Yateley Jewellers

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Reviews

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  Ellen Wilson

  I have sat on this, debating whether or not to write this, but here goes. In March, I got engaged and my partners name was laser engraved on the inside of the band. Unfortunately, the ring was too big, and needed resizing. I entrusted Yateley Jewellers to resize the ring and I made sure to bring their attention to the engraving on the inside. They took note and said they’d call me if there were any issues where the engraving would be compromised so I could decide whether to go ahead. 2 weeks later, I received a text that my ring is ready. I had not received any communication in these 2 weeks so was expecting the engraving to be intact. I arrived at the shop and took a look. The majority of the engraving had been polished out, leaving the first 2 letters only. There was also a dent resulting in the inside of the band not being smooth. I shared my disappointment as was shocked to see what was left. They said they would resolve. They explained the previous engraving was laser, and this would be hand engraved so would last longer. In good faith, I left my ring for a second time. Another 2 weeks later, I receive a phone call that my ring is ready. I arrived and I could not believe what I saw, and the fact they could hand that ring back to me in that state is appalling. The engraving looked like it had been done by a child using a compass, and where the ‘engraver’ had the ring in a clamp, there were marks all over the band. Not only that, where the metal had been filed down so much, the ring was the same size as it was originally, and carats of metal had been removed in the process, exposing the gold, and resulting in an extremely thin underside compromising its strength. Engraving also off centre. Stupidly, I paid the £45 they were quite happy to charge for their ‘handy work’ and left. I returned 5 minutes later to explain my disappointment and the owner of the shop told me ‘that’s just what hand engraving is like’ but that they could get the ring polished up to remove the marks left by the clamp. I agreed and said I’d return in a few days with the ring. I slept on it, but I could not believe a jewellers that has been there for years could hand my engagement ring back like that and feel no remorse. That morning, I went into the shop and asked it there was anything they could do to repair my ring. The girl confirmed she could see the problem and asked where I had the engraving done, to which I responded ‘here’ and right on cue, the owner creeps out from behind the doorway to take over. The owner, over from the Isle of Wight as they are short staffed and struggling to employ (I wonder why), explained the following: that’s just what hand engraving looks like and he thinks it looks nice as it’s got character and he prefers it. He then went on to explain how most other jewellers would wipe their hands clean of this, but that they would get it sorted. He said he would send it to Hatton Garden to be repaired if that’s what I wanted. I agreed and said I would return with the ring in a few days. As if I’d hand over my ring for a third time.. sending it to ‘Hatton Garden’ doesn’t sound impressive. Thankfully, I wised up and went to another jewellers who could not believe the ‘workmanship’. I have been advised that the whole underside of the ring needs replacing to restore it back to its original value and strength, at a cost of around £300. They were also kind enough to polish up the terrible engraving and re-dip it there and then, at no cost to me, which made quite some difference. This should have been done anyway so not only a bad job by Yateley, but an incomplete. I feel so much happier entrusting my engagement ring with a reputable jewellers who actually care. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I hope my review can save someone else going through the same. I’ll also look forward to the owner’s response to this review, as can see from his responses to other negative reviews, that he takes them very seriously.

  09-05-2023
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  Charlie Hyde

  Brilliant shop, popped in to get a clasp replaced, they repaired it for me within a few minutes with no charge. Really helpful and friendly.

  30-04-2023
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  Frazer S

  Don’t waste your time going to this shop - poor service

  30-01-2023
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  orbspeed1

  30-11-2022
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  Lisa Macey

  Always fantastic, skilled, polite and helpful. I've bought various bits from there and had things repaired and altered and always been very happy with the service received. Would definitely recommend

  30-10-2022
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  Anna Trevelyan

  An absolute gem of a shop (pardon the pun). Such friendly and helpful staff who are genuinely skilled and knowledgeable. I took my old clock in, thinking it couldn't be fixed, and it was all done the next day! I received a friendly phone call to let me know I could collect it, and their watch repairer had even put a new battery in and hadn't charged me. Wonderful service, thank you - I'll be back soon!

  30-09-2022
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  Peter Sawyer

  Excellent service. Replacement of a watch battery completed within a few minutes. Cheerful, smart staff. Would use again without hesitation!

  30-05-2022
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  Bodie 46

  Had some work done on a watch, new battery & reseal. Very happy, plan on going back soon.

  30-05-2021
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  Bethan Bloomfield

  Extremely helpful and understanding, the best customer service in the area!

  30-05-2020
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  keith barnett

  30-05-2018