Gold and Jewelry Direct: Algonguin Coin Shop — Attraction in Algonquin

I really wouldn’t recommend this place based off of my experience here. Before I get into the review, I will say this, I am so happy that I went and had an amazing experience at another jewelry store the day before, because if I would have gone to this store first that would have ruined my opinion of jewelry stores! My boyfriend and I were interested in looking at their options for engagement rings. We received a recommendation from a family member to check out this jeweler because they had heard great things about this shop, so we were looking forward to it! When we walked in, the older gentleman, now learning that it was Albert from other reviews, didn’t even introduce himself or ask us our names. He didn’t even try to get to know us and didn’t even ask what I was looking for or what styles I liked. He immediately went into showing us diamonds versus showing us rings. He was very rude and condescending to his assistant in ordering him around. He started showing us different rings and I made comments here and there about thinking a part on this ring was pretty and a part on another one was pretty. Albert took that as those were the two rings that I wanted to decide between because they were “within budget,” which we never even told him our budget. While he ordered his assistant to get quotes on the two rings for us, my boyfriend had brought two rings that had diamonds from his mother’s and grandmother’s rings with to see what can be done with the diamonds. Albert was very dismissive of using the diamonds for the ring and suggested using them in a wedding band even after us expressing the importance of using the diamonds in the engagement ring. He said the quality of diamonds that he sells would be better for the rings that I was looking at. The assistant brought out the quotes and Albert immediately dismissed the one of the two that I actually liked more than the other because it was “out of budget,” which once again he didn’t know our budget. And the setting was only $630, and he estimated the entire ring, taxes included, to be $5300!!! How does that even happen?! He was showing us 1 carat and 1.22 carat diamonds the entire time. Everywhere I’ve researched, a 1 carat Diamond is approximately $2500 depending on the quality and clarity of the Diamond. As soon as he said how much and also everything else we experienced, I signaled to my boyfriend that it was time to go. We made up an excuse to leave and at that point Albert rudely made the comment that he can’t hold these diamonds and rings for too long because they are high quality and will be sold fast. We practically sped walked out of there to get back to our car. To put it into perspective, our appointment started at 11, and we were back in the car by 11:15!! At my other appointment the day before we were there for TWO HOURS. Today, the day after the appointment, my boyfriend has been getting bombarded with texts and phone calls from Albert trying to make the sale which is not okay. I really hope other people have better experiences than we did, because I’m confident in saying we will not be purchasing anything from this...

Before I sing the praises of Albert Kraus, let me tell you where NOT to do business with because they take advantage of inexperienced people like myself who aren't familiar with selling Gold & Silver. PG$ Gold & Coin and Jewelry & Coin Mart which are both located in Schaumburg, IL. Both of these places really "Low Balled me" and gave me very poor prices on the Gold I was selling while they were telling me how fair of a price they were giving me. Both places were dishonest and PG$ Gold & Silver actually dishonestly "didn't refresh the computer screen" and cheated me additionally on the "spot price" of Gold by $11 per ounce. I realized this after I got home and looked at a graph that showed how she cheated me! I would totally avoid these two places like the plaque if I was you.

Now to review Gold & Jewelry Direct and owner Albert Kraus. If only I would have found him before I did business with the above-mentioned scammers! It was a 30 minute drive from Schaumburg to Algonquin to Albert Kraus's Store. Believe me, it is well worth the drive wherever you are coming from! Albert is so personable, honest, knowledgeable, professional and experienced in Gold, Silver & jewelry. I instantly developed trust in him seeing him to be of good character and sincerity. Which is great, but of course the prices he was offering for my Gold, Silver and Jewelry was really important to me too. Albert gave me very good prices on everything I had which were much better than the two above mentioned stores in the first paragraph. I sold all the Gold, Silver & Gold Ring I had brought to Albert without hesitation! It was so wonderful to not have to be worried about being scammed or taken advantage of like I had been before. I honestly and heartly recommend Albert if you have any Gold, Silver or Jewelry that you want to buy or sell. I was just a stranger who walked in off the street and was treated like a valued customer and friend. He spent much time explaining everything and answered all my questions fully & honestly. Don't waste your time shopping around, just go to see Albert, I believe he will exceed your expectations, and treat you fairly and you will walk out as a friend and have full confidence to recommend him to family &...

Edit due to response by the owner: I stand by my initial review. It was a very unpleasant experience, and my boyfriend specifically asked if we could try on some rings so he knew what to buy when he came back, and we were essentially shoved out of the door. How could we look online if we were not able to try on some styles or get our many questions about fine jewelry answered? And please don’t ask someone when they’re buying a ring in front of their significant other: simply saying that your inventory changes weekly is enough to know the situation.

Came in with my boyfriend to see the styles of engagement rings they carry, but unfortunately we were rushed out in less than 5 minutes. The owner asked my boyfriend when he was planning to buy, and my boyfriend said within 6 months (not wanting to spoil the surprise of when he’s actually doing it) and we were told the inventory changes every week, so it was pointless to come in unless we were purchasing that second. When I asked to see a few rings in the case, I was shown 2 before given a card and told to look online. It was a very unpleasant and cold experience - my boyfriend and I left absolutely shocked at the service and we laughed on the walk to the car. Luckily, we went to another jeweler in the area who was more than happy to help, and we found the...