A.J. Martin Estate Jewelry, Etc. — Local services in Nashville-Davidson

When I first moved to Nashville in the early 90's fresh out of college, AJ Martin was one of the first places I discovered. I loved the owner's sassy wit and shop dogs. The store was filled with a plethora of items. Inexpensive "dry humor" novelty items were at one end and breath taking vintage jewelry at the other. Over the past few years, the novelty items and shop dogs have gone away but much of the jewelry remains. So when my 17 year old daughter said she didn't want a typical class ring, I knew exactly where I wanted to take her. Dustin had the patience of Job as he showed my daughter, piece after piece as Ann chimed in with her hilarious stories and advice. After over an hour, my daughter was down to two rings...a vintage one and a new one. The vintage one already had the amethyst stone she wanted, the new one had a diamond that they said they could have made with an amethyst, but yet, she could not visualize it. So Ann says, "Dustin, pull out that marker and color the diamond purple for her so she can see it". He did...and she loved it. We left and my daughter just kept saying how much she loved that place. I was so happy to share a piece of "my Nashville" with her. It was a great day. But the story doesn't end there. It would take some to get the ring made with the amethyst. As my daughter's birthday approached, I called and asked Dustin if he thought it might be ready in time. He said he would try. He texted me Tuesday night of her birthday week and said he would have it in the shop for me the next day. I explained I would try to get there before they closed on Wednesday but I had an appointment during that time. He agreed to meet me in the Trader Joe's parking lot early before my appointment so I would have it in time. They really don't make customer service like that anymore. I promise you, if you go to AJ Martin, you will leave with a wonderful story and hopefully a new piece of jewelry. Wish I could give...

AJ and Dustin are the best, and their selection is outstanding.

My fiancé went ahead of me and picked out some rings, having hilarious and fun conversation with AJ and Dustin. When I got there, it was a fun experience picking out engagement rings. AJ was very charming. Don't expect a sweet old lady, though – she has some southern sass to her that made us laugh out loud multiple times. She and Dustin knew when to approach us with ideas or suggestions (all very GOOD suggestions), but gave us space when they could tell we wanted it.

When I picked up the ring, AJ asked how I was going to propose. I told her my idea, and she responded, "That's nice, but this is what you should do." And she was right. I changed my plan of approach and my (now) fiancé was totally surprised. Her idea was so good and I could tell she wanted me, a customer, to glean from her vast experience helping others in the engagement process.

My fiancé eventually went back to get her ring resized (which they did within the price and time they quoted), and she ended up talking to Dustin for nearly two hours. She told me he was just so easy and fun to talk to, and had lots of ideas and opinions around weddings that intrigued her. Obviously she thought it was a blast to have stayed there for almost two hours.

AJ and Dustin are sincerely the best. A GREAT price for the vintage ring I bought, and an...

if there's one thing you get from this review, it is that A.J. Martin is hands down my "go-to" jeweler in Nashville. I stopped in one afternoon because a necklace in the window caught my eye (which i ended up purchasing) but then i made my way to the ring cases. i was looking at them thinking "WOW these are gorgeous.. if only they had diamonds in them so i could have one as my engagement ring.." and then A.J. said, "oh, but we do have rings like that with diamonds"... i swear my 23 year old self nearly had a heart attack after browsing through the COUNTLESS antique/vintage/art deco rings they have. I think i went back every day for a week trying to decide on the perfect one, and when I eventually was able to decide on a ring to make my own, they were so helpful in getting it sized for me! My ring being a 1920's piece, everyone comments on how unique and beautiful it is (which, i can't lie, its a pretty freaking awesome ring). Since then, i have been back to pick out my wedding earrings, bracelet, and wedding band. All of which are absolutely perfect.

I can not explain how much i love this store. whether you are in the market for an engagement ring, wedding ring, or just a badass necklace or bracelet- this is your store. One stop shop. They certainly are my one-stop shop for all gifts :)

okay, rant over. i...