Lisa Marie Kotchey Design — Local services in Sharpsburg

UPDATED: i added 3 more pictures of the ring after only having it for two weeks. I do not get this ring wet, or use any sort of lotions/soaps with it on. And now Lisa informs me and my fiancé that we can’t get our refund until sept 6th. Completely unprofessional. Not worth the time or the money.

Extremely disappointed in the product And service I received with my engagement ring. The only good thing i have to say is the stone settings are gorgeous, and the ring was resized perfectly. Nothing else about this experience was good.

I went into Ms. Lisa’s office of June 29th to get my ring resized and in a new band. We ordered sterling silver and she told us it would take 3-4 weeks to be completed. She informed us as well that she did have a weeks vacation planned within that time frame. I decided to give Lisa a follow up call on Wednesday, July 20th which would of put us directly at the 3 week mark for a status update. Her voicemail stated that she was on vacation but would be back that Friday the 22nd. I did not receive a call back. I then called a 2nd time on Friday July 29th and left another voicemail regarding a status update (we are over the 4 weeks at this point).

Lisa then texted me and stated for valid reasons that my ring would be delayed about 2 weeks. I was completely okay and understood the delay. 2 week pass and I send a text message on Tuesday August 9th (6 weeks after I gave her my ring) asking for an update. This is the exact response I get “Probably ready sometime next week”. When I asked for a specific date, she could not give me one but stated middle to late the following week. That would then put us over the 7 week waiting period - over 3 weeks than the original wait period. When I asked for compensation for time since I had to wait double the time that I was told, I was met with attitude (through text) and quite honestly excuses as to why it was not completed.

If there was one thing you can take away from this review, is that I was not upset about the delay in getting my ring back. The reasons for the delay were extremely reasonable and I understood. What bothered me the most was the complete lack of communication. Lisa knew within all those times that the ring wasn’t completed but did not communicate that to me. In our text conversation she mentioned caring for her clients and I did not feel that was the case for me. After our conversation on the 9th, Lisa then reached out to me 2 days later and said my ring was ready (about a week before she previously stated) I was able to pick up my ring on Monday, August 15th. Lisa compensated me $50 from the original price.

I can say that the ring fits be perfectly and the stones look beautiful. But that’s all I can say. If you look at the pictures the ring was rushed to be done, and is scuffed and tarnished. You can clearly see where she molded the ring together, and the side of the bands now look black and dirty. You can see the little green mark on my finger as well. These pictures were taken today - only a week after I picked up the ring. You can see much more of the black tarnish in better lighting. I have taken extreme care of my ring because I know what the wear and tear can do to sterling silver. Even if I hadn't, this is not what it should look like after a week.

At this point I’m not happy to show off my ring to those who are so desperate to see it. (Since I went so long without it). I’m embarrassed. I should not have negative feelings about something that should be so special.

Extremely disappointed is an understatement. This is supposed to be my dream engagement ring, and Lisa’s attitude and lack of care has put a huge damper on what’s supposed to be the happiest time of my life. I now have to find another jeweler who will take care of my ring - and spend more money to make it perfect. Please consider this when looking into getting your rings upgraded here. I would hate for another person to get the same...

Several years ago I received a gift of a custom-made signet ring. I was told by the jewelry store /designer that it belonged on my my fifth finger. I got the ring. Went through several fittings. But I never wore it as I didn't feel comfortable wearing "pinky ring."

After seeing the ring lying there unworn (especially in front of the individual who gifted it to me) I decided that I would have the ring resized to fit my ring finger.

I first went back to the jewelry store who made the ring. They told me that it was an extremely difficult task to resize the ring to a different finger. It would require a laser. It almost couldn't be done. We were talking $800 to $1,000. I said "thank you" and left.

Amazingly, there was a jewelry store next door to that that institution. I asked them the same question. They told me it was difficult. It would be $300 to $500 to resize the ring since it was going up several sizes. And it would take a while. I would need to leave the ring for some time. I thanked them for their time.

Then I went back to my old standby, Lisa Kotchey Design. She took one look at it. Sure, no problem. $150. The ring fits. I can use it again. I haven't spent my life savings getting it resized. And it is quality work. Should have saved myself some time and gone there first! If you're looking for someone to either make a piece of jewelry or repair a piece of jewelry, look no...

Lisa has made many items for me over the last 20 years, from a medical ID bracelet, a Robot pendant, many other pieces either in silver or gold. She usually gives me several designs (CAD or drawn, depending on the piece) to choose from and I always love the end result. Many years ago, I found some gorgeous tiger eye cabochons and beads that had been worked into an ornate necklace and earrings set where the cabochons were GLUED onto a backing and then crocheted into the pieces - not my style! However the price of $22.50 for all that tiger eye (huge pieces and lots of them) was my style and I just knew Lisa could do something awesome with them. She did and I now have a necklace, earrings and a bracelet that truly are fitting for me and a work of art! We work well together and Lisa has become my friend as well as my trusted jewelry designer.

Most recently, Lisa has remade one of my Mom's opal rings that was set in white gold in a very high setting. I was afraid to wear it and break the opal and liked yellow gold better; it's stunning now, with the diamonds that originally surrounded it set off better by the yellow gold and worked into the band also. Lisa also (w/ my approval) took apart two short necklaces to make one pendant that's stunning and more flattering to me now that I'm older w/ a...