BR Diamond Suite, Inc. — Local services in Madison

I went to BR diamonds to get a custom emerald jewelry set of earrings and a ring. While both had brilliant jewels, my overall experience has been poor. I have gone back and forth to the store at least 6 times trying to get my ring to look and feel like what I asked for. I wanted a delicate ring that was pretty thin. I was given a massive chunk of a ring. I feel like I paid for a TON of gold that I didn't want or need and now I'm just shaving off money every time I go back to ask them to make it thinner and fit better. The biggest problems here are that 1. The ring doesn't look pretty and delicate-- it looks like an old lady setting. And 2. That the ring was made so wide that it splays my fingers apart and is incredibly uncomfortable to wear. Even after this last time, it's still too big and too wide AND there is now a huge fissure on the bottom of the ring where it tooks like two halves were joined. At this point, I'm giving up on BR diamonds and going to my old standby, The Diamond Center. I'd recommend going there for your jewelry needs rather than to BR.

**Update since reply from BR: I was there in every meeting with my husband. At each and every meeting, even during the wax mold meetings, I said that I wanted the band thinner and I was promised that it would be updated to be thinner. It never actually was, or it at least wasn't to an amount that would be comfortable between my fingers. Everyone has always been kind and understanding when I come back trying to get edits, but I feel like my concerns weren't really taken seriously any time. I was at every meeting where I went in to ask for more changes, and I was not offered a remake any time. I am not sure where that is coming from. The ring is much better than it was before, and even after the last time I picked it up, I said it was much better. The problem with rings is that you sometimes have to wear them for a bit before knowing for certain if it's perfect. I can't know that for sure when I am given a ring and put it on in the few minutes I'm in the office at pick up. My feedback was never false-- it was just not fully informed at the time. After this last time, I decided that coming back SIX TIMES to try to get what I wanted just wasn't worth it anymore for me and I needed to try to go...

I hate to leave an even remotely negative review for this wonderful family-owned business, but feel the need to share that they ultimately ruined the surprise for my engagement by mailing the ring appraisal to my home (where I live with my now-fiancee). While I ended up with a gorgeous engagement ring, the attention to detail and overall customer service was somewhat disappointing for a locally-owned store (and is closer to what I would expect from a big box store). Based on other reviews, I am probably the anomaly. Nonetheless, I list the pros and cons of my experience.

Pros: I ended up with an absolutely stunning engagement ring, and the cost was nearly 20% less expensive than the other two stores I visited. Everyone there is very friendly.

Cons: I requested quotes for different diamond sizes and had to follow up multiple times before receiving the quote. When I showed up to view the wax model, they made a Euro shank ring even though I had explicitely requested a round shank. When I went to pick up the ring, they did not have the appraisal prepared. Everywhere else I shopped stated that they provide the appraisal when picking up the ring. I asked them to mail the appraisal to my office since I lived with my girlfriend. After it didn't arrive in a couple of weeks, I had to call back and once again request the appraisal. I reminded them to send it to my office. THEY MAILED THE APPRAISAL TO MY HOME AND MY GIRLFRIEND FOUND IT IN THE MAILBOX THE DAY BEFORE I WAS PLANNING TO PROPOSE. As it turns out, the appraisal listed a Euro shank and was inaccurate. It took three more follow ups over the course of three weeks before I received an...

Got a watch for Christmas that required me to get the band shortened. I was recommended by a friend to get it done at BR Diamond Suite. I was very nervous prior to going in because it's a jewelry store and I'm still going to school, so my income isn't enough to be 'balling out' as I would like to. The point is, I was afraid this was going to cost me an arm and a leg.

I arrive a few minutes before my scheduled time and was greeted immediately by the receptionist, Wendy. It was then that I knew I was in good hands. All of my apprehension washed away as she asked me if I needed anything to drink. I ordered a bourbon neat to calm what nerves I had left and I walked around the sales floor as my watch was being worked on. If you haven't been in BR Diamond Suite, prepared to be blown away. The inside is phenomenal and the service is even better.

The staff were very accommodating to my specific needs (Disclaimer: I have small wrists), as it took a few tries to get the band length just right. Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the experience of BR Diamond Suite. Although I didn't buy anything this time, when the time comes to get my special someone a ring, I know exactly where I will be heading. Thanks BR...