Windsor Fine Jewelers — Local services in Augusta

Last night, I received a gift for my 60th birthday. My daughter wanted to gift me something special with an engraved message on it as a special keepsake. She chose Windsor Fine Jewelers, because she had seen their prolific ads that proclaim to have Augusta’s finest jewelry with customer service to match for all budgets. I received the gift and, of course, was touched by the sentiment. However, I was horrified when I later learned from her sister what her customer service experience had been. I was told that she came home in tears and reluctantly gave me the gift because there wasn’t enough time to purchase something else before the birthday party, which was to take place within the hour. Apparently, she went to Windsor and told the salesperson she wanted to purchase something within a certain budget that could be engraved on the inside. She was taken to the upstairs showroom to choose her gift, which was a sterling silver bracelet. She gave very clear instructions of how she wanted it engraved. The salesperson went back and forth to the in house engraver to ascertain what could be done on the bracelet she had chosen. In the end, she was told that it could only be engraved on one small part of the bracelet. (My husband’s wedding band has more engraved on it than she wanted done on this bracelet.) She also wanted it done in an elegant script font. She was told that they would let her know by telephone call if they were unable to meet her expectations. She received no phone call and excitedly went to pick it up at the time she was told it would be ready. Upon her arrival, they handed her the bracelet. It was not in any type of packaging. They just simply handed her the bracelet. When she asked if it could be gift wrapped, she was told it couldn’t be wrapped because it was not engraved in house. She was very confused and informed the salesperson that she had purchased it from Windsor and it was supposed to be engraved in house. She was also very disappointed with what the engraving looked like. (See photo) They refused to even put it in a bag for her. She left upset and went and sat in her car. She then decided to go back in and ask for an explanation and to plead for a bag to put it in. (Sadly, I was told that she left the store, sat in her car in tears and went back inside four times before they agreed to wrap it and give her a clear explanation of what had happened!) She eventually was told that the bracelet had been sent down the street to Friedman’s without the instructions on what she wanted. They finally agreed to gift wrap it after speaking to a manager. When I received it, I thought it might be from Windsor because the box was green but also noticed that the Windsor logo was not on it. This wasn’t really a big deal to me at the time. But when I heard about her experience, I took a better look at the box. It appears to be a defective, sub par Windsor box. The logo is barely discernible even under a bright light. Now I’m wondering if they gave her a box that would normally have been discarded for poor quality just to appease her. If this is the box that is supposedly so highly coveted, then I would hope they would rethink their logo being too faint to see on it. I’ll be paying Windsor a visit and hope that I’ll have a better review to...

I went in to Windsor’s today at my husband’s request as someone in his company has a part time job with a Windsor affiliated store. I have learned since moving to the Augusta area a few years ago, that the hype given to any of the town’s “tradition” businesses is generally woefully overrated. Windsor’s met that expectation today in spades.

I first asked about a ring I wanted resized, to which I was told it couldn’t be done, which I am ok with, except I was referred to Walmart to buy a ring guard. I realize I was channeling my mom look, but I felt that was an unacceptable recommendation. I came to support a local business…my mistake.

My second request has me questioning their status as a full service jeweler. I asked about resetting my octagon diamond, or a using a different setting. The shear nerve of the associate to ask if my diamond was a “leftover Zale’s diamond” before even looking at my diamond is unfathomable. I felt as though I was being brushed off until I used more jeweler terms and asked about a custom setting. Even then, the associate had decided that I must be amongst the lowest of the plebeian class by insinuating that I may not be able to afford this service stating “I wouldn’t want anyone to spend a lot of money, and then be disappointed with the outcome.” After obviously holding back laughter at his audacity to question my ability to pay, he seemed to take me a little more seriously. He took my information to see their designer and sketcher artist…this fall. Apparently, this is a service that is only available here twice a year. I am use to having this service at a whim when I visit my usual jeweler.

My request for resetting or a different setting is completely achievable. I will provide a photo of a similar ring set in the way I requested from a reputable jeweler.

The associate was indeed correct about one thing, I would most likely be very disappointed. I will continue to travel the thousand miles back to where I came from for my jewelry needs as they extend beyond what this locale has to offer. If they had been more respectful, they could have earned my business for my very extensive jewelry collection when I have need of a jeweler here. As it is, I trust courier services more than them. Retail seems to be all they can boast as...

What an experience!

My fiancee, Nikki, and I have found a new home for watches and jewelry in Augusta, as we were looking to find engagement gifts for one another. Claire, our Windsor representative, was kind enough to make that happen for us! She was welcoming, knowledgeable, and obviously very resourceful. Through Claire's guidance, Nikki was able to find some lovely David Yurman jewelry, and I was able to obtain a very unique Tudor watch for which I had been searching for some time. She truly helped make our engagement that much more special.

We were also lucky enough to meet the general manager, Harris. He was very patient, genuinely listened to our story, and truly seemed interested in establishing a lifelong relationship with us. He was kind enough to personally suggest a watch to begin a true collection, as opposed to simply selling us a watch and some jewelry. It didn't hurt that our new acquisitions came with a recommendation for a new grill, of all things! Recteq: designed right there in Augusta.

We were even introduced to one of their 2, full-time watchmakers Windsor has on staff. JT was kind enough to personally size my new watch on the spot. Fits like a glove!

Nikki and I cannot say enough about our experience with everyone at Windsor. We have referred our friends and family members to them for future jewelry and watch purchases, especially for those seeking unique and special pieces. We highly recommend dropping by the store if one is in Augusta and making an introduction. Totally worth it.

Cheers again to Claire, Harris, JT and everyone else at Windsor. Looking forward to...