I took my wedding set in to be resized after losing a considerable amount of weight. I was informed by the sales associate that when resizing my rings, there was a risk that the stone settings could become loose. She said that if that happened, they would be able to repair the settings so that I could continue to wear my rings. Initial estimate for resizing was approximately $250 total.
After a nearly 4 weeks, I was able to pick up my rings. After wearing them for 3 days, the center stone of my engagement ring and 3/5 stones on my wedding band became extremely loose, with one stone falling out completely. I brought my rings back to Smyth to "repair" my settings. Imagine my surprise when I was informed that due to the type of setting on my rings, they are impossible to repair. The only way to fix them and make them safe to wear is to melt them down and completely remake the rings from scratch. Estimated cost for both rings is nearly $4,000, which only a little bit less than what I paid to purchase them 13 years ago. As an added bonus, the corner of my center diamond is now cracked (this was not mentioned to me when I dropped it off to be resized).
I have since taken my ring set to 5 other reputable jewelers in the Baltimore and DC areas. All of them have said that with the setting types on my rings, they never would have resized them because it was guaranteed that the stones wound not be secure afterwards.
I am absolutely heartbroken. I wish I never went to this store. Without their "expert" resizing, I could have continued to wear the rings with an attached resizer, I could have had them build up the band to make the opening smaller, or I could have saved the rings- intact!- to pass on as an heirloom to a member of my family. Instead, I have a ruined wedding set sitting in a box, completely unwearable, and I am walking around without a wedding ring for the first time in over a decade.
This happened a little while ago now, but the more time that passes the more upset I get. I am honestly just so sad about the whole situation. I loved that wedding set so much, and the sentimental value of wearing rings that my husband had designed specifically for me cannot be overstated. There isn't anything to be done about it now- I can't go back in time, and Smyth certainly can't undo the damage they have done. I just don't want anyone else to make the same mistakes I did. So please, DO NOT take your jewelry here for repairs! Clearly their very young associates are not educated well enough on setting types, and they will not provide you with accurate information on the risks you are taking when you leave your beloved...
Read more"The Disney World of Jewelers" is the best description of the place - the store has a celebratory atmosphere complete with fresh baked cookies and champagne. While that's all well and good, when I first set foot into the store I was on guard. Initially, thought the place seemed "plastic" and disingenuous. I was afraid that I wasn't going to receive the help I needed when selecting a ring. But then I was introduced to Mr. Robert Marx - an amazing sales associate.
Professional, knowledgeable, and nice, Rob is a genuine guy who was able to put my fears to rest as he helped me through the ring building/buying process. He was once in the same exact situation I was in when he was selecting a ring for his wife. With my budget in mind, Rob presented me with a large set of options, and helped me craft the perfect ring for my fiancee. She has a classic sense of style, distinct but reserved. She needed something that would reflect that, but would also be able to keep up with her as she is a Baltimore City Public School teacher. Therefore, I chose the pictured engraved ring with peekaboo diamond with an emerald cut stone. The stone is 1.2ct, with VVS1 clarity with M color which cost me $2,500. I agonized over the stone thinking it wasn't perfect because I thought the color was "off". I constantly bothered Robert with texts and phone calls about alternative options. But then I realized I was just being crazy. If you're reading this, Rob - I'm sorry I annoyed you outside of work so much, I was a nervous wreck before the proposal.
The ring camera, and "warranty" plan are unique to Smyth. I opted for both. You can rent the ring camera for a small fee and you can record the entire proposal. My proposal will remain buried and hidden away because I might have had a little too much to drink when I proposed. The "warranty" plan is useful because it basically covers any and all damage to the ring, which will be needed because my fiancee is a very active woman.
Additionally, I purchased my own ring from Smyth. It once belonged to my father. He died when I was 12 years old, and my mother wished for me to have it. Originally, it was just a plain beat up gold ring. I wanted an engraved styling that would match my fiancee's ring, but stand out on it's own. I wish I had a "before" picture...because what they did with it was amazing, I didn't even recognize it.
I just want to say thank you to Smyth, and thanks again to Robert Marx. My fiancee and I are grateful customers, and appreciate the...
Read moreI had previously, that same day visited Radcliff jewelers in Kenilworth shopping center, because I was in the area. I was checking on a solution to my rings rotating. Since I’m losing weight, this is not the time to do any permanent sizing, sooo I made the note to stop by Smyth’s after a crab cake at Pappas! Every visit, I have ever had, at the Smyth Jewelry store has been a rewarding one! Even though typically I have not purchased a large expensive item, I have always been treated with respect and courtesy! The latest purchase was a previous owned Rolex presidential watch. As a result of such a large purchase, I had to be able to have trust in the company who was selling it! There was no hesitation in choosing Smyth as my retailer choice!!
Charlie Morgan was super super great explaining to me how to care for my beautiful presidential Rolex and watched me after he showed me how to wind it, change the time and most importantly to make sure I have the (stem) pushed in when completed….and he really took the time to see how my watch would be a best fit on my wrist. He also took a few links off for the fit.
Leon has always been my sales hero, so to speak. He is such a sweet man with a very down to earth personality. Took care of everything for me! He has always been an advocate for me to see if I could some sort of discount. without asking him, he made sure I had jewelry cleaner for the two Diamond rings i previously bought there and also, without me asking, put ring guards on my slightly large Diamond bands so they would not hit each other potentially damaging the diamonds, their settings and the bands themselves.
Now with outstanding service like that, why would I go to Radcliff or anywhere else?
Other members of your staff were fun to talk to also while I was there!
I didn’t notice the cookies. Are you still doing that? Such a sweet fun snack. Quite frankly I was so excited about my purchase that I forgot to crunch down on one… and by the way, your new renovation looks lovely!!
Please share my comments to both Leon and Charlie Morgan! Thanks to them...
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