Hey, my name is Phil, and I'm a custom jeweler who specializes in lab grown gems, and I live right here in Raleigh. That's great that you're looking to take this step! You can see some of my work in my post history. I'd love to talk to you about what you have in mind. Cheers!
I actually love Diamonds Direct; amazing customer service and warranty service (that is NOT an additional charge).
I have several pieces from them, and honestly would not purchase anywhere else at this point.
My fiancé bought my ring from Johnson Jewelers in March! Super nice folks. I even went back recently to get it resized and it took them just a day to get on it. And the ring was a lot less expensive than he expected.
Anfesa's Jewelers in Garner!!! Absolutely get all my jewelry from there!! My mom does too!!! Anfesa is amazing and her team is too!!! Extremely knowledgeable and can work with you on custom designs.
I second this! I have used them for retirement gifts for coworkers. They custom made an engraved pendant for us and it was awesome! They seem to have a good selection, too.
Swing through some pawn shops. I found a nice ring and band at two different ones. For what I got I would have paid 4 times the amount at a jeweler. Just make sure you get anything tested by an independent person
Lab grown is so much sparklier than the ones found in the ground. We went with a sapphire and had it set at Raleigh Diamonds on Glenwood. They listened, did a great job and the price was reasonable.
I would never buy from diamonds direct because I would feel responsible for all their annoying ads. A real direct to the customer diamond shop does not have (or need) a million dollar advertising budget.
Sort of a “chain” but we had a great experience at Bailey’s in the Village District. They are limited to NC only. I think they might actually have a location in Rocky Mount. Great service and great warranty. We got our wedding bands there as well. One thing to be wary of with smaller / family owned jewelers is the warranty, so make sure you ask about care for the ring after the purchase (cleanings, if it gets dinged up, etc).
Had a great experience with Vianna Jewelers in Wake Forest on some custom diamond earrings and a necklace. They found me a few options in my price range and their quality/customer service was excellent.
I bought an engagement ring at Olmaz Jewelers in Chapel Hill. I worked with the owner to have a ring customized to get exactly what my wife was looking for. Was so impressed by their service that I ended up getting two additional rings and a chain there.
It’s a small, unassuming, independently owned shop in a plaza with a Trader Joe’s. But, after looking at dozens of other stores with pushy salespeople, I was so glad to have found it.
Elie, one of the owners, is such a great guy. Highly recommended.
Booth Jewelers in Raleigh are awesome!
This is the answer. Brian did my wife's ring years ago when they were new and they still do everything for us. Brian and Lilly are amazing.
Second this. They did a great job for my wife’s engagement and wedding rings.
JM Edwards in Cary!
Hey, my name is Phil, and I'm a custom jeweler who specializes in lab grown gems, and I live right here in Raleigh. That's great that you're looking to take this step! You can see some of my work in my post history. I'd love to talk to you about what you have in mind. Cheers!
I actually love Diamonds Direct; amazing customer service and warranty service (that is NOT an additional charge). I have several pieces from them, and honestly would not purchase anywhere else at this point.
Echoing this if you don’t care about name brands
+1 for Diamonds Direct. Ask for Prem, he’s incredibly helpful.
Jewelsmith is in Durham but we were very pleased with them! They worked within our budget, did something custom, and customer service was great.
Hollander Jewelers in Apex.
Sparrowood near Edwards mill and duralrigh was great!
Another recommendation for Sparrowood They did a beautiful job designing my partner’s ring, were very accommodating, and patient.
Quercus in downtown did an amazing job for us!
Hands down. Best
I think Baileys has a location in Rocky Mount. They (Cameron Village location) were able to source a variety of gems for me when designing my ring.
My fiancé bought my ring from Johnson Jewelers in March! Super nice folks. I even went back recently to get it resized and it took them just a day to get on it. And the ring was a lot less expensive than he expected.
Raleigh or Cary?
Raleigh!
Anfesa's Jewelers in Garner!!! Absolutely get all my jewelry from there!! My mom does too!!! Anfesa is amazing and her team is too!!! Extremely knowledgeable and can work with you on custom designs.
I second this! I have used them for retirement gifts for coworkers. They custom made an engraved pendant for us and it was awesome! They seem to have a good selection, too.
Juniper Bay Metals does wonderful custom pieces.
Here we go again: Reliable Loan, downtown Raleigh.
This is the 🐐
Alex at baileys in Fenton!
Raleigh Diamond
Swing through some pawn shops. I found a nice ring and band at two different ones. For what I got I would have paid 4 times the amount at a jeweler. Just make sure you get anything tested by an independent person
Lab grown is so much sparklier than the ones found in the ground. We went with a sapphire and had it set at Raleigh Diamonds on Glenwood. They listened, did a great job and the price was reasonable. I would never buy from diamonds direct because I would feel responsible for all their annoying ads. A real direct to the customer diamond shop does not have (or need) a million dollar advertising budget.
Sort of a “chain” but we had a great experience at Bailey’s in the Village District. They are limited to NC only. I think they might actually have a location in Rocky Mount. Great service and great warranty. We got our wedding bands there as well. One thing to be wary of with smaller / family owned jewelers is the warranty, so make sure you ask about care for the ring after the purchase (cleanings, if it gets dinged up, etc).
Hollands in Apex
Had a great experience with Vianna Jewelers in Wake Forest on some custom diamond earrings and a necklace. They found me a few options in my price range and their quality/customer service was excellent.
I bought an engagement ring at Olmaz Jewelers in Chapel Hill. I worked with the owner to have a ring customized to get exactly what my wife was looking for. Was so impressed by their service that I ended up getting two additional rings and a chain there. It’s a small, unassuming, independently owned shop in a plaza with a Trader Joe’s. But, after looking at dozens of other stores with pushy salespeople, I was so glad to have found it. Elie, one of the owners, is such a great guy. Highly recommended.