Drue Sanders Custom Jewelers — Local services in Town of Colonie

Disappointing Experience – Poor Customer Service

I walked into this jewelry store hoping to inquire about a custom piece, but unfortunately, the experience left a lot to be desired. The store still has plexiglass barriers up from 2020, which immediately made the space feel uninviting.

When I asked about custom work, I was told they could do it. I shared my piece, and the owner came out to speak with me. She then told me to sit and wait while she checked with a coworker about what they could offer. I ended up waiting around 25 minutes, despite several employees standing behind the counter and one other customer in the store.

When the owner returned, I offered a suggestion for what I had in mind, but was shut down immediately with, “I’m the jeweler,” in a very dismissive tone. I waited another 10 minutes after that just for them to quote a price. The price itself was fair, but I mentioned that I might pick up an extra necklace from Walmart to help keep costs down—and the owner was visibly offended. She said she was “insulted” and “offended” by the idea. Then she walked away mid-interaction to help someone else.

The woman who originally helped me continued the process politely, but by the end, the owner didn’t even acknowledge me as I left the store. It was a disappointing and uncomfortable experience. I genuinely felt bad for the staff working under that kind of energy. I’m honestly surprised this place is still in business. The woman said she’s been there for 30 years. Customer service matters—no matter how long you’ve been in...

After my partner proposed to me, I had to learn about engagement rings. I did my research and decided on the cut, color and clarity of the diamond I wanted. I also researched jewelry stores I wanted to check out. The first store (a well-known chain) gave me a standoffish feel. The woman helping us, ordered diamonds for us to look at and told us to come back in a few days. When we left the store, I was not excited about going back. We went to the next store, the one I really wanted to go to – Drue Sanders. Drue Sanders on Western Ave, has been in business a long time. As soon as we walked in, Jada greeted us and directed us to the engagement rings. She was patient and polite, which put me at ease (I was flustered after leaving the last store). Drue (and her dog Shiner 😍) came out to greet us as well. I told her the diamond I wanted, but I wasn’t sure about the carat. She ordered a few diamonds for us to look at. She explained the value of each of the carat diamonds we were presented with and I appreciate her honesty. I am so happy we went to Drue’s. I couldn’t be more delighted with my beautiful ring – I never want to take it off! I’m looking forward to going back for our wedding bands. I will tell everyone in need of a jeweler - go to Drue! Thank you Drue, Jada and the gentlemen working in the back! Your work is so very much...

I was referred to Drue by my fiance's father, who had shopped at Drue Sanders for many years while living in Albany. I had a pendant from her mother that I wanted to repurpose the stones from, and I figured the only place to go was Drue Sanders, where the pendant was originally designed.

I started my conversation with the jewelry shop via telephone, speaking with Shauna who listened to my questions and ideas and then started a file for me. Then I had an in person consultation with Drue at the store. She took my loose ideas on how to repurpose the stones from the original pendant and sketched several options. I wanted the new pendant to be similar in its design aspects to my fiance's engagement ring, and Drue was able to capture those elements perfectly into the new piece. As we iterated on the design, we arrived at the perfect piece.

After I left the store, Drue kept me up to date on the progress of the piece via email, and notified me when she had put it in the mail. I presented the piece to my fiance on a vacation trip and she loved it; She felt that it was a perfect match to her ring.

I had the piece designed for our wedding day, but I know that this piece will become a staple in her jewelry collection for the rest of time. Thank you Drue and everyone at Drue Sanders...