Market Square Jewelers — Local services in Cambridge

My partner and I purchased a semi-mount setting from Market Square Jewelers (MSJ) in Cambridge, MA to use with my mom’s diamond. The troubles began when MSJ called my partner to pick up the ring even though the appraisal wasn’t ready. He proposed, and then MSJ called to say they had forgotten the appraisal and needed the ring back for 3-4 weeks. To add to the frustration, they charged us for this forgotten appraisal. I noticed visible issues with the ring: a noticeably sunken sapphire and visible metal blobs around the bezel, which looked like sloppy leftover glue. Despite assurances from the Harvard Square staff that the ring would be returned perfect and issues would be addressed, the ring was returned to us in the same condition.

After asking for advice on Reddit, I learned that the sapphires were likely cut too small and the silver blobs were janky clips that were not securely clipping the stones in. I contacted the Dover location and the Manager of Repairs said they would fully remake the ring, either with the original designer or a new one, depending on the diamond’s proportions. However, the remake looked even worse, with smushed milgrain, gaps where the sapphires were too short, and a jagged, twisted bezel. The manager brushed this off as choosing the wrong designer, and mentioned she didn't have a "good eye" like I did. She also mentioned that MSJ was losing money on this process, which was irrelevant to our concerns.

Instead of addressing the quality control issues or explaining why these problems occurred, MSJ seemed more interested in making new things without fixing the existing problems, and thus creating new ones. When we received the loose diamond back after opting for a refund instead of a last attempt, it had two noticeable chips that were not there before. MSJ said they stood by their work and that they would have been told if there was a problem in the setting process (which made no sense given the consistent negligence and repeated failures) and claimed the chips were pre-existing. The manager refused to compensate for the damage and did not allow me to get in touch with the owner.

This two month long ordeal was incredibly disheartening, time-consuming, and stressful. The consistent negligence and lack of quality control from MSJ were appalling. If you’re considering MSJ, think twice before trusting them with your precious jewelry.

(See R/EngagementRings on reddit for a longer, more detailed review)

[& see additional photos in this review for our reply to the...

Honestly hated every second of my experience here. Tried to sell some silver and gold jewelry and whoever was helping me just picks out the ones he’ll buy and won’t even explain why he won’t take some of them. Asked him to test some gold and diamond and he just seemed annoyed by the request. Finally got everything and the price, but I had to go back home ( I live in South Boston) because I didn’t bring my ID. That’s fine. I come back, and I show them my passport because that’s the only legitimate identification I can provide as a non-American citizen. The guy just flat out tells me they only accept American passports, and I just made a freaking round trip between Cambridge and south Boston. It says nothing about only accepting American passports on the page about selling/trading on the website. I’m just standing there dumbfounded, tired, and exhausted and this guy just says that’s the policy and just stands there with not even the slightest hint of trying to be more helpful or maybe suggest other places nearby that buy precious metals. There was a nice old lady in the shop who tried to give me some advice and the guy just tells her it’s fine, signaling her to stop talking to me. I specifically came to this place because I’ve been following them on IG and it seemed like a place where I can be treated respectfully, but I was overall extremely disappointed with...

There are not enough wonderful things to say about the fantastic team behind Market Square Jewelers! They are welcoming, kind, and so knowledgeable. I keep coming back to MSJ, not just because of the mind-boggling selection of jewels in every price point, but because of how fun the shopping experience is - learning about the history of each piece, chatting with and getting to know the lovely people behind the counter / lens (Alex, Rachel, & Abby you’re awesome!), and getting to connect with fellow “gemsters” via the IG Live shows. I’m just slightly obsessed and can’t wait to keep collecting gorgeous treasures from MSJ! Check them out on their website, Instagram, TikTok, and Etsy. You won’t be disappointed! *(These are a smattering of my favorites. The lighting in this picture just doesn’t do...