I went to Jewelology to make some custom jewelry for my bridesmaids for my wedding. I was very impressed with their selection - there were a lot of choices and I found exactly what I was looking for. I had done a lot of shopping, so I was relieved to find a great fit! Also, their service was very fast. It only took a few days to get 4 sets (necklaces and earrings).
The reason I gave them three stars was I was not impressed with the lack of disclosure on their prices. The "strand" that I bought for each necklace was clearly marked as a fixed price, but they charged separately for each and every other component (clasp, each accent bead, silver chain vs. cheap). The odd thing was that rather than having a price list to show me what my options were with clearly-marked prices for each option, they were very vague about what they were charging me per component - she basically just went to the cash register and started pounding in numbers. The price continually went up and up without my understanding of what was happening, and when I questioned it, she simply said "jewelry is expensive." After the necklaces were created, I liked the way they looked, but the clasp butted up to the bead next to it on each necklace (it was very difficult to open the clasp and I didn't want my bridesmaids to have trouble with something I'd paid decent money for), so I went back to have the issue corrected. My customer service hat was on, so I halfway assumed for them to fix the issue for free or at a discount since I had to spend time and travel to correct the issue. I was quoted a very vague "around 5 dollars for each necklace" to fix the problem. I thought, again, the vagueness was odd, but I agreed to the price and left. When I went back to pick them up, I was charged $6 per necklace instead of 5. At this point I was frustrated. I politely asked why the change and what the extra dollar was for - to me, a 2" piece of chain should be a fixed price, right? - but I was told "no, it's $6" very matter-of-factly. I was visibly annoyed with her lack of ability to tell me why the price went up, but she ignored it and put her hand out for me to pay. I know it's only a difference of a few dollars total (big deal), but the point is that I really felt uncomfortable with the realization that I was likely nickel-and-dimed during the entire process. It was unsettling. I'm not sure if other jewelry stores operate this way (this was my first experience) but I feel that merchandise should be a fixed price, especially when you're spending considerable cash.
My bridesmaids were happy with their jewelry on the wedding day, and I was happy that they were pleased. But I would advise anyone who goes here to be persistent about knowing exactly what they are paying for each step of the way and ask questions and clearly state if you aren't comfortable with a price for something. Otherwise, they will just nod at you, smile, pretend not to notice your obvious concern, and ask you for your credit card. Also, I'd suggest Jewelology take more time to communicate prices and options so customers truly know what they are paying for each step of the way. read more