Erstwhile Jewelry Review

I love the story of Erstwhile Jewelry. A modern shopping experience with roots in a 19th century Ukrainian town. From a great, great grandfather in Odessa to a great, great grandson in New York City. But aside from a sweet family tale, what you will find there is a most incredible collection. J.S. Klusner inherited an eye for finding the most stunning and unique pieces of jewelry. I can not visit the website often because I want Everything. I was lucky enough to purchase a Victorian era gold ring and I love it. The ordering process was simple and it arrived in the mail safely and promptly. If you are looking for something unique, vintage, one of a kind, and drool worthy, go to this site. And if you're looking for an engagement ring, you will most likely find a worthy one there as well.

I purchased an engagement ring from Erstwhile and am pretty happy with the final results of my experience. I found the link to a store in the title of a random gif image online. I knew my fiancé would like any of the rings I found. The first time I tried to buy online ( I live in California ) I had to write to ask why I hadn't received any shipping confirmation. It turned out the ring had been sold so I had to wait for their selection to turn over before purchasing a ring in my price range. I was offered a discount for the difficulties I had with my first purchase and was very happy with the second ring I selected, more so than the first.

10 W 47th St
(between Avenue Of The Americas & 5th Ave)
New York, NY 10036
Neighborhood: Midtown West
(347) 875-0096

Ernesto's Jewelry of NY Review

I am a new resident of the UWS.  I inherited my mother's engagement ring, which was in yellow-gold, with one of the side diamonds missing, and a strange gold band she'd had made that would allow the ring to fit over her gnarled finger joint.  I approached Ernesto's hesitantly, after reading these positive reviews. They are terrific, and completely deserve the accolades below!  My new ring is now white gold, cleaned, with a new band beautifully joined, diamond replaced, and done for a very reasonable price.  The ring means a lot to me, and Ernesto's earned my love for their fine work.  I have since had several minor repairs done there, all reasonably-priced, well-done, prompt service, and their advice is also excellent.

A long-time Upper West Side resident recommended Ernesto to me, and was she ever right! I brought two rings to him to be made into an entirely new ring. The shop is filled with excellent new and vintage jewelry with much of his own design. Working from a ring on display, he designed and executed a new ring in an adapted design. The result is a spectacular success, at a price much lower than I expected to pay for such fine work. During my visits, I observed a large clientele with many "regulars". Everyone was skilled and professional, and I am thrilled with the results. I cannot recommend Ernesto too highly.

2350 Broadway
New York, NY 10024
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
(212) 799-3422

Ultimate Jewelry Designs Review

I uploaded a photo of my engagement ring because I think its the most beautiful ring in the world! I also think it speaks highly for the quality of diamonds and selection of settings the store carries! This ring makes me so so happy.

My fiance went to every single store in the diamond district and was really unhappy with the selection of diamonds and settings and the pressure he felt when he spoke to anyone at any of the stores. He felt so lucky to meet LC- who was patient and accommodated him multiple times when he wasn't sure of what he wanted without any kind of attitude. She was helpful and trustworthy- her diamonds are GIA certified and come with a certificate and she also worked with him on the pricing and different options that made my dream ring affordable.

My fiance had such a good experience here that he sends all his co-workers to this shop and everyone in the city he meets that wants to get engaged.  I suggest anyone looking to wow their significant other to check this place out and if you want to get engaged and want to nudge your special sweetie to propose it wouldn't hurt to go with them and try rings on

19 W 47th St
(between 5th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas)
New York, NY 10036
Neighborhood: Midtown West
(646) 366-8018

Helen Ficalora Review

Last week, my much-beloved kitty passed away. My husband and I were on the hunt for a piece of jewelry that I could wear to remember her, and had a lot of trouble finding something that "felt right". I don't wear a lot of jewelry, and the pieces I do wear are usually simple and unique. It come up at my office and my fashion-savvy boss immediately suggested I check out Helen Ficalora.

I loved what I saw on the website, and knew within a few minutes of browsing what I wanted. My husband and I went to the store the next day, and I now have a beautiful necklace to commemorate my Bear. We went with the letter "B" in white gold and the paw charm in pink gold with a small diamond (see photo). It's exactly my style -- the handmade charms are lovely, and being able to customize the colors and charm combinations allowed me to feel like I could tailor it to "feel right" for this very important and somber occasion.

I hope I have happier reasons to visit Helen Ficalora and add to my charms in the future.

21 Cleveland Pl
(between Kenmare St & Lafayette St)
New York, NY 10012
Neighborhoods: Little Italy, Nolita
(212) 219-3700

Gray & Davis, Ltd Review

The service is fantastic and Bernard and Gray have both excellent taste and amazing patience.  My fiance bought my engagement ring from Bernard and Gray.  In the limited conversations we had before he bought it all I really knew was that I wanted something with a past.  He found these two, and bought the most beautiful ring.  My first experience with them was to have my ring sized.  Having never sized a ring before I was pretty terrible at knowing what to do, and Bernard and Gray were amazing with getting me through it.

When it came time to buy our wedding bands we went back to the dynamic duo.  My fiance found the perfect band amidst their beautiful vintage collection, and they did an excellent job of modifying my mother's band so that I could wear it.  These two are a wonderful pair, and their shop is filled with treasures.  We will be sure to go back for any fine jewelry purchases in the future!

I brought a vintage ring to 47th Street in the hopes of using it as a trade-in for an engagement ring. Bernard Cohen at Gray & Davis was the only person who gave it an honest appraisal. Other stores offered me a one or two hundred bucks or waved me away in disgust when I would not name my price (or named one they deemed too high). I wound up putting it on consignment at G&D and pocketing over $1K. Cohen's expert eye saw the value and beauty of the ring. More importantly, he treated me fairly and with respect. He also provided me great advice and feedback on my purchase of the engagement ring even though I did not purchase it from G&D

15 W 47th St
#1
(between 5th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas)
New York, NY 10036
Neighborhood: Midtown West
(212) 719-4698

Ken & Dana Design Review

I was interested in their necklaces because of their message and unique design. I went in to buy one and my girlfriend and I peeped their engagement rings. When we eventually did decide to get married Ken and Dana (and Radika) were so helpful and gracious with their time. They sat with us and made sure we were comfortable with our purchase. They even helped outsource a jewelry for the diamond! If you are looking for a "Tiffany's experience" this might not be your cup of tea, but if you want to feel like you are kickin back with some friends that actually care if you are happy with your significant purchase, then this is your place.

231 W 29th St
Ste 503
(between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)
New York, NY 10001
Neighborhoods: Chelsea, Midtown West

(212) 972-7031

Marissa Alperin Studio Review

Marissa I love you! I went to Marissa's studio because I heard she did great custom work. I've had my eye on a very expensive designer piece which I could never afford at full price. Marissa was able to recreate my special piece for a fraction of the designer cost. She used the finest gems and the best quality material which made it totally bling bling! While there I saw her designer line. I wish I had known she had such unique style. Her rings and earrings are show stoppers. On top of all of that she has a bridal collection which is totally fab. If you are in the area you MUST stop by her store. Her shop is adorable and she couldn't be more delightful.

25 State St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights

(718) 243-2326