Robert Laurence Jewelers — Local services in Washington

I've gone here for many years to have watch bracelets sized and, on occasion, to have watch batteries changed. I've always, without exception, had a positive experience until just recently. Everyone in the store has been very kind over the years, and it feels like my watch place.

However, i recently had an experience that eroded my trust in the store. I have a watch with a Seiko NH-series movement on which the minute and second hand were interfering with each other. I took it to Robert Laurence Jewelers, and they, assessing that the hands needed to be re-seated, said theyd need to send it to their watchmaker, which they did.

I was a little surprised when they called 2 weeks or so later and said that the watch would need a "complete service, completely re oiled, and everything" for 165 dollars. Much of my surprise is based on the fact that Seiko movements of that type go for about 40 dollars, so to completely replace the movement with a new one would cost much less than the proposed service.

I was traveling, and in the car, when they called, and they'd already had the watch for two weeks. I assessed the value of the time associated with sourcing a new movement, finding another watchmaker, and having the work done was probably worth more than the 80 dollars or so I was being taken for, so i assented to the service. ..but the damage to the relationship is done.

I may stop in to have watch bracelets sized in the future, but I'm not likely to trust this place with anything bigger-ticket than that, moving forward. They've established that if they can rip you off, they will, and having to constantly be on guard against a swindle is exhausting. I'll find somewhere else, but that's too bad, since the folks at Robert Laurence have been nice, and i loved the thought of having a go-to watch...

I recently visited Robert Laurence Jewelers to have two watch batteries replaced, and what unfolded was nothing short of an exceptional experience. The jeweler, who has been perfecting his craft since 1973, kindly offered to examine a diamond I had recently purchased while I waited. Despite the fact that I hadn't purchased the diamond from him, he graciously cleaned it free of charge and provided a thorough assessment of its quality. When a question about the diamond's color grade came up, he even made a quick phone call to one of his colleagues to ensure I had the most accurate information. I was truly impressed by this level of dedication and expertise.

Even more impressive was his invitation to come back anytime for complimentary ring cleanings—an offer that's practically unheard of in Washington, D.C. While I was there, I also overheard a conversation between the jeweler and another customer who had commissioned a custom piece for his wife. The jeweler’s attentiveness and knowledge were clear, and I could tell the customer’s piece was in very capable hands.

Though my interaction with Robert Laurence Jewelers was brief, it left a lasting impression. If you’re searching for a trustworthy jeweler with decades of experience and exceptional service, I highly recommend...

I walked in just before close on Monday to ask if they did in house jewelry repair as I needed to take the stone out of my engagement ring and ship the stone to an independent jeweler who would be working on a new setting for me. They said they definitely could and to bring it in and they would give me an idea of how much time it would take and costs. My husband works upstairs, and I work down the block so we met there for lunch the next day, Tuesday. I expected to drop it off and pick it up later in the evening or the next day and pay $100 or so.

We were shocked when they did the work right in front of us in 5 or so minutes. I whipped out my credit card and all he asked in return was for us to donate to their charity of choice (there is a little box on the counter). I had $17 on me and wished I had more, but I stuffed it in the box and was so impressed by their service. We have a few more things that need to get worked on (Rolex, etc) and we will be coming back to them. Robert and his team...