Shreve, Crump & Low

Absolutely great! When you see the stores surrounding this place, you’d expect snobby, stuck up service. However that’s not what you’ll find at Shreve, Crump, and Low. I’m a college student and young entrepreneur and was in Boston on a road trip. I read about the history of this place online and wanted to go check it out since I am into watches and wanted to treat myself to a nice gift after a successful couple years at school. It should be noted that when I walked into the place I was dressed in gym shorts, a Bill Murray shirt, and a plastic Swatch. Did this cause any noses to turn up at me in the store? Not one. I was treated so well and Jaime the sales manager was super friendly and helpful to a kid on a budget. I ended up buying my first nice watch (albeit probably the cheapest one they carried) and now they’ve got a customer for life. If I’m ever shopping for another nice watch I know where to go.

T’s reaction to the jewel covered chocolates I just fed him reminded me that I completely forgot to review SCL — which, admittedly, I initially held off doing b/​c it’s a bit absurd that I was in here in the first place (by a bit I mean VERY) — but at the end of the day, I was really thrilled with the experience and if I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that in addition to treating others, I also have to treat myself — and as I look at the bauble that flirtily sparkles at me from its perch on my index finger, treat myself I did.
Let me back up — prior to starting medical school I had an actual job — and, like any reasonable adult saddled w guilt abt the rising costs of life, I started a Roth IRA… but I also squirreled away savings in a rainy day fund — I had no express purpose in mind, but I just knew that I’d want monies to travel/​be silly/​something — and although I’m not a huge gaudy jewelry person (plain gold wedding band for me, thank you very much), a few years ago I started to want a «right hand ring» — but, I’m a total commitment-​phobe when it comes to huge decisions (see: spiral of panic that my first car purchase sent me into) — so it wasn’t until a few months ago that I got ready to pull trigger and knew that it was time to release my rainy day fund into the wild.
For as much game as I talk, I’m actually kind of embarrassed going into situations like this, so I brought my GF, ELE, who is a total pro at all things fancy — and despite the fact that we were two late 20-​somethings strolling into a jewelry store where the average purchase is somewhat larger than… idk…most things that someone my age usually buys… we got zero attitude — everyone was kind, welcoming, and friendly.
Our darling guide was Brad — never once did he push me above my budget — and he was willing to be creative and listen to what I thought I wanted (which was «nothing that looks like an engagement ring — and no pink diamonds b/​c that shizz is TAF) — furthermore, he got total brownie points w E when he invited us back into the safe to look at the insane collection of jewels they have — in short, it didn’t matter whether I was spending $ 5k or $ 500k, they actually treated me like they valued my business — and more importantly, I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten on the piece that I chose.
Oh, and to loop back to the beginning, on our way out they gave E and I bags filled with SCL chocolates, wrappers decorated w a host of massive rocks, for both our noshing and viewing pleasure. Overall, if you’re looking to drop dollars on things that sparkle or go tick-​tock, this is absolutely the place to do it. If you can afford to do so, I wouldn’t look anywhere else.

Excellent online transaction with Adam Bossi, President of Shreve. Honest, dependable and professional service. Shop with confidence from a reputable jeweler that sells the real thing. Bought gorgeous IWC watch last week. Overnight shipping and delivery. Super happy!

What a wonderful store! We had not been in the «new» store since it moved to this location. The staff was friendly and very helpful, even though we must have looked a bit bedraggled on a rainy, windy day. The staff is extremely helpful and responded to all of our inquiries with no condescension whatever. We talked to people on each floor, and found the same attitude throughout the store. Even though the purchase we made was not a major one, we were treated as honored patrons. Especially helpful and knowledgeable were those in the china/​gifts department. We will return when coming back to Boston. A lovely place with lovely people. (And there are bargains to be had!)

How could anyone not like this place. The setting is amazing and I really like the way they set everything up on the different floors. The selection was great and the price range was amazing to me. It’s not often you find a store that carries products that range from $ 10 to $ 1,000,000. The service is fantastic very friendly but not hovering. One of my favorite store is Boston.

I’ve been to their store twice now, hoping that the second visit would be much better than the first– however it wasn’t. I agree with the other reviewers that it seems like as soon as you walk through the door, you are judged on your perceived wealth and then treated based on how they categorize you. As a result, you can either have a great experience or a completely rude one. I cannot recommend a business that so blatantly discriminates among its customers.
When I went in to browse for a luxury watch, it was immediately clear that the staff member who serviced me knew nothing about the actual watches. After standing around for about 10 minutes waiting for service, the sales woman finally looked up from browsing Facebook and said, «oh, yea. I work here if you want to see anything.» Afterward, when I did ask to see something, any question I asked she had to take out a reference book and look up the answer.
My experiences at this store were certainly not that expected of a retailer selling luxury goods. The store takes advantage of the fact that it is one of only two authorized dealers (the other being Tourneau) for most luxury watch brands in Boston, and uses this to exploit customers since they really don’t have many alternatives.

These guys are a class act. I was shopping for a specific A. Lange & Sohne timepiece and the guys in the watch department were able to help me locate it. The service and attention to detail is unmatched. I couldn’t be more happier with my purchase and I will be a loyal customer for many years to come. It’s not about selling you any watch with Shreve, they really pay attention to your needs and budget.
If you are looking for a fine timepiece check out Chris and Mike in the watch department. They are very knowledgeable and always willing to help!

I’ve been doing business with SC&L in the area of men’s watches for several years, since before they changed locations. I have always, always, always been more than impressed! I like the folks at SC&L so much that I’ll often just stop in and schmooze with them on the second floor (where the watches are) when I’m downtown.
To be specific, the bulk of my experience has been with Chris H., whom I’ve known for over a decade, since before he started at SC&L. [To collectors: Chris actually used to work for A. Lange & Sohne — directly for Lange USA!] In recent years, I’ve had nearly as much contact with SC&L owner David Walker (THE best!), with Mike G. (HUGELY knowledgeable manager of the watch department), and with Brian W. (one of David’s sons).
I noticed other reviewers have commented positively about Chris and Mike. I’ll echo those sentiments. While Mike and Chris have distinctly different yet complementary styles, they both REALLY know their stuff when it comes to watches! These guys are NOT your typical watch salespeople. They are passionate about their products, the brands they carry — they’re actually interested in the watches themselves, the history of the manufacturers, the technical aspects of their timepieces, etc. — and they transmit that passion to customers. That’s why collectors — not just one-​time purchasers — gravitate towards Chris and Mike, who are interested in longer-​term client relationships and not just one-​time sales.
Whether you’re looking for a Lange (ESPECIALLY a Lange!), VC, an Omega, or a Bell & Ross, talk to Chris or Mike at SC&L.
[Oh, and if you’re thinking about buying from the gray market … been there, done that, PLENTY of times. Yeah, I’ve certainly had good experiences getting the lowest possible prices from a variety gray-​market dealers. But I don’t do that anymore. Why not? Because I learned my lesson more than once, when either the wrong item arrives, or a supposedly «NIB» (New In Box) watch arrives in obviously worn/​used/​polished condition, or the wrong/​incomplete paperwork arrives with the watch, or (the worst!) when the watch breaks prematurely and YOU’RE stuck (1) paying shipping/​insurance costs (sometimes overseas) to get it repaired AND (2) having to follow up w/​the manufacturer yourself (including dealing with shipping arrangements, insurance, etc.). Even the very best gray-​market dealer is 100% TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY USELESS when it comes to dealing with any sort of after-​sales problem, no matter how nice, helpful, and reassuring they are BEFORE making the sale (and how much you’ve come to trust them because you’ve bought 3 watches from them previously and nothing’s gone wrong). No matter how nice they are, gray-​market dealers by definition have NO positive relationship with manufacturers, so they can’t fix problems. Once you’ve personally had to deal with the «hassle factor» of premature (or avoidable) after-​sales problems, you’ll quickly decide that «going gray» isn’t worth the risk — it’s better to pay a bit more (though still hopefully not full retail) and buy from an authorized dealer like SC&L. Think of the difference in price as a VERY worthwhile, low-​cost insurance policy.]
One last thing, to counter the notion that «it’s a Newbury St. jewelry store, so you need to dress well and drive a Maserati to be treated well»: SC&L passes the «snob test» with flying colors! That is, I dress like shit, I (badly) cut my own hair, I shave (i.e., trim stubble) once a week, and I take the T or walk everywhere (don’t own a car). Yet whenever I walk into SC&L, the folks in the first floor jewelry department — who are often different people and who have no idea that I’m a regular customer upstairs in the second floor watch department — ALWAYS say hi and smile as soon as I walk in. In my experience, the sales staff at SC&L are unpretentious and will treat you well no matter who you are or how you look. That is as it should be.

I searched high and low for a specific piece of jewelry that I could not find anywhere, until I came to SCL. They were an authorized dealer for the designer, so I gave them a call and spoke with Judy. She was able to locate the jewelry for me, order a sample so I could actually see it in real life before purchasing, and offer a good price. They explained that since it was a special order (in my size), I’d have to pay up front and there is no return policy. I placed the order, and was waiting for it to come in. In the meantime, my situation changed, and I needed to cancel the order. They made an exception to the policy for me for my extenuating circumstances, to which I am grateful. The customer service here, and especially Judy, is exceptional. I will definitely be back and highly recommend them.

I whole-​heartedly believe that this is the sort of place where if you don’t own a Maserati and use money for toilet paper, you are not of interest to them. I felt very much like Julia Roberts on Rodeo Drive in Pretty Woman. And seeing as though my Maserati is the MBTA and my toilet paper is the private label Scott brand knock-​off, this place left me walking away, feeling like the dregs of society, because that’s how I was treated.
I walked in here today around 1:30 PM. That’s not peak lunch hour or anything, but yet I was still ignored.
Walked in the front door, no one acknowledged me. Walked around the right side at first, looking for silver bracelet chains, and the thick gauge chunky bracelet that could be used to hold an engraved charm.
Slooowwwly circled all the way around, looking at every case, CLEARLY looking for something specific. Got around the back left side, and luckily stumbled on the silver charm bracelet section.
Stood there, squatted down to look inside the case from the front. Looked around for help. Lots of people ignoring me. Then leaned on the top of the case to try to view some of the jewelery and prices (since no one was showing me) (think Kit De Luca in Pretty Woman when she leans over and breathes fog onto the glass).
Stood there, waaaaiting for someone to acknowldge me. I generally call out «Is anyone able to help me over here?» and a man slowly comes over. He shows me some things, and I had a few questions about pricing for engraving (extraordinarily expensive, something like $ 25 for the first three letters, and a few bucks more for each additional letters), but he didn’t even really know for sure. He just seemed completely disinterested in showing me things, was lethargic, and didn’t inspire me to be a potential customer. He also seemed like he was moving purposefully slow. It was a miserable experience.
I was wearing my usual jeans, sneakers, North Face Denali Fleece and North Face backpack. Do I look sketchy? Do I look too young to make a purchase? (I do look young). Was because I was looking at charm jewelery (for a 9 year old) did that me a low value customer and not worthy of attention? I mean, I have a nice ring (That I got from Long’s which treats me with respect) on that shows I’m not some teenybopper. Does someone have to get all dolled up to check out jewelery?
I’ve been looking at many stores for this exact item. I went to Tiffany’s at Copley and was treated with amazing respect even though I showed my surprise at how their charm chains have skyrocketed in price (I have my own, the price has gone WAY up).
I’ll never EVER come here again.
Try Long’s downtown, and talk to David, the store manager. Tell him I sent you. I have 3 diamond rings and I love them and I get so many compliments… and you’ll get the best combination of service and price out there.

When I do become rich enough to buy lots and lots of diamonds, I’ll shop at Tiffany’s. Why did I give SCL 4 stars then? Because today I walked a block from my office into SCL, asked if they could clean my engagement ring and diamond bands, and they said no problem. Less than 4 minutes later I walked out with super sparkly diamonds and didn’t have to pay a thing.
That’s fantastic.

I understand the rigors of high end retail, so while I don’t condone, I can understand some of the stories of less-​than-​stellar service written here and elsewhere. My experiences were not those of blatant bad service, scandal or irreverence. Nor did I go into Shreve, Crump & Low with a chip in my shoulder or stars in my eyes. Instead, my experience was in a term, lacking.
We were shopping for a wedding band (two wedding bands, come to think of it), and met with a salesman named David. Although not blatantly snooty like the reputation of many SC&L salespeople, David was very lackluster in his attempts to help us. He showed us one band, which was nice, but when we asked to see other options his reply was, «That’s all there is.» Clearly not, as we stood above a case full of wedding bands, but he had decided that was the only band that would pair well next to my fiancé’s engagement ring, and didn’t see a need to allow us to reach our own conclusions.
His attitude remained the same when we moved on to men’s bands, as he repeated the phrases «that’s all there is,» «that’s all your going to want» or «that’s the best you’ll be able to do.» We looked at one band, priced around $ 3000, that was very nice but a bit too large. David insisted it fit me fine, and when I easily slid it on and off my fingers to demonstrate my point, his reply was, «Well, it will look funny if you try to size, so if you wanted it smaller we’d have to order it custom, and they would have to go out and find all new diamonds, and that would take months and would probably cost $ 8,000. So you might as well buy this one.»
Or not.
And then we went upstairs to meet with their «jewelry repair expert» to discuss repair options for my fiancé’s 90 year old engagement ring. The shank on the platinum ring had bent and worn over 90 years of use, but because it carries a 90 year old inscription we wish to preserve, we didn’t want to replace the shank. But instead of a skilled jeweler we were seated in front of a clueless woman I can only assume is the repair department’s receptionist. She didn’t listen to a thing we had to say, and any statement she made was preceded by, «I think,» «I guess,» or «I dunno but…» In the end, we left no better informed than when we sat down.
I suppose some people are impressed with the name and prestige of Shreve, Crump & Low. And in the end, the women’s ring we looked at was lovely, reasonably priced, and would have made a wonderful choice for my fiancé. But I just wouldn’t have felt right purchasing it after our experiences there. I long for the days when the prestige was deserved, but service at this Back Bay jeweler is desperately lacking the depth and quality I can only assume it used to have.

I came in to get a watch battery replaced. I called in first and the rep was very courteous, quoted me $ 15 and told me the best time to stop by. Pretty good price for «while you wait» battery replacement. I’ve had to pay $ 20 and wait 1 – 2 days at other places and felt like the price was hiked because of the brand of the watch I brought in.
The battery change only took 10 min and they included a complimentary cleaning of my rings.
The store has a department-​store feel, the staff offer to help at every turn. The selection of wedding registry-​type items is a little old-​fashioned (really traditional china, flatware settings, etc).

I had a great experience at SCL this past week. Alex was very helpful, friendly and communicated clearly. The entire staff seemed friendly and happy. Prices were flexible and they delivered what I wanted, when I wanted it. I am happy that I shopped here and I would go back without thinking twice. When I called Tourneau to get a better price, they couldn’t come close to SCL’s final price. I love the option to barter.

I used to go to Shreve’s quite a lot some years ago — Baccarat Harcourt crystal sherry glasses, a vase, diamond earrings (the cut was more beautiful than Tiffany’s), a silver flask, and a box of beautifully engraved calling cards were just some of the things I’ve purchased from them. Shreve’s used to be the place to go for any of those elevated objects and accoutrements that a well equipped man might have — and what separated Shreve from the rest was the sophisticated help and advice of their educated sales people.
I stopped in today to get a traditional leather address book and an engraved calling card, but alas it was not to be. The «stationery» area upstairs now has this afterthought quality to it — and when asked if they had an address book the folks up there gave me one of those Kmart looks and a «if we had one it would be over there.» Needless to say, I didn’t pursue the calling card. And have opted to go directly to Crane for that — I’ll have to trust my own judgment on the design.
I did run into the store manager downstairs (amidst a great plethora of ill-​dressed watch guys) and she was smart, polite, and eager to hear me out — Shreve’s used to be filled with this sort of person. Seems I am hopelessly out of date with my desires. Like many, I do have an iphone, and use it for much of my correspondence, but I simply would have expected even the most minimal selection of tasteful high-​end desk/​paper items — and I do really miss the kind of staff I remember. I suspect this may be a thing of the past.

After being treated quite rudely here about 7 years ago, I decided to give SCL a second chance, thinking I couldn’t possibly have the same bad experience twice. So, on a gorgeous Labor Day Sunday, I stopped in for a look at some diamond studs. I was in a perfect mood for diamond shopping — what could go wrong?
Unfortunately, first impressions are sometimes dead on.
Within a minute of stepping into the store, I was re-​living the same disinterest and impoliteness that attended my earlier experience, this time with SCL’s diamond buyer, Stefan D. He spent most of his time ignoring my requests to move on to another display case of earrings, and chastising me for re-​attaching earring backs after trying on studs (because he couldn’t be bothered to separate them again to insert into his display unit). Every pair I tried on went right back into the case, so a comparison was not possible — and I was rushed through the collection so quickly that I almost laughed at how bad the service was. I walked out with my old pair of studs, which had been an absolute pleasure to buy at Lux Bond.
You can find designs, settings, and stones just as lovely elsewhere — why suffer impertinent SCL sales associates and spoil what otherwise should be a wonderful and fun experience?

My husband bought my engagement ring and Shreve Cump and Low and it is one of the loveliest rings I have ever seen. I have been wearing it since 2006 and I continue to draw compliments on it from everybody. It is a band with alternating diamonds and sapphires set in platinum and it is gorgeous.
I think the coolest thing about it is that I had no idea my husband was shopping for an engagement ring for me, and he had no clue what kind of jewelry I liked. The salesperson helped guide his selection by asking him some questions about my tastes, etc. This person really took the time to talk my husband through the purchase and I cannot be happier with the selection.
I recently went in to check out the signature Gurgling Cod action. I am going to get one for my friends’ wedding. I was kind of nervous to even ask for the price. It’s SCL, after all. The big cod is only 95 bucks. You can’t beat that.
While I was looking at the cod, the saleswoman offered to clean my ring. It look awesome.
Then, as I continued browsing the store, I found the perfect gift for a firend who has just received her US citizenship. I had been looking for something to commemorate this important occasion, but had yet to find the perfect item for her. There, sitting in a case of charms, was the most adorable US passport charm. Again, I was scared to ask the price. Turns out, it is a sterling silver piece and it was only 26 bucks! I also managed to get her a bracelet for around 25 dollars.
She was delighted with this gift, and really impressed with it’s being from SCL.
Who would have thunk that you could get a fabulous little gift for somebody for such a decent price at such a high end store.
Way to go, Shreve!

My partner and I were looking for an engagement ring, and we found good service, prices, settings and stones and Shreve’s. We did a lot of comparison shopping and found Kay Jeweler’s at Cambridgeside Galleria to be pricier for equivalent quality (which surprised us), and Tiffany’s to be gaudy design and super-​expensive. The Shreve ring that we bought is beautiful– subtle setting of the stone that highlights its quality without screaming ‘look at me I have a huge horkin’ rawk on my finger’. Actually, its around her wrist– a perfect fit for my kittykat girlfriend, whose wrist is about a size 9 finger.
Anyway– if you think the name/​location equals snooty and overpriced like we did, its not the case. You can get overpriced anywhere, it seems.

Hands down one of the loveliest shops to browse through while window shopping in the Back Bay. They have a great selection of various jewelry designers, and a lot of watches. They do have a good selection of Christmas ornaments during the holidays, and some really upscale gift able items, if that’s what is on your list.
I was a little taken aback by the cost of ring sizing (I didn’t get it done here based on the cost) but I am sure you get some awesome customer service along with your jewelry service.

My brother wanted a pocketknife for Christmas. I got him a cheapie he could beat up (purchased at the army navy store), but wanted to make sure he had a fancy one as well. I wandered up and down Newbury St. and Downtown Crossing with no luck. Finally, I came upon the formerly intimidating Shreve Crump & Low and decided to walk in, just to see how much trouble I could get myself into. One hour later I was picking up a sterling silver pocketknife engraved with our family name for a very reasonable price. I wasn’t even the one receiving the gift, but was so excited that I had scored such a treasure for my brother. We grew up together quite poor, but now he’ll have a future family heirloom from a classy, 200 year-​old Boston retailer.
Salesperson Mary was thrilled to help me out my despite my modest budget. I never felt the least bit out of place. After the sale we both looked out their amazing window display at the fresh snow on the Back Bay trees and agreed that Boston is exceptionally beautiful at Christmastime.
Don’t fear Shreve’s…it made my day. Ask for Mary.