Benches on Division — Local services in West Chicago Township

I’ve taken one “beginners” class here to advance my abilities as a metal smith and have signed up for the next class for “intermediate and advanced” students. I came into the class with a great deal of knowledge as I currently own my own jewelry making business. Figured I’d go ahead and begin at the beginning. The instructor was knowledgeable and very helpful as well as patient. The other students in the class were basically working at their own pace and, not necessarily on the same project together as one might expect. Many different personalities working closely together and having to wear masks was a bit unnerving. Only to the point that there were some that did not have their Covid-19 vaccinations ~ they (actually only one person that I knew about) were not a lot of fun to be around and could be quite confrontational to the point of screaming at you, in your face if your mask unintentionally slipped! That, again, was extremely uncomfortable and unnerving! However, I did note that when I signed up for the next class that it is only allowing people that have been vaccinated to take the classes. Good! Unfortunately for me, I didn’t really learn anything new in this class but, for a beginner it’s a must! It teaches the basics as well as a few more advanced steps. I’m looking forward to the next class. I’m positive that I will learn more techniques! I have met a few of the staff members and must say that they are all extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of jewelry making. They go out of their way to help you and to make sure you understand what your doing. The projects that you will work on are filled with examples of everyday situations that one will face as a metal smith. It feels fabulous when you’ve completed your project and like how...

Jeremiah ruined my expensive watch. I’ve had the battery replaced here with the extra fine watch service ($40) for a few years with no problems. A few weeks after it was last replaced, the back fell off and I was unable to find it. I brought it in expecting him to order a replacement back, but Jeremiah found a watch back in his office that he said fit and replaced it for free. Shortly after, it started having some issues with water resistance. I brought it back in, and he did some tests and found it to be fine. A few weeks later, I noticed a small gap between the watch back and the watch itself that had some debris in it. I brought it to one of the four authorized Gucci repair centers in the US, and they said that the whole case was ruined and the watch is no longer water resistant. The back Jeremiah put on did not fit, and by forcing it on it damaged the case. There were also fingerprints on the inside of the watch back and on the movement because he hadn’t used gloves or cleaned it. To fix it, I will have to have the WHOLE case replaced (rather than just the back), which will be $600-$650, half the original price of the watch (which has a lot of sentimental value, so I’m upset to have such a major part of the watch replaced). Overall, HORRIBLE experience. Don’t bring your watch here if it needs repairs. If you need the battery replaced and have a cheap watch you don't mind having greasy fingerprints inside, it's...

Walked in West Town jewelry and gold today one black West off Damen on Chicago avenue looking to get my ring polished. I had went to a couple other places prior to West Town jewelry looking for prices and how long I would have to wait. Weatbtown jewelry told me unfortunately they do not polish gold jewelry, however they specialize mainly in buying and selling gold amongst other services, but instead of competing or working against other local jewelers, West Town jewelry quickly referred me to "Benches on division" I walked in there for the first time today August 11th It was very easy to locate and had plenty of street parking. Great location. I was greeted promptly and the representative I spoke to in the business's name was Drew. I told Drew how I've been to other companies and they want me to leave my jewelry with them for 2 weeks 3 weeks sometimes even more than a month in order for them to simply clean and polish it and give it back to me. Drew told me he have my ring polished and looking good as new in about 10 minutes for more than half the price less then the other businesses. So give my ring to another business for a month pay double or triple and then get it back.... or option #2,...2 walk into bunches on division past your ring over to Drew and walk back in there in about a half hour with your payment which was the lowest price or quote I had gotten from any of the other businesses...