Not Engaged Yet

almost afraid to post again but question on Zales

Has anyone had a problem with customizing rings there.  My Boyfriend ordered mine three weeks ago.  No one was able to give him an answer to when its coming back, but was told it would be ready fri.  He is thinking of getting me something small until that one comes in.  Since we have our special dinner tonight.  He gave it away when he called me about the ring but thats ok im still happy.

Re: almost afraid to post again but question on Zales

  • edited December 2011
    I haven't had any experience with them and my FI didn't customize my ring. That sounds like it would be fun to have something smaller to wear (something "silly" maybe) to wear until the other ring comes in, if that's what the two of you want to do.  You don't need a ring to be engaged, but you need to do what works for you. 
    I have a very good friend who told her now husband that he couldn't propose without a ring.  He didn't want to take her shopping before they got engaged (and she's very picky), so he gave her a ring out of one of those gumball machines then after they were engaged, they went shopping together.  She treasures her gumball ring.

    I didn't read your other post until late yesterday and I never posted, but I am glad that you've decided to give the board another chance.  Please do lurk around and go back through several pages of posts to get a feel for the board.  I have said it before, but I'll say it again, when it comes to advice, from anyone (people you know and people you don't), consider it all and take what you like and leave the rest.
  • edited December 2011
    He planned tonight and is very excited.  So i think he feels like he needs to have something.  My sister offered to watch my son.  We were gonna take him with us.  I just find that the fact they can not give him any answers to where my ring is even at very unprofessional.  My fear is if we have a problem with my ring later on with sizing or whatever may come along.  We take it in are we gonna have the same problem.
  • bethsmilesbethsmiles member
    10000 Comments Sixth Anniversary 500 Love Its First Answer
    edited December 2011
    If my BF were in your BF's situation and the ring hadn't come in yet but he still wanted to propose as planned and wanted to give me something even if it wasn't the ring I would want something silly but it is still meaningful to us. For example I would be totally thrilled if my BF proposed with a ring pop. Seriously I would love that (as long as I got a real ring later lol). But that might just be me and my weirdness.

    He doesn't have to have the ring to propose though. It can be just as beautiful and meaningful of proposal without the ring.

    Anyways back to the Zales question. When you finally do get the ring I wouldn't take it back to Zales to get resized. Any jeweler can do resizing. Also I think your BF should keep calling until he gets answers because they should know whats going on.


  • edited December 2011
    I think you should maybe take it back to Zales... Zales may give you free resizing since it was just bought there. If they don't answer calls, maybe stop in?

    Enjoy the 'surprise'!
    When you love someone, you can tell. When you're in love with someone, everyone else can tell.
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  • hetshuphetshup member
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I had a ring from there. It was a tension setting and was sized so much smaller that I had stones falling out all the time. They took 8 weeks to make a brand new ring. I think that they are just kinda sucky at getting things done. 

    Enjoy your dinner!
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  • edited December 2011
    hetsup,

    Thank you for the information.  Alan and i will definitly keep that in mind.  Do they give you a life long guarantee like the Shane company does?
  • edited December 2011
    My husband bought my ring at Zales, and he asked about custom stuff. He was told at least 6 weeks, possibly closer to 10 weeks. That's even for getting things sized!
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  • edited December 2011

    FI (then BF) bought my promise ring (yea, I had one too, now what?!) from Zales and it took a few weeks to be sized. I don't remember how long but I think it was awhile. I'd imagine custom rings would take even longer to have made. FI also had to pay an extra $100 to have it "insured" which included resizing, otherwise they wouldn't size it for free.

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  • edited December 2011
    I went shopping there with BF once but I did not like the woman's attitude (of course, that was just one particular store). The saleswoman asked rude and intrusive questions and kept pushing us, even though we repeatedly told her we were just looking. But since the store is very popular, I'm sure that woman was a rare occurance.

    Have fun tonight.
  • edited December 2011
    If you guys want to get a less expensive ring to wear until it comes in, Target has a few $10-20 rings that are pretty convincing fakes!  My boyfriend wanted to get me one to wear while I'm traveling for work - I'd wear a fake wedding ring to get the vultures to leave me alone, but an engagement ring would only encourage them!

    Either way, I'm sure it will be wonderful!  I have heard of someone on these boards who got engaged by a zip tie (or perhaps that's an urban legend?) so whatever works for you!
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  • edited December 2011
    Thank you all for you information.  I have forwarded your information to him so we can make our decision.  He has not paid for it went so thankfully we can change our minds. 
  • meganyanimeganyani member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My FI bought a necklace there (well, online) from them and it was fine. But when I went there to look for a wedding band, they weren't helpful at all. Chain stores are really hit or miss. I ended up getting the band at Kay and ordering a new ring + resizing took 2 weeks total. /shrug. I hope you get it worked out! Call until you get answers.
  • SopChickSopChick member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    I'm a little late to this thread, but I have info about Zales.

    I used to work for Zales' stores up in Canada - they own People's and Mappins for anyone who doesn't know. The custom work does generally take at least 6 weeks. Did he design it through the store, or was it at a design event? (I'm not sure if they still do those in the States). I don't think I have ever seen a custom piece take less time, but if you're concerned (don't blame you!) then I would keep calling to ask. If you're talking to associates and they don't know, ask for a manager. They should offer to contact the jeweler for a status update if they have any hint of customer service skills.

    ekath - The extra $100 "insurance" (jewelery protection plan) should cover the sizing, prongs, cleaning, polishing for as long as the ring exists. Unless Zales has changed some policies. It also works up in Canada if you ever go there. IMHO it was always something that was worth it on a ring, because they get banged around, and sizing right now on white gold (up here in the Great White North at least) is roughly $40-$50. The price of the plan varies with the price of the piece.

    Jeana, that surprises me that they told your H that it takes that long for sizing, the US repair centre must be super slow!

    Now, obviously I would be happy with anything BF got me, blah blah, but I probably wouldn't want my ring to come from there. After working in chains for around 5 years, I would rather go to an independent jeweler who I can look in the face and talk to myself rather than going through a third party. Just my opinion. They do have some beautiful pieces though.

    Sorry for the novel!

    ETA: It's morning, so I totally missed your other thread about deciding not to go wtih Zales. Good luck with your search!
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  • edited December 2011
    Just wanted to chip in that I'm wearing a "place holder" ring! "The ring" that he ordered  wasn't ready on our special trip either! So he proposed with a gorgeous sapphire and diamond ring :) Good luck and I want updates!
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  • edited December 2011
    I was in Zales recently.  Their work takes long to get done because they have to send it out.  I know many non-chain stores have the jeweler on the premises, so it takes less time.  

    One thing that pissed me off about Zales is that they don't even do the first sizing for free.  If they had, I would have bought a ring from them.  I know the jeweler where I normally go sizes the ring for free the first time you buy it.  I feel as if Zales is punishing me for not having a standard size 7 finger.  
  • edited December 2011
    My ring is from Kay and we've resized it twice. Both times took about 3 days and everyone was more than helpful. Its part of the lifetime guarantee and is free.... I know they wouldn't do any customizations without putting money down first though.. If your ring is already out I'm sure he would already have to put a down payment down or something. How would they know that he wouldn't just back out after they did all this customization??? Hopefully there is time to change your mind if you feel it is necessary...  Hope you got what you wanted this weekend.  
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