So this isn't really "Mama" related but I need suggestions on a reputable jeweler. The jeweler my family has always used has retired. My nieces boyfriend wants to propose but is currently buying a house and doesn't have a lot of spare cash. I suggested he take the diamond out of a ring that my niece inherited (it was her great grandmothers, grandmothers and mothers before they passed away.) The diamond is over 100 years old but is in a gold setting and in a style that is too fancy for her tastes. The boyfriend (his mom has passed also) thinks it is a great idea and asked for my help to find a setting and a trusted "afforable" jeweler somewhere in the greater Portland, Or metro area. I say "trusted" because the last time I took a ring in to get repaired the diamond was chipped! I have suggested going to a pawn shop to find a setting and then taking it in to have the diamond placed in it. I appreciate your help.
Sol's Place on SW Alder between 3rd and 4th downtown Portland has been around for many many many years. His focus is vintage and he is super personable and fair.
Snow Owl Designs on Beaverton Hillsdale Highway. Great family owned business! I had a diamond already when I got engaged and then they helped me design my ring around it. I love that ring and am thrilled with the results and that it is a one- of-a-kind. If I am remembering correctly, they have several notebooks filled with pictures of custom designed rings and can give a good estimate of what the design will end up costing. Worth a shot when you have nothing to lose. Best of luck to your niece and her future fiance!
We we're married in June 2009, we spent months shopping for just the right rings, practical, beautiful, and at a price we were willing to spend. After many different stores, and locations of different chains, we ended up back at Shane Company, it's in Tigard. They are not on commission so there really is no pressure. There are many choices that are designed to have a center stone added to it. And what we really like is this, if we paid $250 for a ring (band minus the added center stone) to upgrade at any time we only have to find one that costs $500, & we pay $250 for the upgrade, (value of upgrade = to double the orig cost). On diamonds purchased say you purchased a $200 stone to upgrade, you only have to go $1 over that.
Check it out. We really like them. They upgrade on all jewelery I believe, even pendants. And if you take it in every 6 months they will clean and inspect it for free. It only takes a few minutes to do.
Oh, also sizing is included in purchase price and they will do engraving inside the band for a very small fee, I believe it was $20.
Definitely Klein Jewelers downtown on 511 SW Washington. Nice little shop, been there 3 generations, really good people.
We have been to goldworks and I have been very pleased with the work they have done. I went in and designed my wedding ring with them, then they made a sample, and cast and created in from scratch.
