Naghi’s

I wrote a review for the Naghi’s at 800 Royal on Unilocal thinking that is where I was. What is the deal with two places on same street two blocks apart? I think my review should have gone here because I dealt with Jeff/​Biggie and reported my good experience.

I was on vacation in NOLA while running into this shop. I went into Naghi’s for a Halcyon Days enameled miniature jewel box that caught my eye in the window; cute and unique. – purchased it. I was attended by a lovely woman with a pleasant demeanor, she was no frills and she definitely gave me my space without hounding me; that gave me license to look around and not feel pressured, thank you. I saw a ring that caught my eye, and said my goodbyes with the intent to come back later to look at it. I came back later, purchased my ring: 14k Lapis lazuli with antique filigree with no problem or pressure. My questions were answered truthfully and professionally. I came into this shop with no projections or conjectures. I am extremely satisfied with my purchases, prices paid, and services. If you are a contrarian, naysayer, or always think you are going to be «ripped off,» then don’t go anywhere.

On vacation in the French Quarter (we go every year) we wandered into Naghi’s. We were immediately greeted warmly by Biggie. He was very personable and we really enjoyed talking with him. Unbeknownst to me, my man was planning on proposing while we were on our vacation, but didn’t have a ring yet. While looking through the case of antique jewelry I saw the most beautiful ring I’ve ever laid eyes on. A 1 carat canary yellow diamond with 58 little white diamonds, all arranged and crafted beautifully. I was in love, but thought I would never be able to own such a beautiful and expensive piece of jewelry, plus I had no idea that I would soon be receiving a proposal. My man was paying close attention to my reaction of that ring. When he proposed later that evening he told me that he wanted it to be mine. When we went back to Naghi’s, Biggie was great about bartering on the price and accepting a down-​payment to hold the ring for a month. When we picked it up he gave us all of the certification and a box of cigars as a gift. Our experience with him and the store was very special and memorable.

Do not waste your time or money. When I initially walked into Naghi’s, «Biggie» was the man working. He was wonderful! He was extremely nice and attentive letting me try on different things and making other recommendations based on my interest. We discussed prices, and I asked for his card because I needed to think about spending a large amount of money on a single piece of jewelry. I went back 2 days later, but «Biggie» wasn’t there. I dealt with a man named Earl. After negotiating, we agreed on a price and since he didn’t have any papers on the item, I asked him if he could put in writing what he was telling me the ring contained. He was guaranteeing me in store credit if the ring wasn’t what he said. He wrote down the carats of gem and diamonds but when I asked him to write down it’s weight in gold he said, «how about this… This is what we’ll do.» And he place the ring back inside the case and said, «You’re not getting it.» Extremely unprofessional. If you can’t show me papers and you can’t write down what you’re telling me the ring contains, then it probably doesn’t contain that! They are in a tourist location and taking advantage of it and your wallet! Be careful if you decide to buy from them! You are likely being scammed. You are better off taking your business elsewhere! I know I will be.

We had a lovely visit to New Orleans, and wandered up and down the streets just looking. We happened into Naghi’s and found a lovely emerald ring for my 43 anniversary.

Our mission originally was to find a gigantic Bronze eagle, which amazingly enough they had. After much bartering, we settled on an Opal antique ring instead for my wife a little under half the list price after i made a cash money offer and fanned it out on the table
if you are close to Pat O’briens and need something for your wife to ensure you can still go places with your crew, spend 10 mins and walk over with cash money

Uh, yeah… *anyway*. I walked in to Naghi’s as just one of the gazillion shops I was going to visit on Royal st with the mission of finding the perfect engagement ring. Biggie met me as I came in, let me soak in my new environment for a minute or two before offering assistance (I really like this over the bum-​rush car salesman approach) and paid attention to what I thought I might be looking for. I am not a rich man and was slightly nervous about spending a grand or more on a ring. He did a great job mixing friendly anecdotes with info about the jewelry and finally suggested an antique ring which I immediately loved. He was easy about bartering which I also liked and after we’d agreed on a number I was offered a cigar!
I could’ve gone up and down Royal st all day but it wasnt necessary. Biggie made the entire experience one that I had confidence in. I came back 5 days later to pay my balance and he kindly waived my taxes even though I couldnt pay with cash (which had been part of our agreed upon deal) *and* followed through by handing me a box of the very same habano wrapped cigar I’d enjoyed before as a gift!
As a post script she said yes last night. While she was mewing over her white gold and green amethyst ring she suddenly said «Did you get this at the place on Royal & St Ann? I saw this 3 weeks ago and completely loved it!!!»
Thanks again Biggie.