Within 5 days it was ready for checking sizing and believe you me, it is outstanding, perfect and even better than expected.
My fiance and I were ecstatic.
On the agreed upon Thursday, I e-mail Todd and let him know we would have to pass on the stone.
We did not part on good terms.
It was to have a ring made from diamonds we had, they designed without rush, listened, recommended and we made the choice.
I stated my doubts that it was gone, because of the sheer amount of effort ALL the jewelers had to go through to get samples in. (i.e. this was not something most people shopped for) The associate got short and asked if I was calling him a liar, I said no, but I did feel his behavior indicated he was upset that I had initially decided to go another route.
Now I am NOT a diamond expert and the folks at Joseph's had been very helpful, Todd even stated that he used to be a diamond cutter.
I called the Jordan creek store to talk to Jake, the associate there said she wasn't sure if he was on the phone, but could see him on the floor. I got Voice mail, and he wasn't available for five days.
Be sure to shop around. You CAN do better.
Thank you!
He asked if he could see the stone when I received it because he had appraised poor stones that were so bad you could see the it from 50 feet away. When I pressed about wanting the information, he stated that they assumed I was going to Jerad's.
I shop here every year for holiday gifts. Good quality and selection, nice people.
Fast forward.
The associate at Josephs kept telling me that we needed to make a decision soon, as Jake(the owner's son and the broker wanted the stone back because of it's value. (pressure)
I love this place! My go to for all jewelry and gifts for new babies and weddings. I can always find something that is beautiful and a cherished gift. I have enjoyed so many "gold box moments" and each year I'm always so impressed!
The associate at Josephs advised the stone was in, I went to see it, and was honest that for a purchase of this level we were getting bids. He understood and put together some attractive pricing.
I advised that the stone was certified but that it was ICI certified.
When I called Josephs back and wanted to discuss what the difference between GIA and ICI certification was, the "friendly" associate was not friendly.
Very disappointed.
I have shopped jewelry for decades and have found a store that is old fashioned with first class personal service. They go out of their way to make you at home in your choices.
I received a very quick reply from the associate asking why we didn't go with their stone and what we did decide to go with. I advised the stone and the price.
I questioned this, because NO JEWELER in town had that stone in-stock and certainly NOT that carat weight. He said it was gone and that it was too bad.
Within the hour I received another e-mail saying that Jake wanted to know if the stone was GIA certified, and the number of the stone, because the price was substantially below agree upon wholesale. They asked for my help in tracking this deal down.
I told him that I didn't want to make a mistake, I would take the stone he had brought in for me. Even if it meant telling my friend no. The associate snapped back with "The stone was no longer available that he sold it right away to another customer." (three hours between the e-mail and the phone call).
Todd was selling me on Professionalism, hand selection, long term relationships, no commissions and customer service.
In the interim a friend called and stated that she had a stone in a superior clarity and size for a very attractive price and the services of her jeweler.
Toby Joseph never treated me this way in 27 years.
St. Nicholas
In the process, I contacted a long-time colleague who has been collecting loose stones for 30 years.
It became clear to me that those things exist as long as they win every sale. But when not chosen, they are spiteful, arrogant, pretentious, cold and unavailable - even with special order, large carat, non-standard pieces.
Edit 12-18-17
My fiance and I were shopping for our engagement ring. What we wanted in a stone was very specific. We started with an associate (Todd) who was very nice, but advised that they didn't keep the stone were were looking for in stock and in the larger carat weight we wanted. But the man advised he would talk to Jake Joseph(the son) and see if they could bring one in from a wholesaler. I got the same advice from the Jordan creek store.
My fiance and I consider this investment significant and we felt it was prudent to at least shop around. During the comparative shopping in the Des Moines metro, I visited 5 different jewelry stores. Everyone of them said the same thing, "not something they kept in stock", but would bring some in. Jerad's, Zales, Rogers, Helzbregs and Josephs.
I love shopping for my jewelry at Joseph's! I can always find unique pieces that are in my budget when I want to update my jewelry box. I love how they have everything organized! Some jewelry stores only seem to offer the engagement rings, Josephs has so much more than that! They have so much space so I don't feel like I am bumping into other shoppers. Anytime I need to buy a wedding gift I love their gift ware department, after I pick it out they wrap and box it beautifully so I don't have to struggle myself at home. They are located around other amazing shops and restaurants so I feel like I have gone on a shopping vacation right in Iowa!
Josephs Jewelers is a US Jewelry Store based in Des Moines, Iowa. Josephs Jewelers is located at 215 10th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA.
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