Very disappointed in the service here. Margot, who I believe is the owner of the store was incredibly rude and condescending. I would think that as business owner, she would value good customer service. I came in to look at some rings and felt like I wasn't taken seriously as a customer. Even her own staff recognizes her cold and rude behavior and apologized on her behalf. There are plenty of other jewelry stores in the bay area that will gladly take my money. And from the looks of other reviews, it sounds like I wasn't missing out on much anyway. read more

I have bought several cherished and beautiful pieces of jewelry from Margot over the years. Most recently, I had an inherited diamond made into a pendant at M.Lowe. Doing a custom piece is a collaborative process - it sometimes takes a few meetings, a few changes and often a couple of months to complete. The results were stellar - it is unique - and I am thrilled. Margot helps take a patron's desires and creates something of beauty for them. Her prices are very fair. read more

M. Lowe has a beautiful selection of jewelry. And they have always helped my father pick out beautiful things for my mom. Unfortunately, they treated my fiance and me with zero respect, and offered some of the worst customer service I have ever experienced (including taking forever to resize my engagement ring, not telling us when the ring came in, and then resizing it to the WRONG size). Apparently they didn't recognize me as my dad's trusty sidekick helping him spend A LOT of money there over the years, and instead saw two young kids without a lot of money, and treated us like dirt. Me and my dad are officially boycotting. read more

Wow - I've reviewed this place before and was checking to see of anything had changed, and it hasn't. I laughed that 1 reviewer said to go when Margo was there - first of all, you have to plan to go there just when a certain person is there? Shopping doesn't work that way and shouldn't - what happened to telling staff to be courteous and friendly? AND, it was Margo who was the absolutely rudest to me and my husband - so seeing the owner doesn't solve it. I think the ONE positive review on here was written by a friend - simply no other explanation, unless someone was having an off day and was actually polite! read more

With so many jewelry stores in the area, I would suggest only window shopping here. The key to a jewelry store is whether you can trust them. read more

M. Lowe has lots of great pieces in-store, and a few years ago I bought a necklace and earrings that I love there. In the last month I had a piece custom-made there for the first time. About 6 weeks ago I went to M. Lowe to look for a ring to buy for myself for my 40th birthday. I talked with Michael on my first visit, and we discussed styles, gemstones, and sizes. It took a few of questions to get the information flowing, but then he gave me lots of great tips and information. He also told me that I could have a ring custom-made and that sometimes it can be even be cheaper than in-stock items. I did research on-line and put together a Pinterest board of styles and gems that I like. When I came back to M. Lowe, I spoke to Margo. We went through the Pinterest board and what I liked about each, and Margo listened and quickly got what I was going for. She pulled out an example cast and a variety of stones, and we started putting together a composition. On one more visit we finalized stone arrangement and a sketch of the design, and then I left it in her capable hands. Two weeks later the ring was ready for pick-up, and it was gorgeous. The only issue was the white gold had come out a little yellow. Margo immediately offered to have it rhodium plated at no extra charge. Ten days later I picked it up, and I absolutely love it. It's unique and it's exactly what I wanted. read more

I have purchased 5 pairs of earrings, 1 bracelet, 2 necklaces, and 1 ring here over the last 20 years. Some have been new and others have been vintage. They once looked for over a year for an antique Indian gold necklace that I loved. Margot has a great eye and fair prices. Glad you are in the neighborhood! read more

Fabulous store, with the most tasteful, unique jewelry. There's a quiet elegance here, but no snobiness. I've always had wonderful customer service, even though I'm not into the 4-figure purchasing. The old reviews here are annoying, as this place couldn't stay in business with rude salespeople. Great shopping experience in an area that's nice to be in too. read more

M Lowe definitely has a lovely and unique selection of jewelry. But their staff range from indifferent to outright rude, and their prices for repairs are high. For the same quality work at a better price and immensely warmer and more attentive service go to Oaks Jewelers on Solano - easier parking to boot! read more

M. Lowe is a unique jewelry store. Ms. Lowe has exquisite taste and is honest and careful in her recommendations. The selection of jewels is without doubt the best in Berkeley. From fine gold, to estate pieces, to a recent tasteful selection of contemporary silver pieces, M. Lowe can satisfy the tastes and desires of most anyone. The salespeople spend much time working with you and truly enjoy what they do. For years, I have been finding 18-22K gold pieces that are original--oftentimes designed by the store. Without fail, I have received compliments on the pieces I have from M. Lowe. Whenever friends visit, I take them to the store and they walk away with a treat--most recently, a friend bought a pair of black pearls, which have brought here much happiness. It is a true pleasure shopping at M. Lowe. read more

If you are a jewelry lover, you will love M. Lowe with its stunning assortment of jewels in eye-catching unique settings -- vintage, exotic, modern. A true gemstone celebration, right here in Berkeley! Staff have always been friendly and helpful. Engaging with the public is a tricky business I can only imagine, so as a customer, I try to be sensitive and reasonable. As for repairs? I've had a few over the years with no problem. Support this unique Berkeley business! read more

I've lived in the neighborhood for 25 years, and have always thought they have beautiful things. I've purchased a number of pieces over the years, for myself and friends, and have had a number of repairs done. Sometimes, the attitude of the staff really puts me off. I often stop by in my exercise clothes, having been for a hike, or to running errands - Cheeseboard, the bank, post office, etc. I sometimes feel I'm treated with indifference, as opposed to the way I see other, well-dressed and well-jeweled clients being treated. I've heard the same type of comments from friends. I prefer to spend my money where I live - in Berkeley. However being treated in a condescending manner leaves me feeling like I'd be better off elsewhere. read more

My sister recommended M. Lowe for my engagement set, so I went with her advice. The jewelry selection is amazing, and I think fairly priced. The M. Lowe sales people were SO patient in helping me select the perfect set rings--a mixed vintage set. I couldn't be happier! My husband went back to pick up my rings and came home raving about the salespeople and came home with a little silver spoon for our baby to be. I just went back this week and now I MUST recommend this store to everyone! The goldsmith was available to talk to me personally, and about three people, including the owner, took time to help me out in the hour and a half I was in the store! I felt like I made some new friends by the time I left! I will always come back to M. Lowe as my trusted jeweler. read more

Beautiful selection of fine jewelry! I have purchased several pieces and had repairs done. I find their pieces to be very high quality and the service excellent, with reasonable prices. I walked by their windows for years and when I finally went inside I was astonished at the range of pieces, from vintage to modern. I look forward to continuing to do business with M. Lowe & Company. read more

We entered the store about 15 minutes before closing. No other possible customers were in the store. The 4 salesclerks were sitting down and not one said a word to us or even looked up. We were having my birthday dinner at Chez Panisse (super yummy!) and we're one month away from our wedding anniversary. This is a special time of the year and we're looking to buy me some jewelry (yipee!). But, no eye contact or even a peep from these sad sales ladies means that we'll never step foot in this establishment again. Bottom line--if you don't want to talk to people 15 minutes before your little store closes, then lock the door early. It's not THAT difficult to be friendly! read more

The vintage jewelry is pretty. Among the custom pieces, I was disappointed to see what appeared to me to be copies of two or three very successful local Bay Area artisans' jewelry with very specific signature metalwork designs. That's really not cool. Unless you have a keen eye for the quality of jewelry components, including vermeil bead, filigree, and stamped components, I would go elsewhere for custom jewelry, as others have written. read more

If you're looking to design a beautiful piece of jewelry and want expert advice and fabulous service, go see Margo, the proprietor at M.Lowe Jewelry. I had inherited two small diamonds that had great sentimental value, but wasn't sure what to make of them. Margo suggested various options, made sketches of potential designs, helped me choose a beautiful ruby to complement the smaller stones. She even had computer-aided designs of the ring sent to me while I was traveling so that we could keep the process moving ahead. Margo was patient (it took me several weeks to make up my mind) and fun to work with. The result is a gorgeous three-stone, platinum ring that I will treasure always. In addition, I received an independent appraisal by a GIA gemologist as part of the purchase price. It was a great experience from start to finish! read more

Margot has worked diligently to curate a beautiful and varied selection of jewelry at multiple price points. She has exquisite taste, is local, and supports Berkeley organizations and craftspeople. The reviews complaining of slow service need to be taken with a grain of salt. It is impossible for a small business to give personal service and truly get to know the customers and also be speedy. Berkeley is home to the slow food movement, perhaps selecting a piece of jewelry or any other "luxury" item should be considered a mindful, and perhaps slower paced, experience as well. I pop in and if they're busy, I return. When it is my turn, I never feel rushed or pushed to spend more than I can afford. I will purchase more at this store. read more

It is nice to have a jeweler in the neighborhood. When I needed to get my husband something special for an occasion, I went to M. Lowe. The sales person was very helpful and showed me a lot of different choices. I decided on the most beautiful antique cufflinks in white gold for him. These cufflinks are exquisite. When it came around to our anniversary the next year, I pre-shopped and found myself a beautiful pair of gold one of kind earrings and then hinted to my husband. Margo, the owner was very helpful and put them aside so no one else would buy them. I love them and get compliments on them all the time. I think if you are looking for unique and special jewelry, this is the place. read more

I just picked up a ring that was made at M.Lowe from my mother's old engagement ring. I am very excited and they did a great job. I read some of the comments and there was some confusion about size but it was quickly made right. Margot Lowe has extremely good taste and really helped me figure out what I wanted. I would definitely recommend having old jewelry made into something new. The store itself is absolutely filled with the most amazing jewelry....they can handle traditional needs but I think they excel in offering unusual, creative, and international jewelry. Check it out. RCB read more

Pretty jewelry and this might not be a problem for others, but I was disappointed to find that they have a system now that requires you to "buzz in" to get in the front door. I want to be able to easily get in/get out of a store and see the items/know the prices without having to ask anyone. I stopped in a few years ago and impulsively purchased a ring--it cost more than I would normally impulse purchase, but very occasionally something just feels right. Very pretty--one of my favorite rings. Recently, I moved back to the neighborhood and stopped by--I did go in quickly, but then walked out as fast as I could. Pretty jewelry--just doesn't work for my shopping style. Why do stores hide the prices? Having to ask someone for a price isn't going to make me want to purchase it--it just makes me reluctant to even consider the item. read more

I have nothing but good things to say about M. Lowe. If you want to meet some friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgable people, then M. Lowe is for you. They have an amazing selection of things both old and new, including some really gorgeous antique engagement rings. You just know that you are in good hands with Ms. Lowe--she is a true expert. And she's very nice and funny. She took the time on a recent visit there to talk with me about what to do with my wedding band, and also checked the stone on my engagement ring at no extra charge. I felt very taken care of! Definitely worth the trip. I live in LA and wouldn't trust my rings to anyone else. read more

I love this place! I have received many gifts from this place over the years and each piece of jewelry is unique, delicate, and well-made. If you want something non-generic and timeless this is the spot for you. Nice selection of wedding bands for the ladies and the gents too. The customer service is perfect. The staff allows you to browse without breathing down your neck and is willing to kindly show you pieces when you are ready. Some reviewers have complained about stand-offishness, but I like it when sales people are not pushy and let you come to your own conclusions about items. read more

After visiting four other Jewelers in the Berkeley area for a unique engagement ring for my now fiance, M. Lowe and Co was the last stop. I had a pretty solid idea of what my fiance wanted: a white gold leafy band, with a teal stone. At M. Lowe's, I found an exquisite yellow gold ring with a twisted band and leaves surrounding two diamonds. The detail was delicate and elegant. I described what I wanted to Margo, and shared my very limited budget as well as time constraint. They were able to reproduce the ring in white gold, with two teal Montana Sapphires (I had been unable to find stones that fit the colors so well in any of the other stores), within two weeks, and within my budget constraint. They were very friendly, accommodating, and prompt. There were many other beautiful pieces of Jewelry there that are worth checking out (after enjoying some cheeseboard across the street). My fiance absolutely loves her ring, and we will be coming back to see if they can design matching wedding bands. read more

M. Lowe & Company - Custom made engagement ring by M Lowe and Co - Jewelry Near Me - Berkeley, California

The staff here was very rude, seemed entirely disinterested, and may possibly be racist. The only helpful member of the staff was an Asian woman who showed me a few rings and seemed to know her way around the store, so I hope this review won't reflect badly on her--but the other two women in the store that I initially approached were off putting. Overall, they have a selection of antique, estate, and modern pieces, that have a fairly high mark up. I would have considered shopping there or having a custom piece made if I actually felt welcome in the store. If you're in Berkeley, check out Pave for a nice selection of artisan and designer pieces and even loose gemstones and diamonds. If you're willing to venture out and looking for a really special custom piece, check out Van Craeynest (now in Redlands, CA) or Victor Canera in LA. read more

My favorite jewelry store! I have bought new pieces here, had repairs made, and re-designed and re-set old family jewels. The quality of workmanship is excellent and the new and vintage jewelry is beautiful, just my taste. I like that I can find or get help designing jewelry that is elegant, yet casual-looking enough for my informal lifestyle. Margaret is really creative and helpful and helped me transform an old, non-descript family ring into a new, antique-looking Indian style design which I now wear all the time. I drive over an hour to do business with M. Lowe and highly recommend this store! read more

For a retailer that has such inflated prices, the environment of this shoppe is rather dingy and unwelcoming. The women who work there are seemingly not interested in providing any service or assistance. When I finally got someone's attention, a woman who was clearly not an "alpha" clerk, the other women kept correcting and interrupting her as she tried to help me. This was an uncomfortable and unpleasant shopping experience, and I will seek other jewelers for my gift needs. read more

I happened upon this store after mailing last minute packages at the Shattuck north Berkeley post office at Christmastime. I am a very persnickity shopper and was impressed by the assortment of beautiful and creative jewelry at MLowe. I was able to find a lovely necklace and two rings for my college-aged daughter and and a stunning necklace for me (why not?). My daughter loved the jewelry and has received many compliments. I told my husband that if he is ever in a bind figuring out a gift for me, go to M Lowe. In addition to the exquisite and unique selection, they also offered to help me with my way too tight wedding band that I have not been able to remove for 30 years. They were able to remove it quickly and painlessly, without charge, and now I will be able to have them size it to fit my finger once my finger readjusts to its new freedom.. It is wonderful shop! read more

This jewelry store is literally *the worst* one in Berkeley. Beautiful Jewelry, but slow service, way-too-long waits for completion of jewelry repairs, and a carpet and lighting that needs replacing. Seriously, what are they thinking selling jewelry if they don't treat their customers with attentiveness and care?! read more

My fiance and I recently got engaged and got her engagement ring custom made at M. Lowe. The first thing I noticed when I entered the store was how quickly I was acknowledged (on multiple occasions as well) considering how busy they are at times. All the jewelers at M. Lowe are very knowledgable and friendly as I interacted with multiple ones over the course of designing an engagement ring. I ended up working with Margo, the store owner, who is a wonderful woman that is great to work with! My fiance and I used a design from an existing ring we found in the store to create a custom setting for a diamond that we had. The ring designs at M. Lowe are much better than other jewelry stores we visited around Berkeley. Margo quoted me a price (which was very reasonable) and gave me an accurate time frame for when I should expect to receive the ring. During this time, she called me with updates on the process to let me know how everything was going. It was amazing for me and I really appreciate how well they take care of their customers. The main thing is the finished product which was absolutely beautiful! The attention to details was fantastic on the setting and the jeweler even added little "touches" to the setting to make it even more beautiful. My fiance was thrilled at the ring and loves it! Thank you M. Lowe!! read more

this store has the most creative and unusual designs of any jewelry store in the east bay, and only has one competitor in san francisco. other reviews have focused on the "snottiness" of the sales staff, and that is really good feedback for them, but if you can get past that, you will find beautiful jewelry that you won't see anywhere else. i like delicate pieces, and they have a vast array of those, as well as more statement-type pieces. i have known the owner, margo, for 25 years, and love her sense of style. hopefully she will respond to the reviews regarding the un-friendliness of the staff. regardless, her store is always the first place i go when looking for a gift for my husband to give me, and usually i find something i love. prices are competitive with similar stores in san francisco. read more

I have been really unimpressed with M. Lowe. I used to walk by and admire the pieces in the window, so when I needed earrings and a necklace for my wedding, I decided to go in. I found a beautiful pair of earrings and bought them in spite of the fact that the sales lady was not just "not warm and fuzzy", but downright rude to me. They did not have a similar necklace, so I inquired about having one made to match the earrings. To make a long story short, the very rude treatment continued over the next few weeks and there was a complete lack of communication between the person who took my order and the person who was actually going to make the necklace, which necessitated me calling several times just to try to speak directly with the person who would make the necklace I was planning to wear to my wedding (they acted as if this was an outrageous request)! I ended up canceling the order for the custom necklace. Especially in this economy, why should I pay a hugely overpriced fee to have rude, unprofessional people make me something that I could probably make myself with about an hour of beading instruction? M. Lowe has beautiful jewelry, but I won't be back for any of it. read more