Avoid Bradley's York if you value your engagement experience.
Avoid this store if you care about your engagement! What started as a great experience went quickly downhill. They didn't just fail on a technical level, they ruined the emotional attachment to the ring and the entire experience of getting engaged. Imagine attaching such a bad experience to something so meaningful that you'll wear for the rest of your life!
We bought a two-tone engagement ring, but when we went to collect it after resizing, the entire head was yellow gold. They completely missed this massive quality control issue, we had to point it out to them after only noticing as we were about to leave the store.
It only got worse from there:
- Conflicting Stories: One person gave one story, then the manager gave another, first we were told the ring was "remade," then later claimed it was the original and the factory just forgot the white gold. This inconsistency left us wondering what we actually bought. We still don't know which story is true
- Zero Respect for Boundaries: We specifically asked to be left alone on the day of the failed collection to salvage our engagement dinner. They ignored this and called just before 4PM anyway, further upsetting my fiancée and ruining our evening.
- The "Delivery" Incompetence: I was told the ring would be sent via Special Delivery to arrive by 1 PM Friday by the manager. I stayed in all morning waiting. At 12:54 PM, the store called asking how I wanted it delivered, they had no idea about the plan and I was told they would never just post something of this value. Total lack of internal communication.
- The £25 Insult: After admitting they ruined the experience, and their initial suggestion of an experience so we can go get afternoon tea at Betty's, they offered a pathetic £25 voucher. When I pointed out this didn't even cover the travel and parking for the initial failed collection, I was told this was "more than we are obliged to do." We haven't yet received this, and I fully expect them to now claim the mini prosecco and travel jewelry box (which we would never have wanted) that is in the bag as their "gesture of goodwill"
To top it off, when they finally hand-delivered the ring, they tried to get me to sign a document confirming I was "happy with the item" to cover themselves against further complaints to the NAJ.
Bradley's treats your engagement like a "fit for purpose" transaction, not a milestone. They think ruining a lifetime memory is worth the price of a takeaway. Absolute insult of a "luxury" jeweler. Go elsewhere. read more
