I came here to exchange a gift and spent about 45 minutes browsing and working with a woman who worked here. The store has a lot of beautiful gem work, though most of those pieces were out of my price range. I really gravitated toward the silver pieces, some of which were very classic but most being a bit more modern and eclectic. I tend to like bigger earrings; there were some that fit that criterion, though it seemed that more earrings were smaller or basic drops. While I appreciated that the woman I worked with was not being pushy, it kind of seemed like she wasn't listening to what I said or what I was gravitating toward. It wasn't a big deal, but in the end, I feel like I was doing all the work. There also seemed to be a weird dynamic between her and another person who worked here around doing the exchange. I don't think anything weird was going on, but the tension was noticeable. Lastly, be sure you understand the exchange and return policy. The full refund window is only two weeks, and then there's an additional window for store credit. The person who originally got me the present said he had not been aware of that policy, and ultimately, I still have some credit I need to come back and use. read more

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My now-fiancé and I designed my engagement ring at Derek Simpson with the help of Gene. It was a fun, personalized experience from beginning to end, and shockingly more affordable when compared to the big online engagement ring companies. We would highly recommend Derek Simpson for any custom jewelry! read more

Wonderful jewelry shop in New Haven. Long years of service to the community and it's no wonder that Derek and his staff have such a wonderful reputation. We had an engagement ring designed by him and the staff made the whole experience stress free. From help locking down a design, picking out the stones for the ring, all the way to understanding how to pick out wedding bands, the entire process was fun and engaging. Having selected an intricate design, it was wonderful to see the hand of the craftsman execute the piece. We would highly recommend anyone looking for jewelry especially for special occasions to at least drop in! read more

Beautiful jewelry and phenomenal service! We went to Derek Simpson for our wedding bands and were beyond happy with the result. Derek is incredibly talented and Gene makes customers feel welcome and comfortable, they're a great team! Derek created a custom band to match my antique engagement ring and did an amazing job matching the color of the gold alloy, as well as designing a band that fit perfectly against my unusually-shaped ring. He also worked really hard to make it happen within our tight timeline. When my husband needed his ring resized, we came back and Derek did it within 10 minutes! We would absolutely visit again and highly recommend the shop for any fine or custom jewelry needs. read more

I can't tell you how happy I am about the service at this place! I was looking to get my wedding ring sized down and I had gone to another place down the street that quoted me over $100 dollars and told me it would take AT LEAST 2 weeks. I walked into Derek Simpson and they were so helpful right from the start. I explained the situation (told them I was a poor just-married grad student) and Derek came out from the back, told me he'd do it for a very low price and that it would take a few days. I left the ring with them and went home. Within a few HOURS, I got a call that my ring was ready. I went to pick it up and the work was wonderful and the price was SO reasonable it's almost unbelievable. If I had the money, I would buy tons of jewelry from this place. The craftsmanship is amazing and the staff is even better. GO HERE!!!! read more

I haven't given a 5 star rating in quite a while, but these guys completely deserve it for going out of their way and beyond my expectations. Me: "Can you design and make a custom piece for me?" DSG: "Yes." Me: "Delicately using parts of a family heirloom? " DSG: "Yes " Me: "In the next 2 weeks?" DSG: "Yes, but it will be tough." *During the holiday season Me: "What about sooner?" DSG: "Yes" This is what good customer service sounds like. And guess what? It was done even sooner because their casting schedule lined up just right. That's just about their customer service. Their inventory is also amazing. I have bought other beautiful pieces from the showroom floor also. But what they created for me was more amazing that I could have expected. Plus, SHE loved it too. If you want to support a local New Haven craftsman and artist, go to Derek Simpson! read more

Go here for fine, custom-made jewelry. Excellent service, quality, inspirational designs. If you want to pay $2,000 extra for something that's identical or inferior, and that looks cliche, you can go to Tiffany's (and the people who know about places like this one will laugh at you if you tell them). read more

My husband designed my engagement ring (from a family stone I already had) and decided to have the setting custom-made by Derek Simpson. Working with Gene and Derek went so well, and we were both immensely satisfied with the final result. We were excited to also get our wedding bands made by Derek, using the same materials as my engagement ring. We chose very simple bands and absolutely love them! The service we received from Gene and Lisa was impeccable, especially considering that we never lived in New Haven while we worked with them, but everywhere from Virginia, New York, and Quebec! I definitely recommend Derek Simpson Goldsmith! read more

Derek Simpson Goldsmith - His & Hers custom-made wedding bands - Jewelry Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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I am writing this review because I think Derek Simpson Goldsmith has that wonderful combination of high quality, unique pieces and exceptional customer service that makes it the perfect place to purchase fine jewelry. My older son decided to look there for an engagement ring about a year or so ago, and his experience with both Gene, the manager, and Derek himself, left him with his self respect and confidence in tact, because they were so gracious in dealing with a young man with a very modest budget after just having finished grad school. My other son purchased a lovely necklace for his girlfriend this past Christmas, and again, even though it was not a large purchase, he was also treated as if he were buying something much more expensive. This welcoming attitude of Derek and Gene will make my sons think of this jeweler as their "go-to" store (especially when they have more money!) and I thank them for their commitment to this quality and service. read more

So pleased today, I've always loved this store as they do cool custom work, but now I have another reason... They stand behind it. A small stud broke on my wife's earrings and they fixed it for no charge. Rock on. read more

Derek Simpson Goldsmith - Inside of the store DS jewelries - Jewelry Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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I brought my antique engagement ring to have it resized, and I got it back all crooked. When I pointed out that it looked odd, they said "oh, well, it was an old ring, it was on its last leg and we probably gave it a second round." Let me tell you, it was an old ring and it needed welding, but it was not crooked at all. I should have gone with another jeweler who has more appreciation for antiques. read more

If I were a rich woman who was into buying jewelry, Derek Simpson would be my local haunt. Derek's a nice guy, if maybe a little brusque. The work is excellent, his service is excellent, and he knows his stuff. One of my most cherished possessions is a ring I designed that Derek Simpson made for me. I wore it every day for ten years, and the stone (a garnet) began to chip. I took the ring back in and asked if anything could be done to help. "I think there's nothing to do except maybe replace the stone, if that's possible," I said. Derek agreed that the stone wouldn't be worth trying to save. But he provided me with a new stone, which is lovely, and I have continued to wear the ring every day. read more

I die a little inside everytime I pass by Derek Simpson's because I looove unusual jewelry. And all of his jewelry is one-of-a-kind, very well made and absolutely gorgeous. Now not everything suits my taste, but it's refreshing to look at jewelry that required thought, love and major skill. read more

I would highly recommend Derek Simpson Goldsmith to anyone who is looking for beautifully made, high-quality fine jewelry. My fiance and I worked with Derek and his awesome manager Gene to create my custom engagement ring over the period of several weeks. Derek is an incredibly talented goldsmith and seems to put his heart and soul into all the work he does. We could tell that he did not cut any corners when producing his stunning work. We had very specific ideas in mind for the ring and went to their store with several photographs of antique and art deco rings, along with complicated requests. They were very supportive of all our ideas. Derek and Gene helped us pick out the perfect sapphire, then Derek did a sketch in front of us of the ring. He made a model out of silver that he then changed based on my feedback, and finally made the final product out of white gold. We had asked for milgrain and an engraved design on the band too, and Derek was able to get that done for us. I couldn't be happier with the final result, it is absolutely stunning. Since getting my ring I have also just stopped by to chat since they are such lovely people and fun to hang out with! We had a bad experience with a jeweler in Portland prior to this and were a bit wary of ring shopping, but this was truly a fantastic experience. My fiance and I are planning on going back there for our wedding bands. read more

If you want an unusual gift for that special someone or just have no clue what to get for any occasion PLEASE go to Derek Simpson. They never disappoint! Each and every time I go there I am WOWED by something new. The customer service alone guarantees they will be there for another 30 years. read more

Gene was really something. He showed us lots of interesting rings, and sorted out the questions - no matter how ignorant sounding - for us. I'm a guy and I felt a bit nervous walking in, but ended up loving a soft square rounded wedding ring made from green gold. All of the jewelry had prices, and this makes things easier when you're a bit nervous about asking, "...and how much does this cost but don't say it too loud in front of my girlfriend because I don't want her to think I'm cheap." Lots of selections, and the prices seemed reasonable. He also wrote down what we liked, and pointed out a photo book he had handy with other styles. read more

If you want the usual, go elsewhere. Derek is a craftsman and has unique, beautiful pieces of exceptional quality and value. He will work with you and accommodate any changes you would like - I think I can call myself a regular customer so I have come to trust his style and eye. You get to work with the actual artist/craftsman - it simply doesn't get any better. They are also very nice people... read more

Derek is a perfectionist. His creations are distinctive: I have been wearing pieces for over 30 years and continue to receive compliments on them. I have other beautiful jewelry, but Derek's are timeless, and I return to them as my 'signature jewels'. Derek and Jean are quite a team! Jean is 'in the front', and creates an atmosphere conducive to stopping by and perusing as well as making the act of the purchase an art and a pleasure. read more

I needed to have my finger sized for my college to resize my class ring (they do it for free), and Derek was happy to help, free of charge. Would definitely consider them if in the market. read more

These guys are the best! I have had custom pieces made, repairs done and a special order and they were great with everything. I highly recommend them. They have an amazing inventory on hand but are also really helpful with special orders and custom work. Derek's deign sense and craftsmanship is amazing! A+ read more

We stopped in at this jewelry store during the "Flights of Fancy" wine tasting/retail event. We originally were just stepping in for our wine sample, but ended up staying much longer to look at the gorgeous jewelry. We spoke with the manager, Gene, for some time. He was really nice and interested in our experience with the "Flights" event, and we had a really nice chat. He didn't push us to buy anything (which I really appreciated!!) and genuinely was interested in just getting to know my husband and I. I had such a positive experience visting this store, I won't hesitate to return! If you're ever on Chapel St. stop in and have a look around! read more

Derek Simpson's jewelry is truly outstanding. I purchased my husband's wedding ring here, and Derek was able to make a ring for him that was both classy and distinctive. It was a pleasure to work with both Derek and his salesman, neither of whom were pushy for a moment despite my indecision. Best of all, the prices for these beautiful pieces are only slightly higher than those of similar but less wonderful items in the area. It is truly a high value store. read more

I fell in love with a ring at Derek Simpson. It just was so beautiful and I loved it...My fiance knew how I felt about the ring and he proposed to me with it. Its beautiful and I get compliments on it every day....but what makes the whole experience is that Gene, the stores manager, is so kind and welcoming. I work on Chapel Street and walk by all the time. I know my patronage is appreciated and we plan on having our wedding bands done by Derek as well. Its a small, customer service driven store. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a special piece...not just one of a million that you can get at any of the larger box jewelry stores. Definitely worth a visit! read more

Derek impressed me, as an artist and as a businessman. The whole team is sincere and customer-oriented. We had him make custom wedding rings three years ago. My husband loves his, but while mine was beautiful, it just never fit quite right. I kept hoping, but finally dared to call and ask if anything could be done. We came up from Baltimore to New Haven the day after Thanksgiving and I explained the issue. Derek made it a priority and fixed the ring within hours. What used to be a complicated symbol that didn't fit quite right is now just plain beautiful and feels like a dream on my finger. I was very touched by how he stood by his work, even three years later, and made sure that it felt good to me. Beautiful soul, great artist. read more

The fellow who works here was really great. I was looking for something special for my birthday (my boyfriend doesn't want to pick things out so he sends me to find what I want) and he was really helpful. I ended up getting something from another shop that was better-suited to me, but not before we had cooked up an idea for blue moonstone earrings that will have me thinking about other ways I can get a Derek Simpson piece until I figure out a way to pull it off. read more

My husband bought me a necklace at this store but it wasn't to my taste. He tried to return the necklace but they wouldn't refund the money and only gave a store credit. If you're not sure you like the jewelry then don't buy here read more

I have bought a few pieces from Derek over the course of many years and had the occasion for him to make two pieces from scratch (1 set of emerald earrings and one pendant to compliment a ring which I had bought elsewhere for my wife). Not only is the jewelry fabulous but Derek and his staff are a pure delight to work with as well. He is trustworthy, easy-going, dedicated to his craft, imaginative and deals in items and materials of great quality. Shop here with confidence and delight.. read more

Derek Simpson is a superb artist and fine craftsman, someone with real intelligence and a careful eye. He listens carefully, says little, and delivers exquisite results. My fiance and I asked him to design our wedding rings based on a rather simple idea, and the results are breathtaking. We cannot recommend him highly enough. read more