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This place has the most incredible selection and everyone there is really nice. It seems that someone has a personal vendetta - I don't believe a word of the mean spirited review that was posted. ... More
This place has the most incredible selection and everyone there is really nice. It seems that someone has a personal vendetta - I don't believe a word of the mean spirited review that was posted. Go there and see for yourself.
Pros: great selection, knowledgeable & friendly staff
Cons: none
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I own a jewelry company in Sandy, Utah and I have known Mikki at Classic Facets for years through an industry organization. She is one of the most trusted individuals in our industry. I would... More
I own a jewelry company in Sandy, Utah and I have known Mikki at Classic Facets for years through an industry organization. She is one of the most trusted individuals in our industry. I would recommend her store to anyone because of her high ethical standards and rare knowledge of antique and estate jewelry.
Pros: Professional and knowledgeable
Cons: None
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For years, Mikki Raney sold me jewelry that was not as described, at inflated prices that might possibly have been worth it if the jewelry had been what she claimed it to be, but which turned out to... More
For years, Mikki Raney sold me jewelry that was not as described, at inflated prices that might possibly have been worth it if the jewelry had been what she claimed it to be, but which turned out to be a sickening waste of money. Among the things she sold me that turned out not to be what she described them as:
a pair of Victorian earrings, sold as 14K, which turned out to be gold-filled (that is, 5% gold over 95% base metal); the only part of the earrings that turned out to be in 14K were the replacement ear wire, which she did not identify as replacements, even though reputable dealers always mention flaws when describing a piece;
yellow sapphires, in earrings and a ring, that turned out to be lab-created (in other words, ersatz, phoney, fake) rather than genuine (which they were represented to be) and as such were worth perhaps 10% of what I paid for them;
earrings that were said to be Victorian but which turned out to be from Oaxaca, Mexico, and not even close to antique;
pins that had missing enamel or other damage, including replaced clasps (several pins she sold me had clasps which later broke off where they were soldered); as an amateur, I did not know what to look for then, but surely Mikki and her staff must have noticed the flaws--and then failed to report them;
a watch chain and slide represented as 10K and 18K respectively, which turned out to be gold filled (the watch chain) and a lower karat gold (the slide); Mikki used for some time an electronic tester that turned out to be wildly inaccurate, which she apparently never bothered to check for accuracy by using the more normal acid test to confirm its readings--and once she realized that this was the case, didn't bother to tell her customers about the inaccurate readings;
a butterfly brooch sold as Victorian or Edwardian that turned out not to be antique at all.
When I discovered all of this, I confronted Mikki, and her response left a lot to be desired: She asked me, "Well, what do you expect me to do about it?" Theresa justified Mikki's actions by telling me that Mikki had merely believed what she was told by people who sent her the jewelry; but as Mikki sells on consignment and thus has nothing invested in the jewelry she sells, she lost nothing by believing her consigners and simply passed the risk on to her customers. I suspect that if she had bought the jewelry, she would have been a bit more diligent about checking its authenticity. I guess I had expected some sort of attempt to make reparations. Clearly, I was wrong.
A number of years later, and after writing two books about antique jewelry, I now know how to shop for it. I have found that shopping online from reputable dealers, many of whom maintain web sites, or on eBay (where payment through PayPal provides protection against fraud) is far preferable to buying from stores that charge too much and do not stand behind their merchandise.
The bottom line: If you don't mind paying through the nose for something that might or might not be what Mikki and her staff say it is, then Classic Facets is for you. Otherwise, avoid it!!!!
Pros: None I can think of
Cons: Over-priced and under-authentic
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This is my favorite store in Boulder! Super selection of rare and wonderful antique pieces. The staff knows both history and gemology. Highly recommend this store.
Pros: Knowledgable staff,... More
This is my favorite store in Boulder! Super selection of rare and wonderful antique pieces. The staff knows both history and gemology. Highly recommend this store.
Pros: Knowledgable staff, wonderful and unique pieces
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This store should be located in Manhattan with an inventory like this!!! Great jewelry and knowledgeable and helpful staff. Check this place out for sure.
Pros: Amazing selection of authentic... More
This store should be located in Manhattan with an inventory like this!!! Great jewelry and knowledgeable and helpful staff. Check this place out for sure.
Pros: Amazing selection of authentic antique jewelry
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I've only made one purchase here but went in probably 4 or 5 times before I put any money down. My fiancee and I were shopping for an engagement ring, modestly priced but with all the beauty an... More
I've only made one purchase here but went in probably 4 or 5 times before I put any money down. My fiancee and I were shopping for an engagement ring, modestly priced but with all the beauty an estate piece brings. My first trip in I was simply browsing, hoping that my dad would be able to locate my late mother's ring. Even though I made it clear I was "just looking" the woman working was incredibly helpful, and patient. She made a list of my favorites for me, just in case my mom's didn't turn up. After it became apparent my mother's wasn't going to surface my fiancee and I went in together. The sales woman immediately remembered me and what I was looking for. As we went through the selection together, the staff was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the materials, stones, cuts and design history of each piece. There were a few pieces we loved but wanted to mull it over before making any commitment so we left to look at a few more stores. After looking at several other stores we called to inquire about our favorite, and put it on hold. The best part? After purchasing the ring the shop owner had my fiancee get down on one knee to put the ring on my finger and told us she never tires of watching that expression of love.
I would (and have) recommend them to others. The only negatives were their limited store hours and the way they discouraged us from looking into stones other than diamonds. I understand that as far as longevity the diamond is the hardest but several other stones are very durable for daily wear.
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I want to chime in with the other positive reviews. My husband and I used to live in Boulder and are only occasional customers when we visit Boulder. Mikki and Theresa would never sniff at a small... More
I want to chime in with the other positive reviews. My husband and I used to live in Boulder and are only occasional customers when we visit Boulder. Mikki and Theresa would never sniff at a small purchase. Depending on where we were in our arc of children, college bills, jobs, etc. we have made very small (under $100), up to a few thousand dollar purchases. Each time we were treated with courtesy, given plenty of time to make our purchase, and our likes or dislikes respected. They are extremely knowlegable and stand behind what they sell. I would not consider needing to get veracity for gems because they have certified gemologists there! As an example of their excellent service, I once mentioned a charm my grandmother lost when I was small. Months later Theresa called me long distance to mention that they had one that may be like the one my grandmother lost. She held it for me until we visited the next summer. I've also mailed my antique jewelry to them for repair without any qualms and they do an expert job at reasonable prices. I would not trust anyone else with an irreplacable treasure.
Pros: Quality merchandise, customer service, fun atmosphere, can try on items you could never afford
Cons: Non! Only that there are so much choices it is hard to pick one.
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I think Classic Facets is a very well stocked retailer of amazing vintage jewelery. Not only do they carry a wide variety, from rings, brooches to necklaces, etc, the staff has an amazing amount... More
I think Classic Facets is a very well stocked retailer of amazing vintage jewelery. Not only do they carry a wide variety, from rings, brooches to necklaces, etc, the staff has an amazing amount of knowledge about the pieces and the stones within them. I highly reccomend Classic Facets if you are looking for a piece that is unique and beautiful. Hopefully, Mikki, the owner will be there to help you with your selection. She is wonderful!
Pros: highly recommend.
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I have been a customer for many years and keep going back because I have been impressed by the staff's knowledge of antique jewelry (especially Mikki and Theresa) and their patience with me as I... More
I have been a customer for many years and keep going back because I have been impressed by the staff's knowledge of antique jewelry (especially Mikki and Theresa) and their patience with me as I stood paralyzed by indecision! They have a nice range of prices and styles (and free chocolate!) This is one of my favorite Boulder institutions!
Pros: Fabulous collection, knowledgeable staff
Cons: Open times seem limited
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What a wonderful store. I absolutely fell in love with the atmposphere, jewelry and staff. The owner, Mikki, was so knowledgeable and accommodating. Before visiting the store I was not sure what... More
What a wonderful store. I absolutely fell in love with the atmposphere, jewelry and staff. The owner, Mikki, was so knowledgeable and accommodating. Before visiting the store I was not sure what to expect. I am now shocked at the comments. Who in their right mind would expect any business to risk losing a sale for 7 days to allow a person to consider a purchase? It's a business!! If you love vintage jewelry, you will love Classic Facets.
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