Bock is my go-to for any big gift occasion. My family has been coming here for years and I think we all sport something that was purchased here for either an anniversary, engagement, wedding/birthday/holiday gift or other special event.
When I was in high school, my grandpa had a ring made for me by Bock that combined a collection of rings he had received for military service, political work, social affiliations and his eventual retirement. What went in as a jumble of mismatched rings with various stones of different shapes, sizes and quality ended up being a beautifully set and SIMPLE (nothing gawdy or tacky here, folks) ring that incorporated the right piece from each ring. I try not to wear it unless it's a special occasion, but it's something I get complimented on endlessly when I do have it on.
The only bit of jewelry I regularly wear is a nice watch I got for a graduation gift. The problem I have with nice watches is they need nice maintenance every five years or so. I recently had to take my watch in for some of this lovely maintenance.
After my watch was shipped back to the original factory to get cleaned and to have some parts replaced, Frank in the watch department called to let me know I would need to pay $800.
Jaw, meet floor.
I don't have $800 to put down on a watch. We're in a recession, people! I let Frank know I wouldn't be able to cover fees that high and to not do any of the repairs. I decided I would try and find a local, unlicensed place to do the repairs. Frank hinted that would be a bad and eventually more expensive idea. He asked me for permission to send the watch back a second time to see if he could get the price adjusted.
A few weeks later, I get a call. . .the watch is now going to have the same service done for $350. I was thrilled and asked Frank how he got this to happen. He said they told the jeweler that I'm a special customer (I'm not) and it would mean a lot if they could work with him on this one.
I'm going to be re-united with my watch today and will post pics once I am. read more