After the fiasco of an experience we have had with my engagement ring, I would never recommend Barmakian to anyone. Unless you have plenty of money to blow, and are interested in buying your ring at a factors that does not value your business, ...I would never recommend buying an engagement ring here. Below are just a few reasons why, mostly all relating to customer service:
1. Time management - My fiance purchased my initial ring from Murat, so we were therefore only permitted to speak with him regarding any desired changes. We tried three times to go in and speak with him, each time we called ahead to make an appointment,and each time we were told we did not need one. Every time we went in we had to wait over an hour to have a conversation with Murat. This was a blatant disregard for our time, a better system is imperative.
2. Impersonal "used-car salesman" approach - I was interested in making changes to my ring, as the initial ring was set in a setting I did not like, with yellow gold prongs, which I did not feel were secure enough. Additionally, I wanted to look at other diamond shapes. Murat was happy to do this, at a cost of course. Murat charged us every step of the way, for the setting, the diamond and sales tax (AGAIN!). He up sold (over $6,000) on the same size diamond. We felt rushed in making the decision as we had already been in three times to see him and did not want to keep returning. He was so salesy through out the whole process with no consideration to the fact that my finance is 28, chose the wrong ring, and was just trying to make it right. When I talked to other jewelers, they told me had we bought it through them, they would have allowed a complimentary change in setting because that is best practice in the industry.
The whole experience was disgusting. I can't stress my distaste for this place enough. THINK TWICE BEFORE USING THEM!!! Making changes will cost you!