We finally landed at Berkman after four horrific experiences with other Billings area Jewelers, all…read morebut one are major, national brands. We were trying to get a one-off, very expensive and collectible ring with allot of American history behind it, appraised, and three of the four Jewelers had no clue whatsoever as to what they were looking at, and it was obvious that they did not have the expertise to even give us what we already knew about the massive, old, ruby.
After them, the next local place we took it had an owner study the gem. It was obvious from 8-feet away when he looked at it closely, that he knew full well what it was, and its value. Then, turned around and blatantly lied to us about it, and tried to buy it for nearly nothing. That place is well known and runs allot of local commercials. It was a pawn shop level experience.
After all that, finding Shane was literally a GOD send, and I'm a Rabbi, I would know.. Initially we brought Shane three good size ruby rings, all very old, between 1 and 3 karats. There's allot to know about ruby stones, they have special telltale signs within the stones which prove their age and providence, IF you actually know your business, which obviously the major Jewelers do not.
Literally, with one short glance Shane knew, 100%, exactly what they were; then we showed him the big ring, again, he instantly knew exactly what every stone was, in detail. THAT is when we knew we found the right man.
After Shane received the ring back from GIA for the ultimate certification of the massive Ruby and other diamonds, he not only provided an exceptional appraisal service on that special ring, and although it's special, American providence was not expected to be taken into consideration within the appraisal, he further advised that due to it being literally irreplaceable, and having no other ring out there, or separate stone for sale in public view of that size ruby to compare, that it is most likely worth double the appraised value.
It was unexpected, but Shane also cleaned and polished the old ring so beautifully. It's not worth quite a million bucks, but now it surely looks like it.
At that time I was already in the market for some jewelry for my sisters, and had my eye on something at yet another local Jewelry store, but after seeing Shane's custom work, I purchased two other pieces from him for my sisters. Shane does incredible work.
In summation, obviously, I highly recommend Shane Berkman over any and all local jewelers for anything, big or small. I've been around the world several times and certainly around the block, and I know old-school knowledge and experience when I see it, and that, in a nutshell, is what I found in Shane. All these others establishments these days are all marketing and glitter.
Mazel, Shane...
Dr. A
