I've only been in here to try to get a watch strap replaced, and wow did I feel out of place! I was…read moreterrified of accidentally getting dirt on something. Still, it's great for window shopping and engagement daydreams. The gist: expensive jewellery, especially watches and diamonds. The cost: Most things are well over £50 The names: Tagheuer, Gucci, DKNY and lots more. Top tip: even shops like this have sales, and the savings could be in the hundreds, so well worth watching out for. Great for: gifts - they can engrave keyrings and jewellery. They are also experts on weddings gifts. Not so great: If you're not looking to spend a fair amount of money!

Another national jewellery, watch store that has found it's way to Oxford, Ernest Jones have…read moreperhaps one of the larger ranges available in the city centre. Interestingly, each jewellery, watch store seems to have it's own particular range and there is little duplication across stores so it is worth having a look elsewhere. The staff at Ernest Jones are very helpful with allowing you to look at items and try them on. Prices, as would be expected are significant, though sales do happen and bargains can be found!

A wide range of jewellery available in all sorts of materials, they also sell ornaments, keepsakes…read moreand watches. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable. I particulary like the fact that they have contemporary jewellery available now with a white gold and platinum range of wedding jewellery allowing people to choose something different to gold. They do offer a repairs service, however nothing seems to be done on site meaning that you inevitably have to send away the item for repair and the turn around on these items is usually measured in weeks not days. The good thing is that they enable you to purchase an item in one store but get it delivered to another, so if you spot something whilst you're away on holiday you can arrange to collect it at home.

I walked into the Swindon Branch of Deacons on Wood Street today while on my lunch break…read more I was there to collect a damaged Tag Heuer watch. Deacons had quoted £800 pounds to repair it. I had told a younger, male staff member there when I dropped the watch off, that if the repair cost was too high, I would probably replace the watch. And maybe, as I was approaching 50, I would consider something like a Rolex. Today, I was greeted by a woman who has probably never heard of customer service. I found her manor very rude. There were about 4 or 5 other staff in the shop area. Two of them were servicing an actual customer. But there were also one or two carrying out tasks that could have been done when they were free of customers. My point is. Not one of the staff was interested in acknowledging me. There was no 'Can I help you sir? 'or 'I'll be with you in a minute sir' - even though I visibly browsed their most expensive watch displays. The good news is I've saved myself about £3,500.

This very old fashioned store has been in Old Town for years. Very large range of jewellery and…read morewatches and some unusual pieces. All price ranges catered for. Also do repairs and alterations. What surprised me the first time I went there was the huge range of gifts for all occassions. They also have a brill. gift wrapping service. Do go inside - you'll be surprised!

I felt humiliated. I went to the shop today with rings that had a decent diamond value, one with a…read morecertificate and receipt of purchase. This had taken me years to pluck up the courage to do. I spoke initially to a lovely young lady who looked at the rings and then went to get her father. Who was friendly but dismissive, telling me they dealt with the more unusual and in brief made me feel like I had wasted his time, despite taking potentially over 2.5k worth of goods. I would beg for a bit of humility.....

Really chatty once you get them talking. Whether you walk away with just a chat or a small…read morepurchase, it'll will be interesting. I came in to look around, and they were quite happy and willing to just bring stuff out behind the cases and glass and talk about it. From the outside it's a bit intimidating, as you do have to buzz to get in, and I think to get out as well. The shop space is quite small, since you walk straight into the counter area. There's really only comfortable room for 4, 6 if you want to be squished in tight and all know one another. They've got all sorts, from polished silverware, to animal cuff links, jewelry, and stuff you don't know they have unless you ask.

This is an excellent high quality jewellers and I recommend them. While not cheap, they know their…read morestuff and you can be assured of a high quality piece of jewellery or watch no matter what you buy. The gentleman who helped me in here was very nice and helpful and when he couldn't help, he recommended someone who could and drew directions for me. Excellent!

The basic gist: Another expensive jeweller's in Oxford…read more Come here for: watches, rings, wedding rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, pendants, charms. The difference: This has some things for children (although they're still £30+) and some relatively less expensive things like bangles and charms. Designer names: Dior, Hugo Boss, D&G, Seiko Cost: Mainly expensive Service: Very good, but politely detached.

The Beaverbrooks store is perhaps slightly smaller than the other jewellery stores in Oxford, as…read moresuch their range is also slightly limited. Having said that, it seems to differ markedly from what's available elsewhere, so it is worth a look. I did find their prices to be higher than elsewhere, though that may be a reflection of the items I was looking for. Given that all the jewellery stores are in close proximity, it would be a shame not to visit them all!

Goldsmiths in Cheltenham is quite possibly the most helpful shop I have ever had the pleasure of…read morevisiting! The staff offer to go to endless lengths in order to help you, for example they will let you order up to 5 items into the store (e.g. if you've spooted them on the website) just so that you can have a look at them in real life, at no charge even if you don't buy anything. They are very polite and keen to help you find whatever it is that you're looking for - from gifts to treats for yourself! Sitting neatly on the Promenade also makes Goldsmiths in Cheltenham a lovely store. The grand premises and pleasant setting in the 'nice' part of town all add to the experience.

Helpful and well-stocked chain jewellers. Definitely a cut above the usual high street offerings…read more Good aftercare on engagement and wedding rings.

These guys were really helpful when I went in to get a watch strap repaired. Having been told by…read moreSamuels that it would take up to 6 weeks and the watch would have to be sent off it was a pleasant relief to go to Farnhams where they could do the repair on site and it would be ready in a matter of days (at a fraction of the cost from Samuels!) Apart from repairs they do a lovely selection of individually designed jewellery. Admittedly it is on the pricey side, but then you are getting effectively a designer piece of jewellery for your money. Well worth popping into if you're in the market for a nice piece of jewellery and don't mind spending a bit of money.