Jewelry stores - how do you rate them? (Houston, Highland Village: to buy, prices)

[behtypa]

Jewelry stores - there are tons of them, I know. But how would you grade them and rate them by the price/stock?

Where would you go for a simple 100-300 dollar birthday gift and where for an expensive engagement ring, personal treat etc.?

In particular please advise modest stores for $100-300 gifts.

[Oskar_Z28]

I got some good stuff at James Avery.

Also, suprisingly Costco has some nice stuff that my wife likes.

I had some custom pieces made at Galaxie Jewlers on Sunset (59 and Kirby).

(this is in 100 - 500 range).

I only bought one expensive piece (engagement ring) from a chain place - that I was not that happy about, but my wife was .

[houston-nomad]

All depends on your style. My husband occasionally purchases things at Ben Bridge in the Galleria; they are always very nice and helpful, and the pieces are nice. But, it's pretty standard stuff. I've noticed a jewelry store in Highland Village, on the stretch between Crate and Barrel and West Elm that has much more interesting & beautiful jewelry than you see in a mall store.

Nordstrom, however, has a really great jewelry department. They work with real jewelry designers and have some unique items.

[EasilyAmused]

For the expensive stuff, Paul Carter. It's the old Walzel's, which was the best in town.

[chris_ut]

Engagement Rings, Diamonds and Fine Jewelry at Blue Nile is where I go.

[DrLizardo]

Originally Posted by EasilyAmused

For the expensive stuff, Paul Carter. It's the old Walzel's, which was the best in town.

I worked part time at Walzel's a few eons ago. Cheryl had good taste in what she selected to sell in her store, but her prices could be hefty. I bought a few things there, but mostly because I got an employee discount. The watchmaker Gilbert convinced me to buy a Rolex that I still have 30 years later.

I was aware Walzel's wasn't around anymore, and her brother John's store down the street, John W jewelers, was closed as well. But who is Paul Carter and what's the connection with Walzel's?

[EasilyAmused]

He bought the store from Sheryl. If I remember right, John died a few years back.
Paul Carter is getting better. Sheryl comes in from time to time to help his selections...but it's nothing like the old Walzels, yet better than any of the other stores in Houston. They really knew their Houston clientele, and she would call people personally.

[DrLizardo]

Hey thanks for the info. I would give you some rep points but apparently I've already done that too much recently. Sorry to hear about John W., I didn't know him well but the times I was around him he was always very pleasant and friendly.