LL Private Jewellers — Local services in Vancouver

I came upon LL Private Jewellers in an unexpected way, but I am so glad I did!

My dream was to have a vintage wedding ring, and that dream temporarily came true when we found a Georgian sapphire halo ring circa 1790 online - but then after a day of ownership, the ring started to fall apart and the dream became a nightmare. After going to two other jewellers, one who said I would need to go to a specialist to get it fixed, it and another who said that it could be easily fixed but could not guarantee whether the same problem would keep happening, I went to LL Private Jewellers.

I originally just wanted the stone replaced, and Joe and Monika thoroughly and respectfully explored that possibility before concluding that it would be impossible to fix the ring in a sustainable way because of the poor construction of the base and the original gold being damaged. They explained it to me so that I understood specifically why it wouldn’t be feasible and even showed me close-up photographs of the holes in the gold, as well as demonstrating how loose all the stones were. They suggested that the only thing to do was to return the piece for a refund or melt down the gold and use the original stones in a new ring.

They were very sympathetic to my plight (more sympathetic to me than I was to myself!), encouraging me more than once to push for a refund from the inflexible seller (when I was just planning on letting it go as a learning experience), and asking for updates on whether I had been successful. (I eventually was!)

Joe said that he would be able to make a ring just like that, but better. Monika generously sent me multiple quotes based on whether I was able to return the ring for a refund or was not able to return it but could repurpose the original stones. They were very honest and upfront about the cost and the process. Because of the reasonable and clearly laid-out price, their obvious knowledge of jewellery, and, just as important, their honesty, professionalism, supportiveness to me, and enthusiasm for the project, I agreed to have them make a custom ring based on the design of the old one.

I came in several times: to look at and approve the rubber mold/cast thing, which they redid when they (not me) found a small imperfection. They were also helpful in recommending design features to enhance the vintage character that were not present on the original ring (milgrain), while being completely respectful of and invested in my (very old-fashioned and possibly not the most creatively stimulating) vision. They also explained the entire process and structure of the ring very clearly so I felt like I knew exactly what I was getting. I really learned a lot about jewellery!

Last Friday, the ring, along with an appraisal, was ready for my fiancé and I to pick up. I must say that Joe is an artist! It’s so beautiful that I can’t stop looking at it and never want to take it off. They exceeded expectations, and, as promised, the new ring is much better than the original, both in terms of structural integrity and look. Moreover, and a credit to Monika and Joe, it fits my personality and taste perfectly, as my friends and family have been remarking when they see it for the first time.

I am not wearing a piece of history as I had originally envisioned, but, as my sister eloquently put it, I’m creating my own history and now have something of lasting quality for my descendants to enjoy one day:)

LL Private Jewellers is well worth it and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone - you're not only buying a high-quality product, but also investing in people who care about your vision and have the expertise to make...

Last week I brought my engagement ring to be sized down and a bracelet to be mended by LL Jewelers and they did a spectacular job! This week my ring looks like new & my bracelet is back to working order and in better shape than I’ve ever seen it.

After filling out an appointment request on their website Monika promptly responded. The next day I stopped in to meet with Monika and Joe. They were both so friendly and professional. They really took their time examining my jewelry and sizing my finger so that my ring would fit properly again. They were more than happy to size my ring while I waited, but the bracelet was going to take a bit longer so I decided to pick them both up the next afternoon. When I came to pick up my ring it fit perfectly, it was cleaned and polished and a small nick in the band had been completely fixed. My ring is a family heirloom and this is the best it has looked in 20 years I have known it. It looks brand new again! (Its prongs had been re-tipped in the last few years, and when it came back from a different jeweler it really didn’t look that different. Now the band is super-duper shiny and evened out.) My ring is basically perfect again! My bracelet was another family piece that had been passed down to me. Joe took exquisite care with it because it was emerald and used a laser to put the link back together. Not only did he fix the piece he also went above and beyond (beyond what I had paid for!) and fixed other small defects in the piece. It looks FANTASTIC! I cannot wait to wear it again!

The pricing was very reasonable. On par with what I had paid to have my ring re-tipped and re-sized in 2009. I was quoted a price before I left my jewelry with Joe and Monika; then given a receipt and a photograph of my pieces. When I returned to pay and pick up my pieces the prices had not changed at all. And like I said Joe did more than I had requested. It was completely worth every penny.

The speed of service was amazing. Because they work on-site they were able to turnaround my ring and bracelet within 24 hours. I am sure that there are times when they are much busier, but they were very upfront with how long it would take. They both also said that I was welcome to watch the work be done if I was nervous about my jewels. I was not, but if you are nervous it is good to know that is an option.

The work they did was beyond compare! I would recommend LL Jewelers to all of my family and friends. They did just spectacular work! Thank you SO much Monika and Joe, I am so pleased with...

OK so here’s the deal. I have never written a review for anything in my entire life. No yelp, no Urban spoon nothing. I don’t trust them, have never felt the need and could care less what someone else says. However my experience with LL Jewellers was so good that I decided to break down and write my first official review. Let’s be honest, buying an engagement ring is a horrible experience. There is no real good how to guide. You’re all on your own. You have to read up on diamonds beforehand you have to walk into a store and immediately someone approaches you. Nothing laid back about it. Even if you find someone nice who walks you through it, you can still never be sure that what you’re being told is truthful. For example all the big name stores like Birks and Tiffany have all their rings made in bulk in China. Not original or personal. So after several useless trips to Jewellers I stumbled upon LL on the internet. To be honest I didn't have much faith before I went it. After about five minutes talking to Monica I realized that she and Joe were different. First thing she did was ask me my budget and if I had any ideas of what I would like. She then schooled me on different cuts and styles and showed me some examples. I learned more in 20 minutes with her then a week of internet research. I gave her my budget and told her the style I wanted. It could not have been any easier. From the time I gave her my deposit to the time I picked up the ring was 2 weeks. She invited me in to meet Joe and see how he makes it. It’s in his blood; he has been making jewellery since he was a kid. During the process Monica kept me informed and took pictures of my ring every step of the way. When it was done I was blown away....nicer than I ever could have imagined. I could care less where you buy your ring or what you do with your money. But if you’re looking for a unique one of a kind ring and have a set budget (no matter what it is) then you has to contact Monica and Joe. If you’re a schmuck and don’t care that the woman you’re marrying is wearing a mass produced over priced ring from China then ignore this. All I can do is tell you it was one of the best consumer...