The Corner Jeweler — Local services in Jacksonville

I'm so genuinely disheartened after my experience with The Corner Jeweler. It's rare that I bother even writing a review, but I feel the need to warn others about the lack of care and professionalism that you could receive, just as I did. I dropped a 25 year old ring off for resizing and repairing the prongs. This ring was left to me and holds significant value both emotionally and monetarily. When I looked into a jeweler to use, I very much wanted to support a small business that did everything in-house. And even better that this is a veteran owned business. Here's the timeline: 3/3/21: called The CJ to inquire about my needs, got quoted 2 weeks turn around time 3/4/21: dropped my ring off at the CJ at 11:15 a.m. and was told it would take a week. I waited 3 weeks because I'm generally a patient person and don't mind waiting if there's communication. 3/23/21: I called and got the receptionist (I believe?) And asked about the status of my ring. After being on hold, she came back to ask me more info and a description of the ring. I started to get worried and ask if something had happened. She assured me nothing could happen and that they take great care in what they do. After another brief hold, she informed me that my ring was currently being worked on and should be ready soon. 4/1/21: STILL NO RING. STILL NO UPDATE. So I call again. This time I spoke directly to the jeweler and was told that he was "swamped and doing work for everyone else" and told me he would move my ring to being a top priority. Okay. I'm still trying to be understanding at this point and said I understand and would look forward to hearing from them soon. 4/13/21: As you can guess from the rating, still no ring, still no update. I went directly into the store without calling ahead and asked for my ring back. I explained it wasn't a "pick up" as I didn't think any work had been completed. So the receptionist (?) searches for my ring amongst the pick ups. Nope, not there. Nor is it in any of the other storage. THEY MISPLACED MY RING. Now this is a problem for obvious reasons, but things can happen. I wait several more minutes as I hear a decent bit of what's obviously a "panic search" in the back and amongst the other stored possessions. I don't believe the jeweler intended for me to hear him, but he told the receptionist very quietly that "it had slid down." Very, very fortunately, they were able to find my ring, and as expected, it hadn't left the baggie since the day I dropped it off.

Here's what all of this tells me: They do not have a system in which they keep track of a person's jewelry or if they even have it in their possession past when they should. I was lied to, not once but TWICE, even directly from the jeweler. And the lies, were basic BS excuses given to quiet annoying customers. Even after calling and it being very obvious there was a problem on their end, no one bothered to look into it past the "pick up" box. And not once has anyone reached out to update me. Why? Because they didn't even know they had misplaced it. Because no one bothered to actually LOOK.

This is an integrity and morality issue. And I find that to be highly concerning when you're being trusted with items that hold such high sentimental value. After being handed my ring, no apology or explanation was given. The jeweler sat down and didn't look at me again. Over a month late, misplaced, and lied to. And the people working here can't even apologize when they really, really screwed up. If you want to come here, just bear in mind that a ton of great reviews matter very little if they can't act as professionals...

I took my husbands Nixon watch here to have the battery replaced. They told me that the watch guy was not in so I would have to wait a few days to come back and pick it up but it would only cost me $8, which I thought was a good deal. When I picked it up, it worked great but a month or so later it started to act up. It was not keeping time right. It would stop and start again. Once we moved back home we took it to our regular jewelry repair man and he informed us that the last guy who replaced the battery shoved the WRONG battery in it and it exploded causing all the things in it to become dirty and jammed. They could have ruined my husbands $200 watch by being irresponsible. Really?? How hard is it to change a battery? And if they didn't have the battery for his watch, then they shouldn't have shoved a different one into it. I'm glad we don't live in NC anymore because if we did I would go down there and give them a piece of my mind.

I also took a ring into them when I dropped off the watch to get it appraised and they told me it was only worth $400. I went to get a second opinion because it has a fairly large ruby in it and 2 diamonds. I took it into Harris Jewelers and the guy there whose been fabricating jewelry for over 20 years told me just the ruby alone was worth over $3,500. They don't know what they are doing there. Or maybe they do and they're just ripping people off. If you care about your things don't take it to them. You've...

The Corner Jeweler is the model of how all small businesses should operate to be successful.

If you need to purchase or have jewelry repaired or are interested in dealing with coins this is the only place to go in the entire region of Eastern Coastal Carolina.

Louie Rivera, is one of those incredible small business owners who does everything right for his customers and community. He is honest, and an expert about coins and jewelry, as well as a talented artist when repairing jewelry. When I was selling some items he went above and beyond to help me. Louie, Tammy and Tommy make sure you are happy and have the best possible experience.

I have seen countless acts of kindness to so many people when I have been in the store. Louie, recently donated a set of his and her fine watches to a fundraising event for the Raider Realty Foundation which is dedicated to building a home free and clear for life for a Gold Star Family. When asked if he could help with this non-profit's mission, he did not hesitate to help. He cares deeply about this community and the people who live and work here. It is why Louie and The Corner Jeweler are a institution in the area and have outstanding reviews.

Louie and his staff always have a smile on their faces and once you leave this store you will have laughed at least once and will be so...