Jewelry Design Center - Sarasota (FL)

5 /5 Jennifer Iannitti: Ive taken two jewelry making classes here and I have had a wonderful experience both times. The store is a good resource as its loaded with jewelry supplies for a maker. Irene, Russ & Ellen have all been very friendly and helpful. Thank you!

1 /5 Nita Kimball: I scheduled my son on December 13 for the PNC class on Thursday January 4th. The helpful gentlemen I spoke to said I would need to sign a release waiver since he was 17. We came to the class from Englewood on Thursday January 4th, waited in the parking lot for 1.5 hours, called multiple times and sent an email to the ‘contact us’ tab on the website with no response and no one showing to teach the class. I called everyday until I finally reached someone December 15th. The gentleman who scheduled us originally answered the call, remembered me and let me speak to the PNC class instructor who agreed to teach my son a class on Saturday Dec 27 since the class is normally given on Thursdays and he is now back in school after winter break. The instructor explained that someone at the JDC had been hospitalized so they were closed for a few weeks. She was apologetic, helpful and accommodating and I was happy with the results. The afternoon before the class I received a message from the owner to call regarding the class. When I returned the call I was asked who was attending or was anyone planning to attend at all. When I responded that my son would be attending I was asked how old he is and if I would be taking the class with him. When I said that I would not be taking the class I was told the class would be cancelled because of his age. I explained I had spoken to two other people at the JDC who both said I would just need to sign a waiver form and her response was, “Well I’m the owner and I said no”. I told her my son is an accomplished artist and an IB art student and is expressing an interest in jewelry design as a career and this had been a gift to him to see if he would want to pursue it further as well as a project he would be using for school. She then said her insurance wouldn’t allow it so there was nothing she could do. I asked if I could come sit with him while he took the class and she said no again although it did seem that if I paid for the class it would have been fine. The class is expensive with the supplies and I could not justify both of us taking it. Maybe there is an insurance issue or maybe she didn’t want a special class taught on a Saturday for one person. I don’t know. I do know that had she been apologetic and understanding from the get go I would not be writing this review. Things happen and I can understand health issues etc but her nastiness was unacceptable. I do not recommend this business based on my experience. I’m very disappointed and frustrated with the customer service I received from the owner and I’m disheartened about the missed opportunity my son could have had there.

1 /5 Justin M: Review sections always have some insufferable loon giving a business a one star rating for a silly reason, lying about the business for something that was their fault. This is not that. STAY AWAY. Use them as a supplier, but do not get work done from them. Im crushed that my wifes most important possession, her wedding ring, was damaged by an arrogant amateur. I took the ring in for a polish and the guy with the little mustache mangled it. He gouged into the band with whatever inappropriate tool he used and ground down one half of the bezel making it lopsided. When I mentioned that I expected better for a $70 polish, he accused me twice of wanting a discount. I told him that, no, I just wanted my ring so I could leave because I didnt trust his work. He refused and insisted that hed "fix it." I repeatedly told him no and asked for my ring. He started walking away with it and I told him that if he was going to refuse to return my priceless property that I was going to come take it back from him. So this weirdo threatened me with an umbrella! I never moved from the counter and never raised my voice or used coarse language. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The manager eventually came up, a very nice lady that Ive talked to before, and immediately asked if the guy had insulted me. From his absurd behavior I imagine that this is normal for him! Dont EVER get work done from them on anything important. You will be horrified and possibly threatened with violence. Looking for a lawyer right now, will attach the censored legal judgement when I have it.

1 /5 Rolf Visser: Checked on getting my silver ring fitted. First a woman looked at it, said she will have it checked and walked to the back. She came back to me with my ring and said it is hollow. They can’t work with it. So a week later I go to visit Silver City on Siesta Key to have a battery replaced in my watch. I asked them about my ring. They said no problem. I received it back yesterday and the ring was fitted perfectly. They never see me here again.

5 /5 Lisa: This store is so well stocked with supplies for jewelry artists and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. They also have a large selection of custom made fine jewelry. Classes are awesome!