Main Street Jewelry at Federal Hill Baltimore — Local services in Baltimore

I called in advance to inquire if the store could place a wrist band on my watch piece. Was told yes, they could assist. Went into the establishment with 2 watches. I explained that one watch needed the band to be attached and the other needed a watch battery. I handed him both watches and he told me that he needed 25 minutes. He didn't attempt to write me an invoice nor explain what labor and pricing would be. I then asked how much would it cost for a replacement battery? He verbally quoted, "$25.00," and that a CR/lithium battery is required for my type of watch. I stated, the CR battery for my watch is only 5 or 6 dollars on Amazon. He then told me to leave, that he did not want to help me. He waved his hand off at me and walked away. I left without responding or saying anything. I do not recommend this store to anyone. The guy working was very unprofessional and extremely rude. I do not know if race had anything to do with it, but it's certainly a factor in today's climate. I give this establishment a ZERO!

In response to the owners response; I never once during our interaction, asked nor mentioned receiving ANY services, "for free!" That is a flat out lie! Again, once I explained what services I needed and handed him both watches, he never attempted to explain labor pricing nor create an invoice for labor services for attaching my band to the watch, and replacing the battery in the other. He immediately became annoyed and dismissive once I questioned the $25.00 replacement cost quote of a simple CR watch battery. After review of the business, I discovered this owner Tarek Ahmed has been in business for 23+ years as a jeweler in Baltimore. He was quick to dismiss me and again, very unprofessional, rude, a liar and extremely arrogant. Good luck to you if you...

The owner is friendly and knowledgeable. Walking down Light street, I came into the shop the behest of my 8 y/o daughter who just wanted to look at earrings and Mr. T was so kind and patient; showing her several pairs of earrings even while he had other customers to attend to. He even offered her a discount on a beautiful pair of gold & pearl earrings if she planned to use her money and not her Dad's. This is exactly the kind of community experience you cannot get from a online shop.

The owner gave me very clear quotes for some work I need done on a few watches, and when I returned with one of those watches, he actually charged me less than originally quoted. He was quick and did great work. Some watches require brand specific tools and presses and not only does he have the equipment, but he's quick to boot.

In addition, he gave me some much appreciated advice on homeowners insurance policies versus jewelry specific insurance riders and stand alone policies, as I need to have a valuable watch appraised for insurance. While he's not currently doing certified appraisals for insurers, he can do authentications for high-end watches and is knowledgeable about...

I came across Main Street Jewelry earlier this summer, as I was in need of some minor jewelry fixes and wanted to stay local as much as possible. Tarek walked me through the process and fixed multiple necklaces and bracelets at a very fair price with great turnaround time. As I was leaving his store, he let me know that he stood by all of his work and wanted to have repeat customers due to the quality he provided.

I was able to test his words today, as one of my bracelets he fixed had the spring in the clasp break (not his fault) and without having to look at a computer or play any games, he remembered me, remembered his words, and took my bracelet back to fix with no additional charge to me.

It is rare in this world to find a small business owner who focuses on quality, customer service, and keeping their word. Tarek and Main Street Jewelry do all 3 of these things and because of that they will have a customer for life.

If you are in the Baltimore area and need someone you can trust to repair, clean, or show you some new jewelry that you might want to add to your collection, look no further.

Cheers to you sir and...