Pattons Fine Jewelry — Attraction in Baton Rouge

We were disappointed with the lack of customer service when we visited Pattons. The only pleasant part of my dealing with Pattons was the phone conversation with Kevin prior to coming, which was professional. Here is our story: My teenage daughter needed a ring for a ceremony, and within a two 1/2 week time frame. Her budget was $300 or less. We looked online first, then at a few local stores. She was realistic that the selection would be small at this price range, and we made a point to call prior to going in anywhere to ensure they knew what we were looking for. We did not want to waste anyone's time. We eventually found six rings she liked on Patton's website, all sterling silver, with varying lab-made stones. We took pictures of them all. I called Patton's and first mentioned the price range, time frame needed, and that we had found several online we liked. Kevin Patton was who I spoke with, and he was pleasant and efficient. He set an appointment time for us, suggested saving what we liked on their online wish list, and said they would have a few things in their showroom in that range as well. He sounded genuinely glad to help us, knowing we would be spending most likely under $300. When we arrived, Kevin was busy with another customer. A saleslady (wish I could recall her name) with a bright smile and beautiful dark skin said she could help us. When we explained what we were looking for, she showed us to a particular case. I asked if she could check my daughter's ring size at that point, which she did, and still with a smile. There were no rings that really struck us on display, though they did carry several in that price range. We showed the saleswoman a picture of our top choice from Patton's online website- a sterling topaz ring. She went to check on availability, and then told us it was not in stock. It would be 4-6 weeks before they could even get it in. We understood that fully, but here is where things went south. I told the saleswoman that we had five other potential rings that we had pictures of and item numbers from their website. I asked if we could find out if any of those might be in stock and make it in the time frame needed. She simply smiled, but did NOT answer. I asked again, and she said it was not likely. Her expression became chilly, and she clearly did not want to exert the effort to check. I asked what other options we had, and if they had a catalog. She pulled a catalog from behind the counter, then told us that it was from many years ago, and probably obsolete. I asked if they had current catalogs, and she said no. At this point her mannerism was distinct- we were wasting her time. She was not outright rude, but somewhat patronizing, and simply not willing to investigate any other options. She then suggested we try James Avery or The Silver Sun, and we were basically dismissed. Truthfully neither of these were bad suggestions, but her condescension and unwillingness to help further were a shame. This all occurred in under 18 minutes. My daughter was embarrassed and disappointed. When we got home, I did another internet search for the same topaz ring. I found it at a Jeweler in Kentucky. When we contacted them they did not have it in stock, but had their dealer get it to them quickly. They then rushed sizing and shipped asap. They got it to us in a week and a half, from Louisville. They treated us like we were buying the Hope diamond, and contacted us numerous times throughout the process to ensure all details were ironed out. They also thanked us several times for the business-all for a ring that ended up only being $220. It is sad that we did not get this level of service locally, which is where we always look first. I would imagine Patton's staff treats their high-end clients well, but we did not fall into that category on this trip. I have struggled between rating with 2 or 3 stars, because Kevin was kind on the phone. At the end of the day though, your staff represents...

I brought my platinum yellow sapphire ring in to be repaired when the stone was knocked out. The ring was insured through State Farm. Patton's was no longer a State Farm approved business as they were a few years ago, however they told me I could go to them if I chose. So I did. I was initially given a quote of $250 by Cheryl to repair the ring. After I mentioned it was an insurance repair, the quote was changed to $400 "because I forgot the resetting fee". As I was leaving, Cheryl mentioned something about the "gold prongs". I stopped and reminded her it was a platinum ring and a yellow sapphire, that I had appraised at their own store. She said "ok". After I got home, I realized the receipt they gave me stated "White Gold ring with loose yellow stone". I then remembered Toneisha, another person who had been present, mentioning rhodium, which is used to make yellow gold appear white. Worried, I called the store back. Cheryl was no longer at the store, so I spoke with Dwayne, to let him know of the receipt stating white gold, Toneisha's comment about rhodium, and to confirm they understood the ring was unstamped platinum and needed to be repaired as such. Dwayne put me on hold and came back to tell me they tested the metal as white gold. I told him that I had paid a hefty $80 for a thorough written appraisal from their own store, which described the ring as "electronically tested, unstamped platinum". I had been paying to have this ring insured based on the written appraisal. Since they were contradicting themselves, I requested a refund for the $80 appraisal. I had been insuring the ring the entire time based on their appraisal which they now claimed was incorrect. I stated I wanted my ring and stone back to have repaired elsewhere, as I no longer held any trust in Patton's. As I went to reach for the ring, he very aggressively snatched my own ring away from my hand and stated through gritted teeth, "DON'T TOUCH". I got my phone out to call my husband, and to ask him to call the police and to come down to the store. The man asked for my credit card. I assumed he was refunding my appraisal fee per my request, so I gave it to him. I still don't know what he did with my credit card. I told him I was filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, and writing online reviews so other customers would be aware of my experience. He threatened to sue me for slander if I did so. After I left, I realized he still had my appraisal paperwork. I knocked on the door again to retrieve it. I then asked for my credit card refund receipt, and he stated "You're not getting a refund." I was shocked. I still don't know what he did with my credit card if he wasn't refunding me. I immediately called State Farm and told them the complete detail of this incident. They took down all the information at length and were very thankful. I am taking it to a different jeweler for repair, and now I guess I have to pay for a new appraisal since the one Patton's themselves gave me a year ago is incorrect according to their own admission today. ...

Pattons Fine Jewelry is the only place I’ll shop. Their staff is the friendliest, most helpful people and their selections are top-notch in value, variety, and quality.

When the topic of marriage came up, we went to Pattons because they were right down the street. When nothing caught my eye, Lesley worked patiently with us for weeks to customize an engagement ring to my liking and within my fiancé’s budget. I finally settled on a morganite stone in a rose gold band, and I was absolutely blown away by how beautiful it turned out when he proposed.

We went back to Pattons and Lesley helped us once again customize my fiancé’s band to his style and preferences. I really love that the men’s rings also come with a silicone band for those who need it for work, and he can’t wait to wear it.

At Pattons, you’re not just another customer. You’re treated like family, and the employees take care of you and your purchases. My favorite thing is their complimentary cleaning on all jewelry, so not only do I get to keep my ring sparkling and look brand new, but my other pieces like necklaces and heirlooms stay looking their best too. I’m always greeted by name, and Lesley takes the time to catch up with us whenever she can. I was even able to get a watch my fiancé’s been eyeing for some time during one of their specials.

If you’re looking for that special piece, go to Pattons. You won’t be...