Drue Sanders Custom Jewelers - Albany (NY)

1 /5 Fran R: Highly Disappointing! Last year, I lost my wedding ring and went to Drue Sanders to get a replacement made. Instead of using the schematics for my ring, they used my husband’s and made a large, masculine, thick and bulky ring. (Photos attached). Recently, my original ring was found; however, it needed to be enlarged (to the same size as the replacement ring) due to arthritis in my finger. I went to pick my original, enlarged ring. I slid off the replacement ring and tried to put my original on. It would not go over my knuckle. See photos. Their solution… spray your finger with Windex brand glass cleaner to get it on and off. Really??!!?? “That will be $88.56.” REALLY??!!??

5 /5 Gregory Dias: I was referred to Drue by my fiances father, who had shopped at Drue Sanders for many years while living in Albany. I had a pendant from her mother that I wanted to repurpose the stones from, and I figured the only place to go was Drue Sanders, where the pendant was originally designed. I started my conversation with the jewelry shop via telephone, speaking with Shauna who listened to my questions and ideas and then started a file for me. Then I had an in person consultation with Drue at the store. She took my loose ideas on how to repurpose the stones from the original pendant and sketched several options. I wanted the new pendant to be similar in its design aspects to my fiances engagement ring, and Drue was able to capture those elements perfectly into the new piece. As we iterated on the design, we arrived at the perfect piece. After I left the store, Drue kept me up to date on the progress of the piece via email, and notified me when she had put it in the mail. I presented the piece to my fiance on a vacation trip and she loved it; She felt that it was a perfect match to her ring. I had the piece designed for our wedding day, but I know that this piece will become a staple in her jewelry collection for the rest of time. Thank you Drue and everyone at Drue Sanders Custom Jewelers.

5 /5 Kisha Estelow: I went in to Drues shop this morning around 11am. I was met by two very nice ladies, that helped me inquire about getting a ring repaired. Can I just say I learned more about jewlery metals and gem stones than I ever have before. Those ladies were very knowledgeable and helpful, thank you both! Drue was honest with her response about the repair and said that it wasnt worth paying for the repair as the structure of the ring would keep breaking with the kind of design it currently had. But said if I ever wanted to reset it into a better metal to let them know. Ill definitely be back to explore their beautiful pieces. Thank you so much for a great first experience!

5 /5 Carol Aussick: I had a stone from my mother’s birth ring that I swear remember seeing it on her hand since I was about two years old. I was in my 20’s when my Mom passed, and ALL I wanted was that stone, no diamonds, etc. Drew took that stone, matched it up with my birthstone and those of my two little children’s birthstones and designed something so amazingly stunning. A REAL Mother’s ring! I’ve had this ring since the 70’s, and there isn’t a place I’ve traveled that many, many people haven’t complemented about the uniqueness of my Drew Sanders hand-designed ring. At 80 years old, it has been and also will be considered my most treasured possession. Thank you Drew, with love, Carol A.

1 /5 David D: Disappointing Experience – Poor Customer Service I walked into this jewelry store hoping to inquire about a custom piece, but unfortunately, the experience left a lot to be desired. The store still has plexiglass barriers up from 2020, which immediately made the space feel uninviting. When I asked about custom work, I was told they could do it. I shared my piece, and the owner came out to speak with me. She then told me to sit and wait while she checked with a coworker about what they could offer. I ended up waiting around 25 minutes, despite several employees standing behind the counter and one other customer in the store. When the owner returned, I offered a suggestion for what I had in mind, but was shut down immediately with, “I’m the jeweler,” in a very dismissive tone. I waited another 10 minutes after that just for them to quote a price. The price itself was fair, but I mentioned that I might pick up an extra necklace from Walmart to help keep costs down—and the owner was visibly offended. She said she was “insulted” and “offended” by the idea. Then she walked away mid-interaction to help someone else. The woman who originally helped me continued the process politely, but by the end, the owner didn’t even acknowledge me as I left the store. It was a disappointing and uncomfortable experience. I genuinely felt bad for the staff working under that kind of energy. I’m honestly surprised this place is still in business. The woman said she’s been there for 30 years. Customer service matters—no matter how long you’ve been in the industry.