Initially suspect as to why EVERY review for Simone's was 4 to 5 stars; besides auto sales, jewelry sales, especially involving those of certain ethnic groups, contain inherent complexity and wide disparities in pricing. Even armed w/basic knowledge of the "4 C"s", my likelihood of being taken advantage of in NYC diamond district was very high.
So, I researched top jewelers in Monmouth County, & through sheer "Irish Luck", discovered Simones. Wanting to commemorate our 30th wedding anniversary AND give a hearty F* You to these past 18 months of COVID induced divisiveness & torpor, I designated Saturday December 4 as" New Engagement Ring for the Next 30 yrs Day".
Cut to the chase....I experienced firsthand the answer to the opening question in this review. Within this low-key, unremarkable strip mall setting are diamond experts sincerely passionate about their profession. Their diamonds are sourced from Belgium...one of my initial concerns was purchasing South African/African diamonds; my research indicated those NYC 47th street shysters would not reveal their diamond sources.
Micheal McLean greets you at the door, plies you with very upscale chocolates , snacks & beverages; their unassuming desire to educate, not merely sell, means a client might be there an hour or so, so stay awhile.
Lisa McLean, my diamond advocate (she proved be anything but a saleswoman), was patient, correctly gauged my cursory level of diamond buying experience & devoted 90 minutes of focused yet friendly diamond tutoring. Her brother, Brian McLean, the owner, was also very laid back & provided excellent guidance on the trade in value of my wife's original .96 carat E color ring purchased 30 yrs ago.
It was fun to once again use the jewelers loupe to view the new diamonds Lisa had suggested. Two hours later I walked out with not only a STUNNING new diamond but the new 4 point ring setting complemented this special anniversary Christmas present. Lisa kept this purchase secret for 3 weeks; the story was the original ring needed cleaning & prong resetting. This new ring was finished as promised, 2 days before Christmas.
Will recommend to our two sons when they find "the girl"; any guys reading this, wherever located, you need to visit this family owned business whose stellar reviews are warranted....I experienced it firsthand.
P.S....yes, my wife did cry when she opened the original ring box from 30 yrs ago...with her brilliant new Simones...
Read moreI can’t say enough good things about Simones Jewelry! A few weeks ago I stopped by for earring backs for a very special pair of earrings. Lisa not only sold me the right backs (yes, that’s a thing), but she taught me why those were the right backs. She took the time to explain what I needed and despite the fact that it was a busy Saturday she made feel as if my little 38 dollar purchase was the most important one of her day. During that visit she checked my engagement ring and suggested an important safety repair. A couple of weeks later I dropped it off and had some watch batteries replaced. This time I had a chance to also meet Brian who helped me with the watches including a couple of Cartiers. Again amazing service! Brian is incredibly knowledgeable and was super patient with all my questions. Yesterday I was there to pick up my ring and have some pieces cleaned. My ring looks brand new! The shop was a little quieter this visit and I had some time to really look around. So many beautiful pieces! Clearly I could go on and on about this fabulous family run business that has stood the test of time. If you need anything, that special set of cuff links, a small chain, a special piece for yourself or someone else. Go here! The selection is vast and the service really...
Read moreI’ve been going to Simones for over 15 years. Their new location is fabulous. Brian the owner and his team of Lisa, Joanie and Linda are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They are a family and they treat me like family. I have challenged Brian four times to take a piece of jewelry with sentimental value and together we come up with a design and when I get the piece I’m blown away. Today I got back my moms ring which is now a necklace. A few weeks ago I dropped off a tennis bracelet with 35 -.25 diamonds that was made into a necklace. It was my moms. I knew that half the diamonds were replaced. I asked them to take out the diamonds and scrap the gold. I came in two weeks later for them to make something for my daughter and they had an envelope with money for the gold and told me that all 35 diamonds were real and nice. There is no one more honest then Simones. I’m moving to Florida and Simones’s will always get my business. The hardest part about walking in Simones is walking out empty handed. I have never felt any pressure to buy anything I just love their cool leather, pearls and watches. They have something for everyone. They really do. I’ll miss our long chats with all of you. See you soon. Andy Rose Ocean NJ off to...
Read more