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Readers Fine Jewelers
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Readers Fine Jewelers
Review Highlights
"Eddie fixed my engagement ring to perfection."
(in 11 reviews)
"...recently returned to pick up the wedding bands we had made."
(in 4 reviews)
"I wouldn't go anywhere else."
(in 3 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Hannah V.
Venice, CA
1/22/2012
I have to thank my fellow yelpers for helping me find this amazing place. For my medical school graduation I received my grandfathers medical school class ring- a truly priceless gift, as he passed away several years ago. The ring itself is gorgeous and completely unique with a scull and crossbones complete with ruby eyes. It also has my grandfather's graduation year- 1952- stamped on the side, in addition to his initials carved on the inner band. The only issue was...my grandfather has a size 13.5 ring finger (and was a gynecologist- yikes)! And I am a size 7!!
When I took the ring in, the young woman who helped me was appropriately skeptical regarding resizing the ring to fit me, in addition to preserving the initials on the inside. She then consulted the jeweler (I think maybe her father?) who (was the sweetest man!) and said he would do his best to get it as close to my size as possible. Additionally, he would take the remaining gold and make it into 2 pieces that would go on necklaces for my sisters.
Two weeks later I rushed in right at closing time to pick up the ring. Typically, I have found that running into a business at closing time is a sure-fire way to get an annoyed, eye rolling response from every employee who THOUGHT they were off for the night. That was just not the case. I was met with a smile and walked to the counter by the owner. When I saw the ring I was shocked- this gigantic thing that could have been a bracelet was now small enough to fit on my finger. And, most importantly, the initials were still there on the inside of the band. On top of that, they had hammered out the 2 pieces from remaining gold- and they looked AMAZING!
I could not be more impressed with the quality of work at Readers. And as a bonus, the employees, who I'm pretty sure are all related, are fantastic. If you need a jeweler, you can not go wrong here. -
Review from Lauren W.
Los Angeles, CA
10/15/2011
I adore the folks over at Reader's, and their craftsmanship results in gorgeous pieces of jewelry. My fiance went ring shopping a year ago and, as a southern boy from Texas, he was looking for good, friendly service. Maybe even someone who would genuinely be excited to help him find the perfect engagement ring. Jewelry store after jewelry store he was met with snooty salespeople, though his words were a little harsher than "snooty" when he recalled his journey after he proposed.
When he came upon Reader's he was met with smiles. Genuine smiles and genuine excitement. They worked with him for several hours to help him come up with a design that would perfectly fit what he imagined. And wow, when he popped the question I was stunned. "Stunning" is the word everyone uses when they see my ring.
And whenever we return to Reader's they thoroughly check my ring and polish it up. We recently returned to pick up the wedding bands we had made. My fiance wanted to wear his out of the store he loves it so much, and mine fits perfectly up against my engagement ring.
I recommend Reader's to anyone looking for fine pieces of jewelry made by a genuine, thoughtful business. We'll be returning for holiday and anniversary gifts for sure! -
Review from Nicole S.
Santa Monica, CA
8/23/2011
These guys are the best! I went in to get my sports watch repaired, and the owner was such a sweetheart. They fixed it on the spot and the whole experience reminds me why people go to family-run businesses. I joked with the owner that I'm a Celtics fan (naturally he is a Lakers fan) and I told him I'd give him a great review on Yelp and send all the Boston fans his way. He threw up his hands in mock horror and said "no no!"
When its time to buy my little sister some nice jewelry I am going back here. But I cannot recommend it enough if you have any reason to buy someone jewelry.
FIVE STARS!
- Nicole -
Review from Master G.
Santa Monica, CA
12/2/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Great p[lace to find jewelry! I was impressed about how knowledgeable the staff was when it comes to knowing about stones, weight, and inventory. The design concept of the store was pleasant and intriguing. Enjoyed coming here!
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Review from Tish T.
Los Angeles, CA
12/3/2011
If you're looking for classy designs and outrageous customer service, then Readers is where you want to shop! I've known the Guerboians for many years, and appreciate their quest for quality and creativity. Eddie designed a beautiful bracelet for me and it's very satisfying to know it's one of a kind! Readers shows great pride in their products, pride in their community, and pride in all of the previous generations!
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Review from ronny i.
Van Nuys, CA
8/9/2011
I went in to get my wife 1yr ani gift.
Great people to work with. Both the Son and the Father took great care of me. Would highly recommend them.
Quality service, and on time - Actually they called me a day early because this was on week of the 405 closure, so that I could avoid being on the road during closure. -
Review from Evan W.
Santa Monica, CA
1/18/2012
Reader's Fine Jewelers, a family owned business, is a welcome relief to the myriad of not just other jewelry shops, but other chain business stores. The staff are genuinely friendly and knowledgeable, the store has a great layout and the merchandise is varied and interesting. This is really the only place to go for anything jewlery related, in my mind. The staff are very helpful with picking out gifts and genuinely care about their loyal customers.
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Review from Dave F.
7/30/2011
Readers Fine Jewelers is run by the epitome of fine people in retail. I wish every business was this passionate about customer car. Today, I needed a simple adjustment to a watchband.
I stopped in in the morning, and they promised it within an hour. Having to go elsewhere, I didn't make it back until late afternoon. Eddie remembered us from previous visits and came out and introduced himself. What a wonderful person and excellent artisan.
I look forward to going back soon, and give these guys the strongest of recommendations! -
Review from David E.
Los Angeles, CA
12/13/2011
Very nice and caring staff. I feel like family whenever my wife and kids walk into the store. We get first class treatment whether we stop by to get our rings cleaned or ask questions. Most recently we stopped by to get a charm necklace for my wife for the holidays and repair my wedding ring. Both Father and Son were onsite to meet our needs and trust they gave us the best deal possible. You can't go wrong with Readers and I highly recommend you stop by and meet Eddie and his Son to see for yourself.
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Review from A. K. G.
Santa Monica, CA
12/3/2011
This is by far the best jewelery store I have found in Santa Monica. The selection and quality are amazing, and the service is even better. They care so much about their customers and will do everything they can to make sure you are happy. They are also wonderful with repairs. The owner and his son are two of the nicest people anywhere, they truly care about every person that walks through their door. After visiting Readers Fine Jewelers, I will never go anywhere else.
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Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
10/30/2010 1 photo
The folks here ACT like it's 5th generation. So sweet and welcoming. I came in for a business card holder and left with a leather one that was awesome.
And, best of all, I left with the owner's suggestion of how to fix a piece of damaged jewelry that none of the many jewelers I'd asked had come up with. Of course, this suggestion was the least expensive and the one laden with ZERO self interest.
The solution: lay a piece of white gold over the chip in the solitaire. It was simple in concept. When back in Chicago, a few jewelers were chicken to try it because they were afraid they would blow up the stone. Finally, I found a jeweler who said Eddie was dead right. And he fixed it for me - - for nothing; said it was so simple it was fun and his pleasure. So here it is - it's a black diamond set in white gold, and the "bottom" piece of gold spans and hides the chip. It's better than new.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I'll be back!! -
Review from Linda E.
Santa Monica, CA
12/1/2010
This is the very best jeweler there is...The entire family makes the customer feel like they are special.
The repair work they do is done perfectly and all the items for sale in the shop are classy and classic!
I wouldn't go anywhere else! -
Review from Diane D.
Los Angeles, CA
11/1/2011
I needed to have two rings repaired and cleaned, and saw the great reviews on this place. They completely lived up to their advance billing -- they were so nice and easy to deal with, the rings were done in just two days, looked absolutely perfect, and the price was extremely reasonable. I'm so happy to have found them!
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Review from Kali M.
Updated - 11/16/2009
UPDATE: An employee from Readers saw my posted review and followed up with me. He asked for feedback and requested that I retract my review, or change it to a positive one, in exchange for a $25 refund (on the $75 charge). The "in exchange for" part was my interpretation, not his words, but my coworkers who overheard the speakerphone call agreed. You can make your own decision about how that sits with you.
I appreciated the effort, even though it seems like under the circumstances they really should have given a full refund: they were fixing *their* polishing mistake. Regardless of circumstances or the difficulty of the piece, it is unacceptable to leave deep notches in a piece of jewelry after tightening the prongs. Polishing is assumed after such a repair. If something is left in unacceptable condition after a service visit, it is the responsibility of the store in question to fix it, and not my responsibility to pay for them correcting their own mistake.
I am glad that they will be taking steps to fix this issue, and I hope that it will not pop up again for future customers. Sometimes a consumer's knowledge of jewelry and the industry can be a curse for a jeweler.
UPDATE: After my negative experiences here, I was nervous to have any service done on my ring again. Lo and behold, a year later I snagged a prong and really had to get my ring looked at. I picked Regency Jewelers on 3rd St. using Yelp, and I couldn't even believe the polar-opposite service experience. I walked in, handed them my ring, had a lovely conversation with the woman behind the counter for about 5 minutes while browsing their estate collection, then was handed back my ring -- perfectly tightened and polished. When I reached for my wallet the woman said "oh no, dear, there's no charge for prong tightening! Don't be silly!"
This versus a 4+ day turnaround, damaged/crooked prongs, inconsistent employee interactions and $75 charge.
What. A. Difference.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/9/2009
This is a review for SERVICE, not merchandise purchase.
I wrote a review about a year ago, and at… Read more »
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Review from Kelly G.
Washington, DC
4/12/2011
Wow! I don't see how anyone could give this place no less than 5 stars. I love this store and I live in Washington DC. I use them for all of my jewelry needs. Don't forget to check out Avo's collection of ceramic rings (they are online too)! This is by far my favorite jewelry store the customer services is amazing!!!
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Review from Lacey W.
Highland Park, CA
1/5/2008
Highly recommend this place. 5th Generation Jewelers, very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating.
This is a small place and they like to show you things, don't feel obligated, but it's fun to try things on, and they really don't mind.
My husband had his mothers antique wedding band and engagement ring sized to fit me, and they did a beautiful job. This is a wonderful place to get an engagement ring or any other fine gift. -
Review from Maggie S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/9/2010
Over 10 years ago I walked into Readers Fine Jewelers to talk to them about resetting my great grandmother's diamond into a pendant necklace for my September wedding. It was to be my something old. I asked them to add a sapphire to the setting as my "something blue" as well as symbolizing September. Eddie looked at me and said lovingly, "why would I sell you a sapphire? This is your great grandmother's diamond, you don't want to take away from that." At that moment I knew this was a family establishment that wanted the best for me and my sentimental heart, and not the best for their cash register.
They have since made my wedding band and my ex-husband's as well (I don't blame them for the divorce :) ), they have made my baby gift, an amethyst ring for when my twins were born. They have also turned my wedding band now into a Happy Divorce ring.
My children call them Grampa Eddie and Uncle Avo. They are our family and who I go to for every need. I cannot imagine why anyone would go anywhere else for their jewelry needs. -
Review from vero s.
Pasadena, CA
8/12/2010
Does true love exist for inanimate objects? Yes. Yes, it does. I pined after a ring I saw in a magazine for over a year. I had the stone and thought it would be easy to get the setting made to fit my stone. No jeweler stepped up to the challenge, until Readers. Avo worked with me to create a totally custom ring based on my beloved ring from the magazine. He even showed me the wax mold and remained patient as I annoyingly adjusted the design and tweaked tiny details via 500 emails. He did not flinch, always promptly responding to my requests, explaining the design process, and providing helpful suggestions to ensure I got what I wanted at a great price. I picked up my ring today and it is like a little sparkle of happiness on my finger. If you like to be happy as well, I suggest you go to Readers.
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Review from Miss M.
Westwood, CA
9/12/2007
This place is the perfect store to find the perfect gift or the perfect engagement rings. The owner has become part of our family. He sends us holiday cards, and has really adopted us. Plus he gave us, (poor college sutdents) a great deal on some high quality wedding bands and engagement rings.
I will never go to another jewelry store ever!!!
READERS is the best! -
Review from jason a.
Henderson, NV
12/14/2006
usually, a guy like me doesn't WRITE about a jewelry store.
but i had to do it this time.
i was on a hunt for a christmas gift.
i went to the santa monica mall.......big mistake. when you walk in to ANY jewelry store there, they're LOOKING, BEGGING for you to buy something. they're all hired and salary is based on commission, plus it is extremely awkward. they don't care.......they got hired for the christmas rush. they know nothing about jewelry.
but this place: WOW! 3 thumbs up! and i don't even have 3 thumbs know wuh i'm sayin'?
i walked in and immediately started joking with the owner and his assistant (who he's known for 11 years and is a gorgeous woman of 27). i felt at ease..........i've never bought jewelry before. i felt- COMFORTABLE. 40 minutes later i was out the door with yes, the perfect gift.
and that is what you will feel as well, my friends.
(you also can't argue with 5th generation jewelers)
GO! -
Review from Chris H.
Nashville, TN
Updated - 6/16/2011
This is just an update to my previous review now that I've gotten my item, and there's nothing more I can write. Great quality jewelry at reasonable prices. I will be returning for future resizing :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/15/2011
WOW!!! What a gem! (pun intended)
Customer service, selection, pricing...everything was top notch! I… Read more »
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Review from danielle r.
Santa Monica, CA
9/8/2010
LOVE readers jewelers. Eddie fixed my engagement ring to perfection!
They are such nice people and get the job done. I would highly recommend Readers Jewelers. -
Review from sara w.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2008
I love Readers! The folks there are so friendly and down to earth and you feel comfortable and safe going there. Before sizing my engagement ring, they convinced me double check with the original designer to make sure she wouldn't do it for free before I paid them to do it. Who does that?! They saved me a few hundred dollars.
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Review from Christina M.
CA
11/24/2009
Let me explain to you all why I gave this store 5 stars..
Generally speaking, I'm very weary of jewelers. They just don't understand that being super creepy or overly aggressive does NOT breed happy customers.
Readers on the other hand, they know what they're doing.
I needed a gift for my best friend's engagement. I had no idea what I was looking for or how much I wanted to spend. I walked into Readers jewelers, absolutely beautiful store might I add, and instantly felt at ease as I was so kindly greeted by Eddie. After spending over an hour in their store (I tortured the poor people!) I left with the most perfect gift, a beautiful and unique heart shaped pendant. They were super nice and took the time to help make a decision that was pretty important to me (by the way, my best friend LOVED the necklace). This place understands the concept of great customer service!
I think I found my new favorite store. I feel like Eddie and Avo are my new best friends hehe! Thanks guys! -
Review from allison s.
Venice, CA
5/4/2011
Agree with all the 10 stars and 3 thumbs up reviews. We bought my husband's wedding ring here and while we were browsing, they offered to clean my engagement ring (not bought at Readers). Kind, helpful, always expert and professional, we call them for everything. In fact, today (Wednesday) we decided at the last minute that we want to buy a St. Christopher medal for our nephew's first communion this Saturday and they're going to let me come in, choose from a catalog and get it in by Friday. Can't say enough about them.
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Review from Michelle B.
Van Nuys, CA
4/19/2011
This is a wonderful jewelry store. The staff are so friendly, and remember your name. They fix everything from beautiful time pieces to fun, cheap timepieces. They also have the most beautiful pieces for sale. Definitely a place to visit.
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Review from sammy w.
Inner Sunset, San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/23/2009
If I could give 10 stars, it would be 10 stars. Avo and Eddie and the rest of their family are the friendliest people you'll ever meet and their jewelery is the most beautiful I've ever seen.
I bought an engagement ring there a year and a half ago and Avo walked me through the process and helped me pick the perfect ring. Today, we bought our wedding bands and gifts for bridesmaids/groomsmen there. I also bought my fiances christmas present there too.
Every time we've gone in to say hello Avo and Eddie offer to polish her ring for her free of charge.
I would recommend it to anyone in all of Los Angeles, not just Santa Monica.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/27/2009
If I could give 10 stars, it would be 10 stars. Avo and Eddie and the rest of their family are the… Read more »
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Review from Alison S.
Santa Monica, CA
8/25/2009
My fiance and I just got both of our wedding rings here- they're gorgeous and the service was fantastic. We were in a time crunch and they were able to have our rings made and ready to go in less than two weeks. The price was right, the store is beautiful and the family who owns and operates could not be nicer. I would recommend this store to anyone looking for an engagement ring, wedding rings, or any other piece of nice jewelery. We had a great experience with Readers!
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Review from Will S.
Santa Monica, CA
7/31/2010
I was shopping for an engagement ring, and the jewelers that my friends referred me to didn't work out. I decided to check out Readers because they were a locally owned business and a couple of blocks away. They did a fantastic job on finding the right diamond and ring. They let me know that the ring and diamond would take a while to complete, but what set them apart was that they kept me up-to-date on a weekly basis (via email) on their progress. This is a great family-owned and local business.
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Review from Jen G.
Santa Monica, CA
3/23/2009
I thought this place was really great. I am not a big jewelry person, but I needed a new chain for a necklace that I have. Thanks yelpers! I had no idea where to go, so I took your advice and I absolutely agree. The 2 men working there were so nice. We looked like slobs (not necessarily high end jewelry buyers) and they were so nice to us.
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Review from Amanda T.
Malibu, CA
Updated - 12/18/2009
We regret having ever stepped into this place.......... My husband bought me a ring, an engagement ring to propose. I used it for 2 days and the white gold was half white, half yellow....I took it back for them to fix the color and the stones placement, 2 weeks later my ring was back........ I used it for another 2 days, the color was gone again and this time, my finger was all blistery, the sales person said I was probably allergic to gold ( I was never allergic to gold before!). I took the ring to another jeweler a couple of miles from Reader's and he said it was made out of very poor quality gold. I took the ring back for good, but they would never give me a refund, just exchange. I went to that store at least 5 times and never found anything I liked (yeah, I know, my husband chose the wrong store). 6 months later I went there and asked them to make me another ring, which they did, it hasn't changed color so far because I've used it twice and my finger gets all red and blistery (again) and they won't exchange it back....... I have since then used MANY gold rings and NEVER had a problem like this........go figure......Bottom line, I would never recommend this store to anyone and I feel that his ancestors would be embarrassed by the quality of product they are offering....... (believe it or not, they claim this is a multi-generation business) Sorry, I had to be honest
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/18/2009
We regret having ever stepped into this place.......... My husband bought me a ring, an engagement… Read more »
Comment from Avedis G. of Readers Fine Jewelers 1/11/2010
We are sorry to see you feel this way after we made a new… More » -
