Birks Jewellers

This is where a review site can be slightly if not greatly skewed to the negative, and I am coming in here giving a full on 5 alarm fire review. I do not usually walk into this store, and as by chance I came in after searching aimlessly to find a watch that I would call ‘timeless’ for myself and after practically giving up I just decided to walk around till something caught my eye. Believe me when I say… I was really not going to walk in here. not because of these reviews here… but because I really didn’t think I would find anything… so why waste time right? After trying on watches for weeks at other reputable stores, and practically saying… I guess it wasn’t meant to be, walking to the back counter, looking where they held their watches… I saw it… like a moment in a movie where time stopped… without trying on the said piece I instantly fell in love with the watch… like a spotlight shining bright on the item and ‘hallelujah’ playing in the background showing me the holy grail… I had to go and reach for it… and then a voice came from behind the counter.
Amy, the sales lady that was helping me with this timely (literally) purchase created great rapport with me right away, never selling but getting to know me and creating honest chit-​chat. Fact: there are only a few places you can purchase a Fredrique Constant in Vancouver… fortunately. or unfortunately for all the reviewers for this place… this is one of them, and after the service I had… I would highly recommend coming here for one of their pieces. Forget about just being painless, it was beyond pleasant talking to Amy and bantering about before the currency exchanged hands. She was very knowledgeable about the products, also advised of all the policies Birks has and there was never an instance of any pressure in buying as I did try a few watches on. even though my eyes were set on one… which I eventually took home.
I have come back on occasion to browse around, and Amy always greets me and we just talk, if I ever plan on buying anything from Birks again… rest assured I’ll be coming here first to have a browse… and hopefully that ‘light shining on’ moment will happen again. This is how shopping can be… and part of wearing a piece of jewellery is the experience is how you got it… which just makes it that much better!

my fiancé and I were scared to deal with anyone but a «name brand» jeweler to resize an engagement ring so we came to Birks. we sent our ring through them to Montréal. then we met their custom designers directly. after being quoted silly amounts to recasts the ring we found a very reputable and genuine company in downtown Vancouver who simply did everything we wanted for much less (and went over the ring by microscope before and after by the way, unlike birks).
Good luck if you want to use Birks. if their service over the telephone aren’t enough to make you flee from them then their prices for work should.

I walked into Birks in a few Saturdays ago with my boyfriend of 5 years. I thought I would share our unforgettable experience in hopes that you could learn from our mistakes.
Here was our first mistake: my boyfriend was wearing sweatpants and a tshirt — this is a deal breaker for Birks. I on the other hand was wearing a pretty stylish and expensive outfit (Phillip Lim bag, Hermes bracelet, Rag & Bone jeans, Chloe Suzanna boots — you get the picture) but this was not enough to convince the older lady working there (aka Birks Lady) that we were not going to rob the place.
‘Birks Lady’ hesitantly asked me what we were looking for.
Here was my next mistake: I said «I am just looking for a ring, I’m not totally sure what style I like». Personally I think this is totally reasonable. I understand that ‘just looking’ at a clothing store probably means that you are not going to buy anything. But ‘just looking’ at engagement rings means your boyfriend might actually come back and buy it. Honestly Birks Lady, what do you expect?! That my boyfriend is going to buy the ring on the spot and propose to me in your store? No! He will surprise me and hopefully at a venue other than Oakridge Mall.
Third mistake: I then saw a ring I sort of liked. I asked to see it. She took it out and started whispering under her breath (FYI Birks Lady — I could hear you!) the number on the tag, trying desperately to memorize it in case we were planning on stealing it.
Next mistake: I said I was looking for a thinner band with a larger diamond (the diamond was 1 carat, not 10!). Is that such a crime Birks Lady? It must have been since the look on your face indicated that this must be code for ‘trying to steal a more expensive ring’.
The grand finale: Birks Lady then went on to ask, «are you EVEN serious about getting married?». Really?! Are you for real Birks Lady? First of all Birks Lady, I do not need another mother. Second, what part of «dating for 5 years» didn’t you understand? Third of all, we can easily afford your ring– not that that should warrant the way you treated us.
Well Birks Lady, following our unforgettable experience, my sweat pant wearing, suspicious looking boyfriend and I decided to break up. All thanks to you for making us reconsider the seriousness of our 5 year relationship.
Just Kidding! We are happily together and both wholeheartedly serious about two things: we will not be buying a ring from you, Birks Lady, or from Birks who supports your behaviour.

If you’re looking for a fountain pen, don’t ask the lady there who claims she works there.
Knew nothing about the differences between the models of Mont-​Blanc.
Oh well, guess they make more commission selling $ 10,000 rings lol
anyways, that’s why I went to Perks, as previously reviewed.

Birks is a Canadian institution, with beautiful, traditional jewelry, lovely silver, and a good selection of watches. I’ve always patronized Birks because I feel that they must be totally reliable because they are such an institution, not one of these fly-​by-​night guys where you are never sure what you are getting. I’ve always been very pleased with the product, but the service on repairs is horrendous! I have a Birks watch, which they tell you they will repair in perpetuity when you buy it. I have also taken in a charm bracelet (also Birks product) for repair. The problem is they keep your piece for weeks and weeks, never call to tell you they either a.) need your approval on some costly repair, or b.) when it will be ready. Both times my watch has been repaired I have called after 4 weeks to say ‘where is my watch’ and it was apparent they were supposed to call me to get my approval on the charges, and nobody ever called me. This last repair, to replace a clasp on my watch bracelet, took them 6 weeks! And then I only got my watch back because I called and yelled at them twice. I’m very, very disappointed in this shoddy customer service. This is the 3^rd time this has happened with them repairing one of my pieces, so I won’t be taking my jewelry here again.