The buyers of Place Vendome came to my area, so I made an appointment to bring my Cartier and Rolex watches for appraisal by Todd Tyra. The Cartier watch was a gift from family which I wore only once or twice because these days watches are made redundant by smartphones. It was mint in box. Right off the start something did not feel right. Todd looked at it closely with a pretentious frown. He gave me a lowball offer way below the price of second hand market. To justify the unreasonable lowball figure, he claimed it looked like the watch had been worn many times. If he is worth his salt, that would be a blatant lie because the watch is like brand new given it had been worn only once or twice. The price he claimed they could sell is less than half the price of second market pricing from my research. Either he has no clue of the value of the watch or he is lying (again). Given he has 25 years of buying experience, I figure it is the latter. The story of appraisal of the Rolex is similar. There was a big crowd waiting for their items to be appraised on the day I came. My observation is they are mostly average American working families taking their valuables at home for appraisal. Many of them are elderly who are unlikely to have the ability to research the value of their items, let alone finding means to sell them online. I can see how people like Todd Tyra can fool them by convincing their items are worth significantly a lot less than what they can fetch in second hand market. I feel terribly bad for them, especially for the elderly who probably can use a bit of cash from selling their valuables. I give a 1 star review not because we did not agree on a reasonable price, but because they do not engage with good will and fairness. By buying at a price way below market price, I am sure they can sell them at the store at a market price with a big margin. If I were shopping for vintage jewelry, I would not buy from them knowing they earn their money by scamming the average American working families with dishonest practice. read more

If you are going to sell, watch out for these charlatans. I took a beautiful 2.7 oz 24 ct gold chain with six diamonds (real) and they offered $2500 dollars, then $3000. The price of gold today was $3166.60 per ounce. Plus the diamonds. Also they low balled on other items. Take your gold and jewelry to a good local place and watch out for these jokers. read more

This is the best place for jewelry and they have great service. The owners are truly excellent.

Don't bring your jewelry or stones here to sell. The man who "appraised" my items was cocky and dismissive. He apparently thought I was an idiot. He didn't tell me how much my gold weighed nor did he tell me the current price of gold. He offered me a low ball price and I said, "um, no thanks" and walked out. I got offered way more money at my local Jewelry store. read more

Please, please do not do business with these people. I took four gold coins to sell, some sterling silverware, and some antique jewelry. They mark the value on a sheet of paper. They marked 2400 for the four coins. I said I would just sell two for 1200 to which they crossed out the 2400 and wrote 1200. After we went through the items I was selling he transferred the numbers to a different sheet, added them up and told me to go get a check. When I got in my car I noticed he only wrote 600 for the two coins. I went back inside and told him his error. He knew he made the error. How could he take 1200 and change it to 600? I called Mr. Merrit and told him I was concerned about my transaction and believed there might be other transfer errors. He told me he could show me the original sheet they used to run the total to verify or correct any errors. But low and behold he called the next day and my sheet, for some strange reason, was missing. Really? He said he would give me $75 to make me happy and assured me I had been paid fairly. I told him there is no way to ever know if I was paid fairly because they lost my paperwork! Then he never sent the $75 and I had to ask him twice about it, and he accused me of throwing a tirade. Two texts, one just stating I wanted him to know I never received funds, and one asking why he changed his mind, and he calls that a tirade. It was actually him throwing a tirade. I have it all on text! Very suspicious business practices! This shows they are either grossly incompetent at best or outright deceptive at worst. Stay away! read more

I received a mailer in my mail box. It was a well designed ad for this company wanting to buy valuables. Everything from silver spoons, coins, gold, watches, and more. At the same time, they had placed the ad in our local newspaper. I went in with beautiful gold jewelry. The person who checked out my items, spent quite a bit of time and told me what the items were worth. Thank goodness I had done my homework. The day before, I had gone to a local store, and they told me exactly what the items weighed, and the cash value based on the spot gold price that day. This place offered me half of the gold value! I was shocked. When I called the person on it, he told me that this was the going rate. I asked to speak with the manager, a Mr. Merritt. He seemed surprised, and told me that they normally pay more. I doubt it. Mind you, they are entitled to pay what ever they want. The next day I went around and got much higher offers. I would be very careful before selling these people any valuables. I felt like I was really being ripped off. If you have anything of value, make sure to get several offers or go online before dumping them for the lowest price to these folks. read more

I received an unsolicited ad in the mail regarding this establishment's desire to buy old gold, diamonds, etc. I called and had a friendly conversation and set up an appointment. The gentleman who met with me was very patient, and the Antique Road Show consultant who was present was also courteous. They patiently reviewed the assortment of pieces I brought and gave me estimates for each based on prices for that day. They did all this knowing that I had said I planned on getting other estimates before selling anything, but given the time they spent, I decided to sell them some silver quarters and dimes without getting a second estimate. I don't regret this, given their courtesy, but read on. The reason for the two-star review is that their offered prices were roughly 30% less than I received at two other establishments, and I did sell my items at another location. Thus, in accordance with Yelp's definition of two stars, I would definitely say they "Could've been better" by offering better prices to purchase my items. Of course, this is totally their choice, but I would not say that their offered prices to purchase my pieces were competitive. read more

I came here by a recommendation of a gal pal who's known Max and Mike a long time. They're such nice guys and trustworthy with fair with prices. Mike helped us design our engagement ring from heirloom diamonds. It turned out to be a truly one-of-a-kind piece; classy and beautiful. I trust his opinions and would recommend Place Vendôme to anyone looking for high-class jewelry, or wanting to design their own. read more

Place Vendome - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

Had a very bad experience at a recent appraisal event I attended in Claremont. I received a low-budget looking mailer saying "Bring your old jewelry, tea sets, watches, etc" so I brought in a diamond ring and some old tea cups. The mailer boasted "Antiques Roadshow" consultants too, I have no idea if the disrespectful oaf who glanced at my stuff ever had anything to do with the show, but I tend to doubt it because the people on that show are respectful and polite and actually bother to LOOK AT the items before dismissing them as "stuff from Grandma's closet" that aren't worth anything. A 1 carat plus diamond wedding ring was studied for all of 5 seconds (I am not exaggerating) before offering me $250 because "the diamonds are flawed." When presented w/appraisal documents from when the ring was purchased, this callous jerk stumbled over his explanation of his non-appraisal and said snidely, "Oh, Robbins Brothers? Are they still in business?" While I didn't think I was going to this event carrying in Queen Elizabeth's jewels, I also didn't expect some phony looking ass hat (lucky for him I didn't catch his name) to denigrate my "Grandma" tea cups and diamond ring that he acted like came out of a gumball machine. Even if he wasn't interested in my items, there was no need to be so visibly uninterested and disdainful. Honestly, I probably wouldn't have shopped at this jewelry store anyway because I don't buy fine jewelry so it's no loss to this store and they probably don't give a damn anyway, but because of this ridiculously lame and rude experience, I never would set foot in a place that would hire someone like this to represent them. read more

Positives: Beautiful, airy space with natural light to see stones' natural brilliance. Interesting selection of jewelry, including some local artists, all very creative/unusual settings. Negatives: Staff is nice enough not to be considered full-on snooty, but only by a slim forced smile. The two gentlemen who were there ignored me for a few minutes (mind you, it's a small shop) and eventually asked if I needed anything. But mostly the sales people were interested in fussing over a couple in the store with a bratty kid (whom from what I could tell were repeat customers). When I asked to see something from a window the sales guy just gave me the ring & looked almost annoyed. I asked him to tell me about the piece & the artist who made it and then he finally warmed up a bit and started talking with me. I could tell they were trying to be nice to me, but at the same time I felt like they were a bit irked by me being there & were just trying to rush me out the door. The difference in their behavior was made more obvious by how they fussed & doted on the other customers, but were more distanced in their interactions with me. Perhaps they didn't think I would be able to purchase something there, who knows. So I went to Tiffany's on Colorado instead & received excellent attention & customer service. The sales person took their time explaining each ring to me & the methods used to create it, and discuss what options would pair best with my engagement ring. read more

I've been here a few times before to purchase Dinh Van pieces, first for myself since they're so unique and eye-catching and then a couple more for my girlfriend. One of the salespeople, Max, helped me select items that were available for order (I wanted white gold instead of silver) and was kind enough to replace my bands after they became worn. So I went back a few weeks ago to see if they would help me design a custom engagement ring. Another salesperson, Michael, gave me some examples of types. Once I made my selection, he explained how it would be made (you can tell he knows his stuff) and when it would be ready. I picked it up last week and proposed the next night. She was floored and was even more impressed that I knew the materials, sizes, and terminology of the ring. I know that if the guys at Place Vendome hadn't been so interested in making me feel special and helping me make a great decision, the proposal wouldn't have been as successful. Her friends and family are blown away by ring and I look like a rock star for making her a glittering and gorgeous custom ring rather than something off the shelf from Tiffany or Robbins Bros. What more can a guy ask for? read more

Most jewelry stores don't have classic motorcycles parked...inside. That's the first tip-off that Place Vendome has a different approach to presenting beautiful things. They carry several designers, but it's the Dinh Van collections that causes me to press my nose to the glass of the display case. What a lot of people don't know is that you can take your old gold items to Place Vendome for a competitive rate on scrap gold--or you can get store credit. Recycling at its best. read more

Excellent Service, a beautiful store. Jewelry is one of a kind finds. A unique experience that makes you want to go back. The owners are gentlemen and make you feel comfortable even if you are not ready to buy anything. The minute you walk in you feel like your just walked into a shop in Paris. It has a very European feel. If you get a chance, definitely visit this place. read more

Place Vendome - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

Max was great in helping me find stone for my engagement ring. Very nice and funny guy. Thank you!! Reminds me of fronk from father of the bride movie. Nice guy read more

Kind, generous, informative, trustworthy. I have gone to Mike and Max on NUMEROUS occasions to take care of various needs from engagement rings to weddings bands to appraisals to fittings. They can do it all - they are efficient and wonderful to work with. read more

I love this place. I've bought two rings and two earring sets here. Mike and Max are excellent to work with and you won't find better quality! My fiancé loves her engagement ring. read more

I feel remiss having waited so long, after I've been a customer here for years, to finally post a review. This place is a gem and the best place to find the gems you want in the most unique settings. It certainly is the go-to place for Dinh Van pieces. I've purchased many over the years for both my wife and myself. The owners are caring people who will take the time to help you find what you might be looking for and equally as helpful for any future cleanings or replacing the leather on the Dinh Van wrist pieces. The shop itself is just as inviting as the eclectic array of the beautiful jewelry you'll see in Los Angeles...right in Pasadena. Stop by, you'll be happy you did! read more

Worth my trip to Pasadena from the West Valley for that special piece of jewelry for my wife. Thanks for the great service, as well!

We got my engagement ring here and oh how it sparkles! All thanks to Max who is so welcoming, funny and patient. Lots of unique and beautiful jewelry. Tucked away in Old Town Pasadena away from the crowds in the. Worth a stop to visit. read more

I LOVE the Pomellato rings my husband got me for Mother's Day there! And Max makes it such a pleasant and enjoyable experience, like chosing a piece of jewelry with your best friend! Highly recommend especially if you look for something that you will not find everywhere. read more

We've bought a few pieces here over the last few years and love this place. Though the jewelry is of the best quality they have a wonderfully polite but casual feel when working with you. So few salespeople these days are actually helpful and the two of them are excellent without being pushy. The pieces they have vary enough that there seems to be something for everyone. I never walk by their window without stopping. If you want a piece of wonderful quality that is unique you'll most likely find something here. Thanks for all the help! read more

I am a Canadian who has lived in Europe for 5 years. I learned a lot more about quality while I was there. I found Max by internet a few years ago. When I was so "in love" with "Dinh Van"/ jewellers (who had designed for Cartier in the past) and with the move back home in Canada . I could not buy them any more., i was saddened . After finding Max. I was so happy to find someone who knew the quality and " preciousness" of some of the best jewels in Europe..:):) I have purchased a number of items over the years from Max because of his character and desire to have all his customers receive the best service. Imagine, a Canadian, bought beautiful items that could only be looked at on the net! Max is charming, gentle and patient. I recommend `````Max to those people who want their jewellers to be honest and not pushy; to take the time to understand what their clients are looking for. As years go by I will keep purchasing from Max, as he is the Best! read more

What a LOVELY, authentic boutique jewelry store. Would highly recommend to everyone...and the service is top notch!