Unfortunately I don't have very much positive to say. My partner had scheduled a consultation with Lauren a year ago to start our engagement ring shopping process. She did some basic sketches and then told us she would work more on the design and be in touch about our next steps. Flash forward to an entire year later--we NEVER heard from her after our initial consultation. She completely ghosted us. It was so disappointing, as our entire engagement process stalled as a result. I truly don't understand why we never heard anything else from her. If she was busy or didn't want to work with us, I would've expected at least a note to let us know she didn't want to move forward. Frustrating, unprofessional, and disappointing. read more

I love Lauren's work ... she pays attention to detail the way you'd want a custom jeweler to when making you a piece . She made me a mens ring that was based on a design I saw on another ring ... but made it her own .. the piece came out amazing and her other work is great too !! Her wedding rings really stand out above other makers read more

When I was looking up shops to visit on my trip, not many caught my eye. Quercus definitely stands out against the rest. I was definitely drawn to the aesthetic and when I walked in, I immediately knew why. Lauren has a beautiful vision and aesthetic. Her pedigree is from working in fine jewelers in SF. The fine jewelry is handmade by her. The pieces have a variety of price ranges. She utilizes different grades of metals and gemstones within the same piece - so you can definitely experience look without breaking the bank. She is able to size and alter them to your liking. Her entire collection can be found online and purchased there also. Bridal is the speciality and she can be commissioned for a fee. The wooden spoons and knives are really special. Talk to her about local recommendations - she is happy to share, from eateries to other artisans. Be sure to say 'hi' to the adorable store mascot. Just peeped her IG - fell in love all over again. read more

Quercus Studio - Jewelry Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Quercus Studio is a tiny, mostly metal work, shop located right around the corner from Deco in downtown Raleigh. How have I never been here before?! I have no clue! It is run by a local artist, Lauren Ramirez, originally from San Fransisco, and let me tell you, not only is she friendly, but she knows her inventory. Quercus has absolutely beautiful work, from artists all over the states, and I wouldn't be surprised if it housed some beyond too. Everything from knives to jewelry, sculpture to leather work and even graphite objects. You will fall in love with this tiny shop, and while the prices aren't affordable per say, I think you'll be able to make an exception for these dream like items. Plus, how can I NOT love an artist that places dried insects on her displays? All I want Christmas, some of this jewelry. Pro Tip: they regularly have a sample sale, which you can browse on their website. I look forward to putting Quercus Studio on my regular stopping routine when I'm downtown, I've heard rumors that they regularly have a cheese tray out for guests with fried fruit. AND, I am simply in love with Albert, the gallery dog. All together a perfect spot and thanks again to Rod O. for always telling me about the best spots in town, what would I do without your gallery knowledge?! read more

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Back story: I had a custom engagement ring made with a local jeweler. He never created a CAD for us and simply told us to trust him; that ultimately everything looked better once finished. We trusted him and I ended up with a ring that I was unhappy with. That ring cost us $1200. A few months later I find Quercus. I noticed she had a ring online that looked like what I wanted, so we go over and have a consultation with Lauren. She's super friendly and seems to understands what we're going for. She quotes us (although she'll go to hell and back denying it) at $1200, stating that would be the most it'd cost. I remember because it was the same price as my ring, but it didn't include the stones. My husband and I go to lunch, talk about it, and decided to go for it. We pay $300 for the CAD and don't hear back until maybe six to eight weeks later. The design looked fine, I thought; nothing special, but definitely closer to what I wanted. She schedules us to go over two and a half or so weeks later (the day after our wedding, to be exact), and it was then I showed a bit of ambivalence about the design. She reassures me it would look better once finished. Even though I'd heard that line before, I decide to go for it. She's about to charge us when she suddenly raises the price to $1500. I told her that wasn't the original price she'd quoted us, and her face suddenly goes stern. She said it was, and that if she'd given us another number it was on the lower end, which doesn't make any sense because I assume you'd never want to surprise a customer with a higher price than originally stated. I reassert myself and she refuses to lower the price or admit to the change. I was so incredibly disappointed, but we weren't about to blow our budget on an ok design. Ultimately, I was able to get my ring through an Etsy jeweler designed for a third of the price, which I loved as soon as I saw the CAD; no need to wait for the finished ring. My suggestion: if you're ok paying WAY more than you should for a ring, then sure, give her a try. That being said, for a custom ring there are more talented jewelers out there that won't charge you an arm and a leg for a beautiful design. read more

I had a great experience with Lauren. I was looking for an engagement ring but was brand new to the jewelry business. Lauren was patient while walking me through options, ultimately creating a beautiful ring that turned out to be perfect! Will be returning! read more

My now fiancé and I love Quercus and we are so happy we found this hidden gem! We were disinterested in a lot of jewelry stores in Raleigh, and really wanted something more local. At Quercus we were able to work one on one with our ring designer, and be much more creative (and allow for so much creative liberties!) and we love the final product. I couldn't recommend Quercus more - it's absolutely perfect in every way for local, artistic, and unique jewelry experience. read more

Meanwhile, back at the ranch: Quercus Studio has sent neither the earrings I ordered three years ago nor the $146 I paid for them. Such doins'. Such doins'! Reader, do not let it happen to you. Do not transact with Quercus Studio through PayPal. Do not put down a prepayment for a commission, in person or online. Do not give Lauren Ramirez your money--via PayPal, credit card, cash, or check--until you hold the jewels in your hand. Then run. She's a beautiful crook, and as a businesswoman irredeemably corrupt. She's made an art of it. read more

I have been buying pieces of gorgeous handcrafted jewelry for years from Lauren Ramirez when she lived and worked in San Francisco and now at Quercus Studio. Her work is stunning and she customizes and designs one-of-a-kind pieces for her clients! From her nature inspired line to elegant and classic collection - she knows how to create something special for everyone! Lauren is extremely talented and she always exceeds my expectations! Her professionalism, business sense, and attentiveness are recognized and appreciated! If you haven't checked out Quercus Studio it is a MUST! read more

This business is a scam! I returned a pair of earrings weeks ago and the owner has stopped responding to my multiple requests for a refund. Currently she has the merchandise and my money and I have been unable to get hold of her. I am baffled as to how someone can conduct business like this - highly unethical - upsetting and disappointing for a customer who purchased an item in good faith. Buyers - please beware so you don't land up out $700 which is what I am! read more

The shop itself has beautiful things made by her and others. My husband and I used to go in semi regularly and I bought a lovely item I saw in her shop (handcrafted by another artist), and it was fine. If you can pay and carry the item away, there will probably be no problem. She is pleasant to deal with, and you get what you have paid for. HOWEVER, my husband asked her to make an item for me, and she took the commission. After some time of not hearing from her, he called to check on progress. She said several times she was "working on it." Then it was "finished." He went to the shop to ask her in person, and she "forgot" it. She promised she would bring it to the shop and call so he could pick it up. Her call never came. After a couple of months of back and forth and excuses, he finally gave up, realizing it was never going to happen. Fortunately, she did not ask for nor did she receive any money upfront, so we weren't out any money, just annoyance at being deceived. We never went back. read more