Dorotheum — Local services in Vienna

I bought our wedding rings here. But instead of this being a special event, my experience with the staff at the Dorotheum flagship shop was awful. From the first day when we selected rings, we were treated rudely, the staff clearly showed no interest in us whatsoever and we ended up buying rings of wrong sizes. With good advice from the lady selling us the rings, I'm sure this would not have happened. Getting the ring resized (1 or two sizes, no engraving etc.) was refused at first without a horrendous fee. Eventually they agreed to do it free of charge, it took the goldsmith less than 5 min.

After only 2 months my ring broke. We were on a weekend at a spa when I noticed dark yellow spots on the white gold of the ring. Soon after that the ring just split up and showed a clear cut. Still don't know what caused this. I mean, we're talking about gold here. This shouldn't happen.

We came back asking what was wrong with the ring, how this could happen and if they can repair it. Instead of apologizing to us, the accused us of mishandling the rings. I'm working an office job and take the ring off when doing sports. I got really frustrated. At least this time it didn't need lots of arguing to get the ring fixed.

I'm currently waiting to see if the ring will stay in one piece this time. In any event, regardless of the bad luck we probably had with the rings... The staff is extremely unfriendly, will let you wait to take care of other customers. It's a very bad experience and I regret selecting this shop to buy our wedding rings.

PS: If you need something done in the workshop, most likely the goldsmith will be "on vacation" or "is sick for two weeks". Happened every time we needed something.

Update after 8 months: Ring broke again. Will contact a professional to have a look at the material... will...

I go to this place regularly with my family and we spent quite some money here. However,yesterday 13.12.2022 I had very bad experience with the receptionist (dark haired) downstairs when I asked if I can use the bathroom (which I already used couple of times before). She was very rude and showed me that I am there unwellcomed. I felt very bad and honestly,I don’t feel to visit this place anymore. People like she should be not working in such a place, moreover in a place where is she working with people! There are always nice people in cafeteria or upstairs where is jewelery. You should do something with this lady cause it’s unnaceptable in a place where people are really spending not a quite few money!

I have just received back your feedback. It is very embarrasing to receive answer like that. Very unprofessional. The point was not about the toilets and their placement but about the attitude your ladies have at the reception! Maybe it is needed to come there again and speak to your management face to...

Dorotheum is one of the oldest and the largest auction house in Middle Europe. There are several reasons for a visit: I personally as a 'native' Viennese go there, whenever I need a present and have no idea, what to get. At Dorotheum, I always find something, that fits the needs, especially in the 'Freiverkauf' (buy now) jewelery section. Another reason is the amazing experience of being part of an auction (you can just walk into any room with an ongoing auction and join). But careful: if you are only curious and don't want to bid, keep your hands close to the body! And, last but not least, enjoy the building and the various exhibitions without being charged any entrance fee. You will be stunned by the different artworks, paintings, antiques, coins etc. in one place! The Staff is extremely nice...