Gem Lab

My husband and I recently went to the Gem Lab on a recommendation from my brother in law and sister whom have been going to see Paul over several years. They suggested we meet with Paul and tell him what we were looking for and our price range. We made an appointment with Paul and told him we just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and wanted a ring that was unique to us,something that I can't go to the mall and see there. After an hour and half speaking with Paul and listening to him explain every aspect and fine detail about not only the ring we both had chosen, but how they stand behind their jewelry , if your not happy, they will do everything to make you happy. They are a family business and Paul explained they do not work on commission , I liked that. We felt no pressure what so ever to purchase this ring. Paul consistently sent me information through email, including photos of different diamonds,when we were at that point to choose the stone. How many times have you experienced that with mall Jewelers? When we went to actually look at the diamonds we had selected we had an appointment with Paul again. It was three weeks before Christmas, the store was very busy and Paul was with an earlier appointment, he asked Kate if she could assist us and we were thrilled with her also. Actually I liked having both of their views and opinions coming from a man, and a woman, sometimes gives a much bigger picture, or diamond! They both are extremely knowledgable and helped immensely !! They called and sent an email saying our ring was ready. I was thrilled to see how excited Paul was over how beautiful the ring turned out!! We were equally thrilled, it is gorgeous ring, unique to us,and I won't find it in the next jewelery store window. I honestly said this to my husband when we left the first time meeting with Paul, ""how nice that was to be sat down ,talked to like a friend, and not someone who just needed to make the sale. He even asked about how we met..."" The other jewelery stores We had gone into didn't care how we met,or that it was our 25th wedding anniversary ,or that we would like to just look at the rings without being hounded. This truly was the best jewelry store I have been to. Every time we went in during the process of choosing the ring, the staff were all very friendly, accommodating , and most importantly polite....with smiles on their faces. We were never pressured into going over our budget or treated any different than someone who would spend 20,000 dollars or 2,000.00. That was nice..... Paul,my sister,and brother in law, all said the same thing....they have rings for everyone's budget. They were right and we walked away with a beautiful diamond, unique to us, that will hold the value of.... priceless to us. I would recommend going to the Gem Lab for your next jewelry purchase, I had to drive an hour and a half to get there but it was very much worth it. I will go back for years to come! Thank you Paul for helping us add some beautiful bling to our unique story!! You and your staff are the best!!\r Sincerely,\r Vicki M\r 12/27/2014 more

I bought my first diamond from Joe, 47 years ago and have purchased many items from both Paul and Joe over the years. Back then Joe was the only certified Gemologist in Rochester. When I walk in the door I feel like family. Their selection and knowledge is second to none. They and their staff make you feel comfortable and make the purchase memorable. They are a full serivice lab that will design a setting, resize a ring or clean your diamond. If you are contemplating a purchase or need a repair they should be at the top of your list. more

Going to The Gem Lab was the best experience. When you walk in the door you see a big beautiful store with every type of jewelry. After I was looking for awhile a friendly person asked if they could help me? I told her I was looking for a diamond. She said she would get me Paul who is a gemologist and he would give me an education on color,cut,clarity & caret weight. What a education I got. I had gone to 4 other stores and all they wanted to do is force me to but an expensive diamond. Paul took the time to teach me and get the best diamond in my price range. The owner his dad was also there that day he came by to talk with me. He has been in business for 52 years. With the purchase of a diamond you get the ring,appraisal & 1 year insurance for free. I was able to give my fiance a beautiful diamond & a place we can go forever for free checks,cleaning & polishing. We give The Gem Lab 5 stars. more

I will never shop anywhere else for my jewelry. I have referred friends and family to them as they are patient, knowledgeable, reasonable in price and let you browse around without you feeling like someone is hanging over you. Patsy is fantastic, along with Paul and all of the staff. I have had my engagement setting changed numerous times and they are always pleasant and patient with me as I look and try on several different ones. I never felt hurried at all. If you want a great jewelry shopping experience, go to the Gem Lab...you will truly enjoy it.\r Linda D. more

I'm very fond of The Gem Lab because of the quality of work they consistently turn out in a reasonable amount of time. I'm always greeted warmly by all the employees at the store. Patsy, is my favorite because I find she listens to what I want and pays attention to the detail that I feel makes a piece so special. If you are looking for a special piece, want value and quality, ask for Patsy at The Gem Lab. more

Both my husband and I have shopped at the Gem Lab for years and have always been extremely pleased with everything they have \r done for us. Recently I had my diamond engagement ring ( which had 2 rubies on each side of the diamond) made into a pendant.\r It came out fantastic and was nicer than I had imagined! I had an idea of what I wanted and they suggested mouting it in a different \r way and I am so pleased with the suggestion. The employees are always very friendly and helpful--I will always return to the Gem Lab!\r As a matter of fact,I am on my way there tongiht! more

This is the place to find a real jeweler. Take your old gold and gems to trade in and create something unique. Patsy the manager has a talent to listen to the customer and help create and design what you are looking for. No arrogance like the Monroe Avenue Jeweler's. Down to earth, get what you want, with exceptional service is what the Gem Lab is all about. more

I have been going to the Gem Lab for years. For the others who wrote the earlier reviews, Joe is a crab ass but I don't think he means to be. He's just old and grumpy and can become endearing (sort of) after knowing him for years. I think he needs to retire already. If you are diamond shopping, deal with his son Paul instead. Paul is the best and will give you a good deal. They do ALL kinds of jewelry repairs that other jewelers turn their noses to. They do any kind of custom work too. I had brought a stirling silver ring in to be sized and it contained a 'risky' stone for sizing (meaning it could easily break). Well, during the sizing heating process the stone broke. They ordered stones to try to replace it but I wanted the exact same color I had (it was very hard to match the color of this broken stone because the color shifted). The artist who originally made the ring had another stone from the same batch as my original stone. Paul tried to buy the stone off the artist. The artist w more

I have been in the Gem Lab several times before today. I even had some custom work done on a ring a year ago with which I was quite happy; however, I went in today to shop for a diamond for an engagement ring and I am never coming back.\r \r I came in with a sheet comparing several diamonds varying in price from $900 to $1500 from a couple online diamond sellers. The proprietor's father was consulting me on my purchase. As soon as he saw my comparison sheet his attitude changed from friendly to just short of verbally abusive. He asked me why I was spending so much time shopping around for a diamond that "only cost $1500." He said that, "even if what you end up buying is just a piece of glass, you are still only out $1500." Sorry Joe, I'm just a starving student looking for a special diamond to give to my special lady. He told me it wasn't worth my time to shop around, and that I should select a jeweler based on reputation and "just go there and buy it."\r \r Out of all the jeweler's I've v more

Pros: Wide selection. Expert jeweler. Cons: TERRIBLE customer service. No matter what you think you are WRONG. Also, high prices. more

I had 3 diamonds reset from an old ring my Grandmother gave me. The setting was platnium but I just didn't like the setting. I selected with some great help of the staff a 3 stone setting raised silver surrondes the diamonds on a wide gold band.\r It turned out so good, I get so many compliments on this ring and people seem to know the Gem Lab. I would recommend this place for any jewelery need. more

I went here to buy my wife's engagement ring. I thought I knew what I wanted, but Joe convinced me otherwise. Once we settled on what size/type of diamond he was able to get it in a couple of days. Prices on diamonds is always negotiable. Don't go for what they offer you. I was able to talk them down a few hundred bucks and probably could have gone more. PROS: Friendly, knowledgable CONS: none more

When i walked into the store someone helped me right away ,they have precious stones here also and a great selection!! I was very impressed and very clean and neat!!! PROS: They had what I was looking for!!! CONS: more