Aztec word for Mexico.

3201 24th St
(between Van Ness Ave & Cypress St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission

(415) 341-4191