This is the first review I've ever written on any business in the online era. I had a horrible experience with Debra during my visit with utter unprofessionalism and lack of authenticity. Unlike most reviews on here, I came to Debra to downsize an engagement ring. Like most people shopping for an expensive product, I had done my research online on the process of altering a ring and the types of questions to ask.
First, I asked her questions about the process of how a ring is resized (laser vs torch soldering) and which is better for my particular ring. Paraphrasing, her condescending response was "my jeweler will do it the way he wants. He's been in the business for years and you don't have any idea on what is best for the ring." I may not have any idea on what is best for the ring, but I certainly should be given the respect to receive an appropriate answer as to the major differences. After all, this is MY ring and Debra's pride should not come in the way of me being properly educated on the matter.
Second, I asked her questions about how to ensure that the same diamond that is on the ring will be the same one when I pick it up after repair. As many of you may know, there are a few dishonest jewelers out there who may swap diamonds when they are left with them overnight. A layperson would never know this. This fear is not irrational on the part of the ring owner and is up to the jeweler to help ensure and alleviate the person's anxiety about this process. One way is by showing the customer how to assess the inclusions within a diamond before and after the transaction. Debra immediately became defensive when I asked how I can ensure this, knowing that my diamond will be not only in her hand, but the hand of the real jeweler who will be downsizing the ring. She gave me much resistance to my questioning of this process and immediately began to back away from doing business with me. I explained to her that this jewelry is an important and sentimental piece (as it is with anyone with an engagement ring) and that I just needed to be sure that it was in good hands. Call it insecurity, but anyone with a ring will feel this when given to a complete stranger.
Third, it seems that she does not prioritize her clients. She will often tell you she is only available certain times during the day because she has to run errands (doctors appts, etc). I don't know if this a real business because her hours clearly state that her store is open from 10AM to 5PM. I had to negotiate with her the hours I could pick up my ring after it was downsized because she had "errands" to run. This goes against all business models and being available for customers.
Fourth, but not least, I asked her if the cutout from the ring (the still valuable piece cut out of the ring going from a 5.5 to 4.25 ring size) can be given back to me incase I need it in the future as a mold to upsize. She immediately threw up her hands and said "you should take your ring elsewhere because I cannot do business with you any longer." At this point, my significant other and I were SHOCKED!
At this point, any faith I had into her ethical practices immediately left me. I was being intimidated by her for asking questions about the downsizing ring process, which I have a right to do since this is a sentimental piece of jewelry. She often mentioned to me that I have to "trust her," but was I able to trust someone I don't know with an expensive piece of jewelry, especially with a patronizing demeanor? I ultimately took my ring, thanked her for her time, and left in relief that I did not do business with her. As a customer, she made me feel unworthy, that I was taking up all of her [free] time, and threatened.
I'm not sure what kind of scheme has led to 5-star reviews on yelp, but I had the worst experience with this place when it comes to modifying a ring. Buying a novel ring may be a completely different experience with her (from which she makes a lot of money and is forced to be nice), whereas her unprofessional side was clearly portrayed when it came to low commission business (ring resizing). It was never about the money - I would have paid $500 for an eloquently resized ring with someone who I TRUST. I highly discourage anyone from doing business with Debra. There are many genuine jewelers in the building that will be patient with you and spend time with you for your precious possession. Do business with someone who makes you feel SECURE with any jewelry transaction!
Finally, Debra is NOT a Jeweler, she is a jewelry salesperson. She does not have a fiduciary responsibility to you. Her website and YouTube videos appear embellished to falsely portray trust and gentle heartedness, but her behavior speaks otherwise. read more