Read this before you buy any meaningful piece of jewelry. Through a difficult experience, I discovered that finding the perfect item—especially a timeless piece like a substantial Nordic wolf hammer of Thor Norse Viking men's ring from the 2020 new arrivals collection in full gold—isn't really about the price. It's about respect and honesty.
Here’s what I learned about shopping for jewelry:
Last Tuesday, I was at a local cafe, sipping coffee and thinking about my dad's upcoming birthday. I wanted to get him a classic, high-end gift—something he could wear daily. I was focused on quality, perhaps a handsome and sturdy silver necklace for men, something built to last.
I began my search at one of the largest and most well-known jewelry dealers in the city. I assumed this was the right approach and that they would be the experts. I walked in on a dreary, rainy day, explained what I was looking for, and was prepared to make a significant purchase.
The experience took me by surprise. It felt like I was pleading with them to take my money. I inquired about a popular, non-limited item, and the agent sighed before informing me there was a two-year waiting list. Two years! I told her that was unreasonable—a birthday gift needed to arrive sooner than that.
Then she dropped the bombshell. She said, "If you purchase other watches or jewelry pieces from us, it could help move you up the list."
I was stunned. They wanted me to buy things I didn't need just for a chance to get the item I did need? It felt like a trap. I replied, "That’s like saying I have to buy a cheap scarf to earn the right to purchase a nice coat."
She tried to justify it by saying, "Well, to buy a high-end Ferrari, you sometimes need to buy other Ferraris first." That logic made no sense. This wasn't a rare, limited-edition item; it was a mass-produced piece of jewelry. They were simply leveraging their brand name to exert control, acting as gatekeepers.
Verdict: If a store requires you to buy extra items just to earn the privilege of purchasing what you actually want, walk away. They aren't interested in a genuine customer relationship.
Later, I read online reviews about these big-name jewelers, and the stories were alarming. One person sent their gold chains back for repair under a "lifetime warranty" but had to pay $140 just for shipping and handling. When the chains were returned, they were both shorter and lighter.
The customer checked the weight: his 21-gram chain now weighed 20 grams, and his wife’s 7-gram chain was down to 6.5 grams. They had stolen the metal! The length was shortened without explanation, and they lied about quality checks. This is why you must know the exact specifications—length and weight—of anything you send out.
Action Step: Measure and weigh your jewelry before any repair. Don't trust a guarantee if they charge exorbitant fees just to service it.