Ryan's Jewelers — Local services in Northampton

I went into Ryan’s Jewelers on 3 separate occasions, and John was overall pleasant during the first two visits. The first visit, I was looking to update my engagement ring. I didn’t find anything there that I wanted, but he showed my lab-grown diamonds. I already had a diamond, so I was confused why he was trying to sell me something that I already had (as a side note, I’ve been to multiple jewelry stores, and he is the only jeweler who repeatedly tried to sell me something that I didn’t ask for). In the end, his sale tactic worked because I also wanted 1 carat diamond studs, and after thinking about it, I realized lab-grown would make that affordable, so I decided to go back to him. Also, I inherited my mom’s jewelry and I was considering updating some of her pieces. He talked me out of redoing the two pieces, but suggested that I get earrings to match her necklace.

After thinking about it, I decided to go back a third time to determine the cost of the earrings and to extend a different pearl necklace that I had, as well to see what he had in diamond studs, and to inquire about custom designing a pendant or two. This third interaction was very demeaning and I left after a short time. I want to make these purchases during tax free weekend since in my world I’m spending a lot on jewelry, and I am grateful to save a few hundred dollars between the purchases at the different stores, but John belittled me for trying to save 6.25%.

When I asked how much the earrings would cost, he said he would have to look into it, but he said it in a way that that was the end of the conversation. Okay, he lost that sale.

In all my interactions, I discussed custom designing 3 different pieces, and each time John started with “How much do you think it will cost?” If I had any idea, I would be a jeweler and I wouldn’t be talking to him. If you tell him you have no idea, he continually challenges you until you give an answer. As a side, I’m having a different pendant designed by another jeweler, and he didn’t ask me once that question for all my custom design ideas. The other jeweler was patient and helpful, and he’s making ~$10,000 sale.

John told me at one point that I take a long time to make a decision. I’ve been researching 8 different pieces! Yes that takes time, and I don’t make decisions impulsively. I do my research. He shouldn’t make me feel badly for that.

He also shared at one point that his store used to be in Chicopee, and I responded that his clientele must be different in Northampton. He confirmed stating that while in Chicopee, he was paid cash and his customers trusted his decisions. In Northampton, his customers ask where the diamond is from, which he appeared annoyed about, so don’t plan on buying a Conflict Free diamond from him.

It should also be noted that three times he had a note on his door “be back in 10 minutes.” He actually permanently leaves the notes on the back of his door because I’m assuming on a regular basis he goes to get his coffee and cookie fix. The first instance, I went to other stores and after 30 minutes he returned as I was approaching the store. One time I showed up with the note and just left.

Also don’t bother trying to call his number to determine the store hours since you can’t find it on his Facebook page and he doesn’t have a website. The phone rings two times and then goes silent. I thought it was my phone, but it called other numbers okay and my husband’s phone couldn’t get through either.

Oh and don’t ask if he gives appraisals. He will talk to you for ten minutes about how it is a waste of your money to insure your jewelry.

I found John to be opinionated, judgmental, rude, high pressure, and impatient, and I would never recommend him. While in there 3 times, there was never one customer. I’ve been in multiple other jewelry store , and that isn’t common. People are out there buying jewelry. So maybe the word is already out about...

Walked in today to see if it was possible for my clauddagh ring to be resized that I purchased off Etsy. I don’t have any other rings and bought two of these to match with my partner but mine was a little too big. He told me my ring is “worthless” and suggested a spacer, which is fine but then said “you can get them online- oh but you get everything online all you know is buying stuff online. Next time you buy something online- which will be probably today or tomorrow- you can buy a ring spacer”. Not sure if this was supposed to be funny but I found it pretty insulting and mildly sexist. Not sure why he would assume all that just because I bought a ring off Etsy. Left a bad taste in my mouth, won’t be going back for anything...

I'm incredibly disappointed by my experience here. I went to get a family heirloom resized and the ring was damaged during the work that was done on it at Ryan's. The ring is still not my size, but I've taken it to a new jeweler who is helping me troubleshoot this piece now. I really didn't feel like the owner cared about me or the ring in my time talking with them, and that feeling is confirmed in seeing the damage on this priceless piece. Disappointed, to...