Aurum Jewelers — Local services in Buffalo

I unfortunately cannot recommend this establishment after my experience yesterday. I contacted Aurum Jewelers last week to arrange an appointment to have a WWI watch appraised and hopefully restored. I was drawn in by the great reviews, and on the phone the owner Paul seemed eager to look at the piece and see if he could help. As such, he suggested I make an appointment with him personally, so we agreed upon Wednesday at 3pm.

I showed up to the appointment promptly at 3, accompanied by my Mom who was interested in hearing the details of the appraisal, and found Paul waiting at the door. Unfortunately, despite it being our appointed time to meet, after a quick introduction at the door he slipped out, saying he had to re-park his car. His shop attendant set us up at one of the counters to await Paul’s return, and after a bit left us to attend to another customer. After 20+ minutes of waiting with no sign of Paul, the shop attendant returned and quickly informed us Paul had to stop at the bank for something and wouldn’t be back. He then changed the topic and offered to keep the watch for their watchmaker to look at. I was very confused by this because on the phone Paul never indicated that their watchmaker wouldn’t be onsite, nor that the base appraisal of condition + general overview of the restoration plan would be beyond his abilities. Considering we’d just been rudely blown off after waiting 20+ minutes for an appointment specifically made with the owner, I did not feel comfortable leaving the watch and have decided to find someone who is a bit more respectful to their customers to...

Many years ago, I brought an antique sterling locket to Aurum to be repaired and have been coming here ever since. Most recently, I brought a string of beads with a carved stone charm. It is not monetarily valuable but is by far the most important piece I own. It was a gift and has a wonderful backstory. Although I have received many compliments on it, other than the value it has for me, it could be described as a boutique item, not the usual wedding ring or higher end piece Paul works on or has for sale at Aurum. Not only that, the beads are minuscule. Some were missing and too small to find, lost forever in the carpet. Paul's first suggestion was to find a new chain for the charm. However, after he heard the story of the necklace, he was sensitive to my wanting to keep it intact and agreed to restring it, even though it would be a bear of a task. When I got my necklace back, it was better than I could have imagined. To make up for the missing beads, the original plan had been to knot the string at the back, as might be done for a string of pearls. However Paul's solution was even more artful: over the years doing his work as a designer, he has collected interesting odds and ends and had some beads, lighter in color but the right size, which he snuck in at the back so they are barely noticeable. I couldn't have been more pleased, and the charge was so reasonable. Whether you spend 50k or $50, Paul will give your piece the same meticulous attention. He has appraised an item for me as well, and also creates his own designs. I would not go anywhere else...

After scouring jewelry stores around Buffalo looking for an engagement ring, I'd begun to give up the idea of finding something my girlfriend would like that's also unique and notable.

I stopped into Aurum on Elmwood on a whim, and immediately found this place different, charming and sophisticated. I spoke to Paul Michaels, the owner. I gave him a broad idea of what I was looking for, and he promptly showed me a ring that not only fit my criteria, but also was unlike what I've seen at any other jewelry store.

Paul proceeded to work with me to get the ring I wanted with the limited budget I had, all in a time span that worked for when I was planning on proposing. The customer service at Aurum stands apart from everywhere else I've been. Paul has an old-fashioned sense of customer service, being personable, flexible and insightful with every customer he speaks to. You feel cared for and respected during the process (I've found jewelry salesman at certain chain stores to be less helpful and somewhat inflexible).

It may seem frivolous to some, but I find great value in the experience of getting a ring for my wife, along with the ring itself. I'm so glad I found someplace outstanding, interesting and unique to play a part in this chapter of mine and my wife's story. Paul was invaluable in finding the perfect ring and crafting the perfect experience for us, and I've since gone back to him for wedding bands and Valentine's Day gifts, always getting thoughtful insight and accommodating service. Aurum is definitely an ongoing...