Jewelry Dr — Local services in Tacoma

I'll start this review with at least noting that the staff are friendly and seem happy to help out, but I would seriously recommend avoiding the Jewelry Dr. The quality of the craftsmanship (or lack thereof) that they are comfortable with leaving their store is astoundingly bad. For some context, I decided to purchase an unused engagement ring from an acquaintance that was built new by the Jewelry Dr. a few months back, with receipts documenting what was purchased. I figured it would be a good idea to meet at the Jewelry Dr. to have them inspect the ring, check for any issues and ensure that it was legitimate. We both met at the Jewelry Dr., and had the owner examine the ring. He confirmed that the ring was legitimate, built by them, and had no issues. I was happy with their endorsement and purchased the ring on the spot. I am no expert in jewelry and took their word on their inspection. Only when I got home did I notice that the center gemstone was a bit crooked. No big deal I suppose, I have no issue with getting a small issue fixed. I brought it to a very well-reviewed jeweler (shout out to Green Lake Jewelers in Seattle), which is where some very big issues were brought to light. They informed me of the overall shoddy workmanship of the build (the center gemstone was loose and able to be moved by hand, over cut and genuinely hacked up prongs, sanding and plier marks from construction, and a very visible re-size). They professionally showed me under magnification all these issues that I had no idea about. This is my first jewelry purchase. I knew that I was not an expert and wouldn’t notice these issues, which is why I brought it to the Jewelry Dr. in the first place. None of these issues were from wear and tear, but from poor craftsmanship. Now I am completely aware that I purchased this ring from another private party, but I genuinely expected a lot more from a professional inspection. I reached back out to the Jewelry Dr., and respectfully let them know of all the issues with the ring, and if there was anything they’d be willing to help with since nothing was mentioned during the inspection. They happily insisted that I bring it back in and they would repair these issues it right free of charge. I’ll give them kudos on at least being appearing to have good customer service. After a week of the ring being with them for “repair”, I go to pick up the ring. I’ll mention that they did not bring out any magnification to go over the work they did, and seeing as it was done free-of-charge, I wasn’t in the spot to scrutinizing it before accepting. As soon as I got home, I took out my hand lens and was honestly floored. I don’t know what they did, but it looks like they simply hammered the prongs and polished the ring. There is now a bunch of hammer marks and scratches on the prongs, with the kicker being that the gemstone is still loose and able to be moved by hand. None of the issues were fixed. I wanted to give them a chance to make it right, but I would have preferred to simply pay a legitimate jeweler to repair it instead of going through this headache. Suffice to say I will not be bringing this ring back to them again. The fact that they let this ring leave their business multiple times, after: Originally building this and selling this ring with poor craftmanship for nearly $2,000. Giving it a glowing pre-purchase inspection despite clear issues Failing to actually repair it, and causing further damage/marks to the ring. Its frankly astounding. I don’t write almost any one-star reviews, but this has to be the most frustrating experiences that I’ve had with a business - especially when purchasing something as important as an engagement ring. If you care about quality, go support a quality jeweler and save yourself massive frustration by avoiding...

Long story short: Go to Connections Fine Jewelry instead. You pay half the price and get better service.

Long story: I have this 14k gold braided rope bracelet that belonged to a family member who passed away shortly before it was given to me by her sister. I unfortunately broke it, just a clean break of one of the links and was looking for a place to get it fixed. I had immediately stored it in a box because I knew I wanted to get it fixed. I was looking around the Tacoma area for places that were open at times I got out of work and found the Jewelry Dr. The reviews seemed to be good online so I brought it in after work. They took out all the fancy tools and lights and confidently told me they would have it fixed by the next day, so I trusted they knew what they were doing and was just happy to have my jewelry back.

When I came in, I was all but running to the store and very excited to get my bracelet back, until they brought it out. I got quiet and honestly confused on why they were so happy to give me back such a horrendous fix. The bracelet is designed in a way that the links do not make one firm circle, but move with gravity and the contour of your body. The part they "fixed" was no better than a brick. I brought it home and was told it literally looked like they tried to fix it with elmers glue. It looked like they just took a blowtorch to it and melded the sides back together. I genuinely believe that if you gave me a kitchen stove and a pan, I could've done the same job. I honestly was choking back tears and felt like throwing up. And when I asked if they could fix it so it was like the rest of the bracelet, I was told their work was the best any professional could do. It is not very hard to see the emotions on my face, and even after verbalizing my disappointment, they still had the audacity to turn the screen around and ask me to pay $70 for a child's art project. Out of shock and just wanting to leave, I paid (big mistake) and started crying before I even reached the parking lot. Then there was a lot more crying when other people I showed the bracelet to could obviously see their "fix" and looked at me like my dog just died. Not only had I broken a valued family member's possession, but I brought it to a place that couldn't be trusted to tell me the truth of not knowing how to fix the piece I brought in.

Later, I was suggested to go to Connections Fine Jewelry and when I brought in the piece, they were extremely disgusted with the work of the Jewelry Dr. They were so caring and concerned with how I was feeling. To fix it, they had to cut off the "fix" from the Jewelry Dr and then start from scratch. Luckily there was enough length so it still fits. They did double the work and only charged me $30, also giving me the part they had to cut off. If you are looking to buy pieces, they also have a great and vast selection of new and antique.

This all happened in July and I went back and forth in my head debating on if I should say something, but the thought of them overcharging more people for a first-timer's work really does not sit well with me. A real professional would be able to fix the piece as it was or let you know they cannot do it. I wasted money and time on causing more damage when I could have gone elsewhere.

I’ve attached images below. It is hard to see on camera, but the start of the bracelet by the clasp is what the Jewelry Dr did. You’ll notice the difference in coloration and link size. That portion, which was the same size as the clasp also...

I can't say enough good things about this business. I have had several pieces repaired over the past months and I have yet to be disappointed. Today I picked up one of my rings in which I wanted to have a blue sapphire set as the main stone. The setting is very special to me as the diamonds in the halo were from my grandmother and I had purchased the sapphire online for a "good deal" or so I thought. The sapphire turned out to be a "fracture filled" stone which I had no idea what that meant, but when exposed to high temperatures, it literally turned to complete sh*t. It was unusable. Steven went into solutions mode and my ring turned out much better than I ever expected. I am so grateful in how this was executed. I've stated this before and I will state it over and over again, Jewelry Dr has earned my business for life. I have been into jewelry since I was 18 years old and WAS a loyal customer to Ben Bridge Jeweler. Never ever will I step foot in an overpriced jewelry store again. Jewelry Dr is and will always be my...