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Alana Antique & Estate Jewelry
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
12 reviews for Alana Antique & Estate Jewelry
12 reviews in English
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Review from Kristen F.
San Diego, CA
11/8/2011
I did a bunch of legwork looking for a reputable place that sells antique jewelry, and this is it. I love that they list pieces on their website; way to get with the times. It's amazing how many stores don't. The sales people were very helpful and patient. Their inventory changes frequently so if they don't have what you are looking for I recommend checking their webpage for new pieces every few weeks.
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Review from Molly B.
Seattle, WA
9/7/2011
Now first of all, I absolutely LOVE this store. The pieces they have are beautiful and the staff generally is very friendly. Based on just that, I would have given it 5 stars, but I had to take a couple off.
The first star that was taken off is because of the first time I was engaged. The guy when to buy a ring I had seen there that I was in love with. I have a freakishly small ring finger (size 3). He told them this, asking if it could be sized down that small. They didn't believe him, and sold the ring to him. When we went to have it sized after he popped the question they informed us that it was impossible because of the filigree work. They at least gave us a full refund, which is against their usual policy, but it kind of ruined the engagement bliss (oh well, that engagement didn't work out anyways haha).
The second star I took off because of one of their staff members. I'm the kind of girl that likes to be greeted, then left alone to browse. The past couple times I have been to Alana's one employee greets me and then hovers. I work retail, so I know from both sides how uncomfortable hovering is. She made my boyfriend and I feel very awkward and we felt like we couldn't speak freely because she was in our face the whole time.
Other than that, this is my favorite place to find estate/antique jewelry! -
Review from Chris D.
Seattle, WA
4/12/2011
You know what's a little whacky? That I would have to wait 2 weeks to get a gun in this country, but I was in and out of Alana Jewelry, with an engagement ring, after 25 minutes...
They made it ridiculously easy- the jury is still out on whether or not I am happy about how easy they made it, but I know that as far as getting myself on marriage road, step 2 was a cinch.
The Girl and I are not your ordinary cats- we weren't interested in some cookie cutter ring from one of the big name guys- we wanted something that was as unique as we like to think we are. What I walked out of Alana with was a 70 year old, art deco, platinum sparkler that has made all the girls that see it cry.
And that's a good thing.
The woman who I worked with, Zoe, couldn't have been nicer or more calming...I was pretty shaky and I know I was talking to myself a little too much- but she told me about diamonds, she told me what I was getting myself into, she showed me how much the ring was appraised for (much more than I bought it for...) and in the end, she made me feel that I was doing the right thing...and I know that that's her job, but she was supportive which gave me some peace of mind.
I would dock a star because the owner, Alana, kind of almost blew the deal for me- she wasn't as friendly as I would have liked someone to be when I was spending that much of my money with them and she only offered me $200 bucks for my grandmother's old engagement ring, which I have since had appraised for 5 times that amount. How about a smile and some warm and fuzzy feelings, lady?
Overall, it was a great experience and one I won't forget anytime soon- I will go back to get the wedding band here and I would recommend this joint to anyone. Several of our friends have asked that I go with their men when they finally decide that they need a ring and if that day comes I will definitely take them here.
And by the way, she said, yes! -
Review from Michelle D.
Seattle, WA
1/3/2010
Wow - great service and found exactly what I needed for a reasonable price!
We ran into the mall because I was in desperate need of more of my favorite basic silver hoop earrings. You can get this stuff at Claire's on the cheap, or at Nordstrom for more, but I wanted some that weren't going to turn green and didn't feel like walking all the way down to Nordstrom to drop extra cash on hoops.
Walked in here - the woman working was INCREDIBLY helpful. I didn't expect they would have anything since they mostly have fancier more antique type stuff, but she asked me a few questions about what I wanted, pulled out a ton of stuff that wasn't out on display and rooted through all the earrings until she found two pairs that were perfect... and only 10 bucks a pop! I was thrilled.
I didn't think this place would have basic jewelery, but they have more than you think in addition to the more specialty stuff. I was very impressed by how nice and helpful both of the people working were to everyone in the store. They even let me pick out a cute little silky carrying case like thing for the earrings...nice! I may have bought the cheapest thing in there, but they treated me like I was their best customer.
For a unique piece of jewelry or basic hoop earrings, I would go back! -
Review from C B.
Seattle, WA
10/24/2011
I've been Alana several times browsing. I do love their pieces, but their sales folks I can do without. Rude and snobby. I went in with my daughter (1 year old) to ask about getting a bracelet resized. The sales women was completely disinterested in us and commented that it's not a store for children. Well, I was happy to take my business elsewhere. My daughter touched NOTHING in the store; I held her the whole time.
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Review from Sabrina B.
Seattle, WA
2/9/2010
First, and most importantly, I LOVE the beautiful engagement ring I selected from Alana's Jewelry. I knew what I wanted and tried looking at rings online and at other 'new jewelry' stores but a ring I'd seen at Alana's stuck in my head for months and I finally decided it was 'the one.' The salesladies were very pleasant and helpful and they have a wonderful selection of beautiful vintage jewelry.
So, why only 2 stars? Why didn't I select my ring immediately and want it as soon as I set my eyes on it? Well, for one thing, it had been resized many times and the ring (the part towards the inside of the wearer's hand) had been worn to a tiny, thin band. This made me uncomfortable since I felt it was a lot to spend on a ring that was so thin. The saleslady told me and my fiance that gold was a lot stronger than one would think and that it should hold up just fine. Plus, the ring was just a smidgen too big and so I'd have to resize it YET AGAIN and I was scared it'd be too much for the 70-80yr old piece.
Fast forward to 5 months later and, while sitting on the couch one day, I'd noticed my ring feeling 'scratchy.' Upon closer inspection, I saw that there was a crack through the thinnest part of the band. When I attempted to take the ring off, a decent size chuck of the band broke off completely into my hand. This was exactly what I was afraid of with and, despite their reassurances that I didn't have anything to worry about, my ring did break. (and I didn't even get a chance to resize it yet)
My fiance and I decided to take the ring to someone else to be repaired and they're going to replace the entire back part of the ring with a new, thicker band. (There goes another $200+) Plus they told us the setting for the diamond was vulnerable and recommended we come back and get it checked again in a few months to see if the daily wear makes it any worse. This all was news to us, we were told that the setting was in great condition and the saleslady kept reassuring us that the ring's condition was totally fine when we asked these questions. We weren't too happy to hear of having to spend even more money on fixing a ring that I haven't even worn for a year.
Of note, I had also tried to sell my mom's engagement ring at Alana's (my mom sent it to my fiance to help pay for my engagement ring) We had all the paperwork, the ring was in great condition and appraised at over $2,000 - the offer they gave at Alana's was $200 credit or $100 cash. It was almost an insult and we swore not to go back. (Yet, like I mentioned before, I was in love with a ring and we ended up going back for it, despite our gut feelings)
I still love my ring and am happy I can wear it again but I'm not too pleased that the original broke so soon after it was purchased. I would recommend Alana's to other people looking for vintage jewelry but I would strongly recommend they check the condition of the pieces they like and, if there's any doubt, go with your gut instinct or be prepared to pay for it to be fixed later on. -
Review from Nicola F.
4/18/2010
On a whim, my now fiance and I visited Alana's while walking off our dinner at Northgate. We were greeted instantly, were asked what we were looking for, and were promptly shown rings with the stone I was interested in. First we saw a pretty ring with a gorgeous heart-shaped diamond but it was well over budget. Then Doris pulled out a ring I instantly fell in love with. They told us that it had been appraised for well over 60% of what they were selling it for because they had the ring in the store for a long time.
Needless to say, I didn't believe that they would ever sell a ring for drastically less than the appraisal value. So my fiance and I did homework. We Googled the Better Business Bureau and saw they had an A+ rating. Then we came to you Yelpers and saw the great reviews (and not so happy seller and a not so happy buyer). Finally, my fiance's father used to be a jeweler with his family's business so my fiance and his father, on a different day, visited Alana and checked out the ring. Also, Alana had the proper appraisal papers from GCS. The ring was approved!
They do honest business and my fiance really enjoyed Doris' service. He spoke very highly of her and even told me that Doris hugged him after the sale.
I'm a fan of antique jewelry saw some pieces I hope to purchase at a later date. I will definitely be doing business with Alana in the future. They are an honest business with quality service. -
Review from Joe S.
Seattle, WA
11/29/2007
This small Northgate Mall shop has nice, interesting pieces but I wouldn't recommend selling anything to Alana. I came in the other day to get an offer on a few antique rings and was treated like I had stolen them. She peered at me across the desk behind a pair of gaudy eyeglasses, and with her botox-ruined lips she had the nerve to ask for my ID and who the rings belonged to, like I was a petty thief looking for a quick buck. I thanked her for her time and offers, then moved on.
Comment from Heather J. of Alana Antique & Estate Jewelry 10/16/2009
We have strict guidelines that we follow when purchasing… More » -
Review from Tiffiny S.
Seattle, WA
12/15/2005 2 photos
The best jewelry store you'll ever find in a mall. Alana is a mother/daughter run business. They offer very unique items, from antique estate jewelry to new antique style pieces that you won't find anywhere else in Seattle. Her prices are fair, and the service is exceptional. Itf your looking for something special, make that purchase at Alana's.
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Review from Diane B.
Tacoma, WA
4/27/2010
My fiance and I went to Alana's to look at engagement rings and were very impressed by the estate jewelry selection and the staff. I knew i wanted an estate ring, but my fiance and i did not know much about diamonds. Sue was wonderful!!!...she took the time (close to an hour) to explain the basics to us, and answered all of our questions. I absolutely love my engagement ring, it is a beautiful art deco ring and i receive compliments on it frequently. We looked at a couple of other shops, however the selection and sales help didn't compare to Alana's! I've recommended Alana's to my friends and family; the employees are great and the jewelry is unique and well priced!!!
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Review from Larry C.
Kirkland, WA
12/21/2007
Alana has some beautiful jewelry but be cautious with your purchases. I purchased a jadite ring that was stamped as 24k gold. The store had an appraisal for the ring that was two years old. Although the ring was stamped 24k gold and it had an appraisal that stated it was 24k, I knew the ring was not solid 24k gold. I have other pieces of 24k gold jewelry that are very soft. 24k tends to bend easily, especially when the gold is made as a ring. I decided to have the ring re-appraised and asked to have the metal content checked. I am satisfied with the new appraisal, however the new appraisal states the ring is actually 18k gold, dipped in 24k gold. I plan to keep the ring but as the gold wears off (which it will), it will need to be re-dipped in the future. Since Alana sells estate items my recommendation is if you make an expensive purchase make sure to have the piece appraised by a reputable certified appraiser. Also, it is always recommended to have appraisals done by a firm that is not related to the business where the purchase was made.
Comment from Heather J. of Alana Antique & Estate Jewelry 11/22/2011
We use an independent appraisal service, North American Gem… More » -
Review from Laina T.
Seattle, WA
8/10/2006 ROTD 8/12/2006
I had been to this store several times in the past, but had never purchased anything. My fiance and I decided to seriously check out the store in hopes of finding a unique engagement ring in January 06. While we did not purchase my engagement ring there, we did get the idea for the one we did eventually purchase from a piece they had shown us. After finding out that the place I purchased my engagement ring from wouldn't size down the matching band small enough for my tiny fingers, we went back to Alana. We found a perfect ring to match my engagement ring. Of course, you can't really count on any specific type of jewelry when shopping here, as most of their merchandise is obtained from estate sales and living relatives of dead relatives who had really good taste in jewelry. But we found a wedding set with a band that perfectly matches my ring that I bought elsewhere. The set is beautiful, it's an art deco design in rose gold. The diamond in the engagement ring is small, but whatever, I already have an engagement ring. I just scored another ring, lucky me. The set was not on sale, but extremely reasonable in price at $295. Having looked at lots of other pieces at Alana, I have to say the prices they offer their jewelry at are all extremely reasonable. They try their best to obtain stories about the jewelry they are selling, but sadly not every piece has a story. The only thing they guarantee is the era of the piece you are buying, so if you're looking for 1920's platinum engagement ring, they can definitely help you. I also utilized their sizing service. Since they mainly just buy and sell jewelry and are in a mall, they contract out that service. A gentleman does the work for them and he picks up (and brings back) once or twice a week. He did outstanding work! My engagement ring that I had purchased elsewhere had been purchased too big. So in addition to the set I purchased from Alana, I also had my engagement ring sized down. They charge based on what size it currently is to what size it's going down (or up) to, so in my case the set I purchased from them was a 8 and a quarter being sized down to a 4. The charge was not quite $30 for each ring. My engagement ring was being sized down from a 5 to a 4, and that was not quite $20. Obviously, those prices will vary, depending on what service you require. The service I've received every time I've gone into Alana, regardless if I'm just looking or making a purchase, is always respectful and very helpful. I don't feel as if I'm taking up their time if I ask to look at something without making a purchase. Everyone there seems to enjoy their job and helping customers find jewelry that they will love. I would highly recommend Alana.
Listed in: ROTD reviews, by me, Born to Shop
