Gem Set Love isn't just a store--it's the kind of place you never forget. A must-see treasure in Portland that feels like stepping into an enchanted almost forgotten time. Visiting their shop should be on everyone's Portland bucket list. The Art Nouveau-inspired store itself is a wonder! You can tell that every piece has been carefully curated and handled by true jewelry lovers and historians. You will see one-of-a-kind antiques in this store that you will not see anywhere else. They have a large selection of engagement rings, wedding bands, and antique and vintage jewelry of all kinds. What I find especially unique about Gem Set Love is that they don't only haven an in-house metalsmith for repairs or custom work, but they are passionate about their recycling work! They transform incomplete ancient pieces into new ideas, creating new unique quality treasures. These new creations are equally deserving of being called heirlooms. I especially adore these in-house lines, Ancient Influences and 720 specifically, and I personally own five pieces. Their craftmanship and creativity is simply unmatched. I adore that they are crafted with such care and meaning. If you love one-of-a-kind antique pieces or want to find a truly special gift for someone special (including yourself), this is the place! read more

I love Gem Set Love. I have been lucky enough to have a husband who loves it as well! He has gotten my engagement ring, wedding ring, multiple anniversary rings and other adornments from GSL. We both have always been so happy with their selection and their knowledge of the jewelry. I could spend hours looking at all of their beautiful pieces. Every interaction has been positive. We are always recommending our friends and family to stop in, if they are wanting great service and amazing jewels. Thanks for all the love and jewelry ladies! read more

Gem Set Love - I'm a little spoiled. - Jewelry Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Their antique jewelry is beautiful and unique! I have collected antique jewelry for my entire adult life. Their shop is such a find. They have museum quality collectible pieces. They are lovely people to work with. read more

**Blink blink** Firstly, they wouldn't clean my ring because I didn't buy it there. They got out the loop and inspected it and said if I had a tip fixed then I could get it cleaned there in the future. I had to pay in advance for the tiny repair (something I found quite odd for an item that's worth thousands). I tried to go pick it up today and realized my gps said my arrival time would be 5:02pm. So I called to say I was on the way and asked if they could stay literally TWO minutes for me. I was told they close at 5pm. I repeated that I already paid and there isn't any need for a transaction, just pick up the ring. She repeated to me that if I could get there before 5pm exactly then I was welcome to pick up my ring. It was 4:54 as she lectured me. Utterly astounding! read more

I really, really want to love Gem Set Love. I really do. My partner and I popped into Gem Set Love to browse for engagement rings. I'm a fan of Art Nouveau jewelry and they typically have a really great selection. Unfortunately, the rings that they had in stock just didn't meet my price point or my personal style. That happens and that's certainly not the store's fault. However, the interaction with my saleswoman felt a bit pushy and felt as if she wanted me just to hurry up and pick out a ring to buy. I ended up taking the information of a ring I didn't want just so we could leave. Again, beautiful jewelry selection but not the best experience. read more

I have the most beautiful 1940's engagement ring from these lovely folks, and I never dreamed a ring could be so perfect! The service was great, and even though I was in love with the ring from their online photo, it is even more dazzlingly beautiful in person! If you want something unique, shop here! read more

Gem Set Love - Jewelry Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I like to save my 100th, 200th, etc. reviews for places that hold a really, really, really special place in my heart. For my 100th, I reviewed Mercey Hot Springs (one of those places you love so much that you really don't want to tell other people about it.) For my 200th, I give you GILT, the former home of my engagement ring. During a brief trip to Portland for Thanksgiving, we spent a day sightseeing the city, much of it in the rain. As we parked in the Alphabet District just after dark, in a light rain, we emerged from the car and were pleasantly surprised by an offer of a free hot chocolate sample from an angelic soul in the doorway of Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe. (We came back on our return and bought some hot chocolate mix and some truffles, see my separate review of Moonstruck.) My dearest said, "there's just this one place I really, really want to check out." Knowing him, I figured it would be a book store, an art store, a camera shop, or some oddities store. But as we walk up the steps, I realize its a jewelry store...an antique/estate jewelry store (I later discovered they also have some new pieces by local jewelers on the top floor.) And as we walk through the door, my heart leaps in my chest, and I wonder...is this...? Does he...? No, it can't mean...? Maybe it is!... And I turn to look, and he's smiling at me, and he says mysteriously, "I thought we'd look around." First we stroll around the edges of the room, which hold any number of lovely pieces. Then he heads towards one or two cases in the center of the room around which most of the staff and customers are gathered. The two cases are full of rings. And I realize...it IS what I thought it might be. And I flush (turning six shades of pink no doubt) and I suddenly feel about as shy as a 12-year old wondering if the cute guy will ask me to dance. It did not take long....we both fell in love with the same ring within a few minutes. I think I tried on no more than six. He knows me well...he wanted to make sure I would like the ring he chose, but he still wanted to surprise me. He didn't buy it in front of me (he paid for it by phone the next day and had it shipped back to LA.) And I didn't see it again for more than a month...but then that's another story! The store was cozy, service was extremely helpful and polite, and they back up their prices with appraisals. We were very satisfied with our experience at Gilt! read more

My partner and I got the most beautiful rings. Their selection is incredible. We were walk ins on a Saturday afternoon and they completely accommodated us. We felt no pressure during the whole process and are still in love with them a month later! read more

I popped in to Gem Set Love on a slow Friday morning to look at wedding bands. Since I'd never been in I looked at all the cases and was unimpressed with the non-wedding-related vintage jewelry they had on offer as most of it looked like 70s vintage, rather than the art nouveau or Art Deco style I think of when I hear "vintage jewelry". Their engagement rings and wedding bands were more stylistically in line with what I expected and I looked at a few of the wedding bands. I saw a plain gold band that fit what I was looking for, but it was thinner than I wanted, given the thickness of my engagement ring and how much it has worn down in the years I've been wearing it. I asked the saleswoman if it could be customized (beyond just sizing). She said no and proceeded to explain why it was adequate for my needs. I found her explanation to be condescending and her tone a bit rude. She spoke to me as though I didn't know anything about jewelry, the terminology, or the way gold wears down. I worked in the wholesale jewelry industry for seven years and am well aware of my own needs. Based on my experience, I get the sense that this saleswoman was betting I'm a novice shopper who knows little of jewelry and she was willing to stretch the truth or omit certain details in order to get the sale. I felt badgered and condescended to. I will not return and would never consider buying anything from Gem Set Love, because of this experience. For anyone set on buying vintage or estate jewelry, I'd recommend doing a lot of research about vintage gems and settings before buying and I wouldn't trust the salespeople (at this shop) to give you the full truth. Know before you buy and if you think you're being taken for a ride, you probably are. read more

The owner and staff are very helpful. The jewelry is one of a kind that you will not find anywhere else. I have several pieces from gem set love, and I hope to acquire more in the future. read more

Really appreciate GSL! They made making the purchase easy and the ring itself is better than advertised. Also, I reached out much later (over a year) to get more details on the ring, and they happily provided information for me. Thanks GSL! read more

I respectfully disagree with your response to my review. My fiancé & I did not feel like welcome or valued customers during our initial visit to your store. Signals were crossed on both our & the store's parts, but acknowledgement of this felt very one-sided. We were left asking questions -- & receiving curt & dead-end responses -- instead of the salesperson actively trying to understand what we had been told. No effort was made to explore the request until the end (when she got her iPad out) after I apologized for "misunderstanding" in an attempt to end the conversation & just get out of the store. I was moved to write my review after having a vastly different (positive) experience at another jewelry store. I agree I was treated with "kindness" (by different salespeople) upon my return to see the rings, but the reason I won't be back is because of the initial interaction. It puzzles me to hear my review was "hurtful," as reviews are a way to receive feedback. Feedback is not always positive, but many choose to consider it & use it constructively. A customer is telling you she felt unwelcome & uncomfortable in your store -- do with that as you will. read more

Lori was such a big help in our wedding ring selection! The broad array of options made it even more fun. Really love what we chose and having something vintage and unique feels really special. Thanks again! read more

Gem Set Love - Jewelry Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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There's Gilt and then there's GUILT. I was guilty of losing BOTH mine and my wife's wedding rings in Hawaii. I didn't want to leave them laying around in our bedroom, so I popped them into my shorts pocket. Later in the day, at Lanikai Beach, I forgot all about the rings and went for a dip in the ocean. Now, those rings are laying in the sand at the bottom of the blue Pacific. Let's just say my wife...was not pleased. Also, my attempt to color the whole incident as somehow "romantic" failed miserably. We went shopping for new rings today. What a nice little shop this is. The lady who helped us was very friendly and didn't mind that my wife wanted to try on practically every ring in the shop. I didn't get any snooty 'tude, which happens to me quite often when I'm looking at expensive items. (People sometimes assume that because of my booted, leather-clad biker looks that I don't have much scratch in my pocket.) My wife found a very lovely, vintage 1920's ring that she absolutely loves (more than ring #1) and I got a cool sterling silver ring. Yay! We are both ringed up and I'm out of the doghouse. read more

Fellas - I'm talkin' to you. You're with that special lady and ready to pop the question. You're looking for a ring. This is VERY IMPORTANT now: Stop yourself from walking into a Zales, Fred Meyer Jewelers, or any of that sort. Literally, STOP. Don't do it. Get away from Jared. Don't shop BlueNile. Now, young man - get thee to Gilt ASAP. On the bridal/engagement side, they have antique diamond rings of all price ranges that are simple to ornate, all high quality and all with personality and that pizzazz every lady should want from something she's going to wear the rest of her life. The staff has been incredibly helpful the several times I've gone in. They'll let you try rings on and browse, give you terminology for things you like and it's an absolute 0 pressure sale. On the casual side, they have local artisan jewelry with everything from turquoise stones to beads. They feature over 20 local artists and each artist has an area to display their work and everything is available for purchase. AGAIN, FELLAS - shopping for anniversary or a just-because necklace or something else that's pretty? GO to Gilt. Talk to one of the ladies there. They'll help you out. read more

I've never done this before.. written about a singular item from a retail establishment. But..I feel I must, because it's one of my favorite pieces. I found the most beautiful jade cicada pendant here.. about 2 inches long on a thin gold chain. I fell in luhuhv with it. Meticulously carved and luminescent, it's just perfect. The well informed lady behind the counter explained that in Japan (or was it China) when someone dies, they (used to?) place a jade cicada in their mouth with the head facing out, and the cicada would lead them to their afterlife. I'm sure this last bit is pretty off-putting.. as in did this pendant come out of a corpse mouth? But I love that kinda stuff. And to be even more esoteric.. what if I am that afterlife?.. ooooo... read more

Danger Will Robinson! Hide your wallet. This place is the perfect place to blow a whole paycheck on exquisite antique/exotic/estate jewelry. Upstairs is the trendy newer stuff made by locals. Simply wonderful. Oh if only I hadn't spent $200 on jewelry already this weekend... read more

When I read the review about rings from 1793, and my boyfriend said I could pick out my own engagement ring, I knew I had to drive down from Seattle to go to Gilt. Although I didn't end up getting my ring from there after all (What can I say, the way certain diamonds have the ability to seduce over others is beyond our control, right?), I would have to say that I now don't have a choice, I am just going to have to be a wealthy little lady someday so I can have a cocktail ring from 1793 instead. And, um, earrings to match. Ooh, and a necklace! Good thing my now-fiance didn't know then that marrying me comes with an addiction to jewelry. ;) read more

This is the best place in town for unique, character-licious jewelry. The first floor is estate/vintage goodies, the top floor has pieces by local artists. Warning - watch out for the brides to be gathered around the diamond ring-y section. They can be quite singular minded. Your toes and personal space are most certainly none of their concern. By the way boyfriend. If you intend to pop the question, you'd better do your shopping here ;) read more

Wonderful customer service! I had some questions on a certain ring, and one of the ladies even took photos to email to me. When I went in with my guy, they showed us a variety of rings, and they really paid attention to what style I liked. They have a traditional 60 day layaway which is a nice option if you don't want to go in debt over a ring. Great pieces and they seemed very educated on their products. We went on Sunday and while it was slammed with shoppers in the small space, our sales personal patiently showed me pretty much every ring. read more

I loves me some estate jewelry. My engagement ring, which I picked out myself, is about 70 years old, so I have invested some dough into the stuff. But oh my word, Gilt is a bit overwhelming. I wish I had more money and more fingers so that I could take half the store home. Gorgeous stuff. The staff was a little stuffy/suspicious, though. Perhaps I should have flashed more bling so that they'd trust me. I understand that they have valuable merchandise, but no one likes being watched that closely. read more

I've purchased a few items from Gem Set Love (formerly Gilt) over the years, and I am absolutely obsessed with every piece! The service is insanely wonderful, the experts who work there know everything about everything, and can "size you up" with pieces that really fit and compliment your style. Whether you want to buy an engagement ring, or a right-hand ring for yourself, or just want a new pair of fun and unique earrings made by a local artist, this is the place to go. It is hands down the best jewelry store in Portland. Their online shop is fantastic - but nothing beats going in and having the personal experience. I highly, highly recommend seeing their shop in person while you're out and about on NW 23rd. read more

I knew my wife wanted a vintage filigree ring and I looked all over town to find one. The selection at Gilt was dramatically better than anywhere else I looked, and the prices were very fair. The staff was very busy but super nice, and my wife is extremely happy with the ring I chose. If you are ring shopping this place is worth a look. read more

Less then a year after I wrote my initial (hint hint) review I received my dream engagement ring from my boyfriend and low and behold...he bought it at Guilt. We knew that when it came down to wedding bands, that we wanted to purchase them there as well. My 1930's platinum and diamond band really needed a special ring to be paired with it, and we knew as far as his band, that they would be able to make it. Arriving to look at bands was exciting, and the salesgirl shared my excitement after she saw my ring that not long ago had been in their sales case. She worked with me to find the perfect pairing for my rings, and let me indulge in the ones that were out of my price range (not going to lie, the one I bought was well out of my price range as well...thank for helping mom!). The most exciting part about Gilt...The offer layaway!!!!!!!! When you are planning and paying for a wedding (almost) all on your own, you sometimes have to spread some things out, and this gave me the ability to get my dream ring. Helpful staff, amazing merchandise that always appraises at more then you purchased it for, they clean your rings while you wait, and they stand by what they sell. I couldn't be more in love with Gilt. read more

Jewelry with a past I love to wear unique jewelry and if it was given to me by someone close to me, the sentimentality adds even more meaning. I guess it's because I love gifts that have a story. This is why I adore the jewelry at Gilt. This store specializes in vintage jewelry dating from the 1880s to the 1940s. This means that you're sure to find a piece of the past that not only has a story, but no one else is likely to be wearing it. My friend and her husband bought their wedding rings here. Instead of buying the typical gold bands from a mainstream store, they chose two rings from the 1920s. Impressively, the salespeople were able to tell them where the rings came from and who they first belonged to. I think it'd be fascinating to wear something that had a story, especially a love match. The rings were once worn by a couple who were married 72 years. I think I'll check this place out if and when I walk down the aisle again. Tip: Vintage doesn't come cheap. Most rings range from $200 to $10,000, but they also carry earrings and necklaces that are more affordable. read more

Within three minutes of walking into Gilt I'd tried on so many amazing rings that any others had been forgotten. Gilt's collection of vintage engagement rings was fantastic and we found several that would have been a great choice - and one that was IT. I was worried our selection might feel limited, but had my heart set on vintage, and I was thrilled to have so many spectacular options. In addition, all of the women working there were awesome. They were incredibly friendly, and explained a TON about rings to total novices. There was another guy looking at rings for his gal next to us and I loved the explanation of a vintage ring versus a new shinier ring: it's like sophisticated sparkles instead of blazing headlights. Now that the ring is on my finger, I'm blown away with how lovely it is. We'll definitely return for the band and other gifts, etc. read more

THE BEST place to buy jewelry. I bought my fiancee's engagement ring here, we bought our wedding bands here. Their selection of vintage rings is incredible, and their customer service is top notch. And I am the "kid" with the yoyo as mentioned below by mario g. They came in a few minutes after closing, I noticed them come in and leave immediately. Perhaps YOU should make yourself more interesting... Shop at Gilt, they will take great care of you. read more

What a refreshing place with all the box stores and chains that Portland has. Guaranteed, you will walk out of here with something no one else has. Jewelry selection downstairs is great. The only store in Portland that has this much variety and helpful staff. Why scour though countless estate sales when you can find all the best vintage under one roof? Plus, they have man jewelry that is...um....manly! Upstairs has local artists. Just saw some cool earrings made out of zippers and some made from typewriter keys. Who knew? When I find a lady, will go here to buy wedding rings. read more

So... I have big hands. And you know what they say about guys with big hands right? Nooooo not that. that It's really hard to find a ring that will slip past my finger nail! Being quite new to the ring shopping game I very quickly discovered that my search for an antique ring was a mission impossible. Apparently most men's estate rings are simply melted down for their valuable gold to be made into custom rings that we then buy in hopes of looking like we are wearing a vintage ring. With this fact in mind I was pretty sure that I would be beginning my search for custom ring makers back here in Vancouver. Ugh. The only thing I knew was that I liked the old style rose gold look and that my sausage sized finger was an unfortunate reality I had to deal with. So we walked into Gilt with very little hope of finding anything at all. Asked what I was looking for I responded with my shot in the dark rose gold 1900's idea... and low and behold the one and only ring they had was just the right thickness and it slipped right on like it was made for me. Wow! No re-sizing needed. In and out of the store in what felt like 5 minutes (I'm sure it was more like 10) I had my ring. I'm still shocked at our luck that day. Thanks for saving my ring from the melters Gilt. read more

Phenomenal. Store. As someone completely new to the world of engagement rings, I starting shopping around. I compared both vintage and "ring factory" options in the Portland area and was shocked to find the huge difference in sparkle and presentation of vintage rings, compared to that of "ring factories". I believe the superior diamonds at vintage shops are due to the fact they are hand cut as opposed to computer cut. Logic: hand cut creates larger cuts and larger cuts reflect bigger blocks of light, thus more sparkle? Nevertheless, I'm sold on vintage rings and I'm completely sold on Gilt. Men: Go here if you want a happy wife. TIP: Pay in cash for 5% discount. read more

I have shopped in this amazing jewelry store for years and have never been disappointed. I love the jewelry and the wonderful ladies who take time to show me piece after piece. If I'm looking for something specific and it's not there they offer to find it for me! I love love this store and I'm confident anyone that visits there will feel the same! read more

The ladies of Gilt were extremely helpful during our search for the one. Despite ring shopping with my girlfriend (now fiancé), Gilt helped me pull off a surprise proposal. Gentlemen, take advantage of the two month layaway - they'll keep the ring locked up in their safe while you get your proposal plans set. Gilt will size engagement rings while they're on layaway. Your new fiancé won't want to send the ring off to be sized after you've popped the question, so I highly recommend getting it sized ahead of time. Their selection is excellent. My fiancé is constantly getting attention from strangers wanting to check out her unique ring. The craftsmanship is undeniable. They seriously don't make them like they used to. Go vintage or go home. read more

I was on the search for a shop that dealt with antique and vintage jewelry to repair a had been my great grandmothers. The band had worn through back when my mother had been wearing it and it had finally passed down to me last year. I looked around at the different shops to ask questions and get quotes. The first place I found was close to home but the way they described their method of fixing it (they wanted to remove the garnet before they put a half shank) I knew they would RUIN my ring. Second I went to Antoinette's, they were very professional, knew the era of my ring and would have fixed it the way I knew wouldn't damage my ring... but they quoted me incredibly high (around 300-350) and couldn't tell me the exact price until it was fixed. Lastly I went to Guilt. They were highly professional, knew that my ring was from the 1920s and also told me exactly what I wanted to hear about how they were planning on fixing my ring. They quoted me 165 dollars flat and I paid it right then and there. I will definitely be shopping here in the future and taking any of my antique and vintage jewelry to them to be repaired if they ever have a need. I LOVE these ladies and I LOVE Guilt! read more

My husband did the sneakiest move in history by purchasing my engagement ring from Gilt. A few years ago I was hunting for an engagement ring and wasn't finding anything. My now sister-in-law was graduating from college in Portland, so we went down for the family celebration. While waiting for lunch at Papa Haydn, we went walking and went into Gilt. This one store had not only one, but TWO rings I fell in love with. Little did I know, but my hubby was starting his scheming right then and there. So, once I opened my little box and saw one of the Gilt rings - I had to marry him! We decided to check them out for wedding bands and ended up getting his band from there. Their customer service has been amazing since the beginning, so give Gilt a visit! read more

I just bought my fiance's engagement ring here. They had a fantastic selection of jewelry and a very knowledgeable staff to walk us through all of the options. The ring I bought was gorgeous. They were nice enough to be flexible on payments with me and were totally nice when I was late with one. I just kept them abreast of my change in plans and they were completely nice about it. They have a lot more than just engagement rings there. It's a great place to go for gifts or just browse to look at something pretty. read more

I brought my girlfriend in to get a pair of earrings for her birthday. What a great selection of earrings. Not the run of the mill generic over priced and mass produced type jewelry you find in malls etc. There was so much amazing merch (upstairs, didn't check out the downstairs vintage stuff - yet) and the women that helped us was equally amazing. Cant wait to go back for her xmas present! read more

I got my ring that I bought at Gilt appraised. It was appraised for $1000 more than I purchased it! That makes me happy and is a testament that this place really does have good deals. read more

Very friendly staff with so much knowledge. The selection of jewelry is one of a kind which is so cool and everything there is just beautiful. I would recommend any of my friends and family shoot even strangers to go to Gem Set Love to find your one of a kind beautiful unique piece of jewelry! read more

This place has unique and local jewelry that is to die for. I love buying things that feel like they are one of a kind and cannot be found anywhere else. Gilt is this kind of place! Gilt has lots of silver pieces that are in my price range. Being young and inquiring graduate school debt I cannot afford ritzy pieces of jewelry and gems...but I can afford little one of a kind pieces such as the silver necklace I just got that resembles a meat cleaver...already got three compliments on it. Will be back or will be sending my boyfriend back for the three other items that I found there that I "cant live without," but could not afford at the time. read more

I found the most perfect engagement ring here! I've never seen anything else like it and I get so many compliments. Such a better choice than going to the gross cookie cutter mall stores. Also, the girls there are so nice. They really want you to find the ring that speaks to you, and they're very nice about letting you try a ton on to find it. I will definitely be back for a wedding band! read more