O & A Hyman

Five weeks ago I was looking for something old for my wedding after reading the reviews on here I visited Hymans. True to the reviews I found the store a treasure trove of odds and sods, soon enough I found a brooch that was going to be converted into a hair piece brilliant, I should have walked away at this point item in hand and gone to another jeweller for the alteration. Alas I didn’t two weeks later I phone the shop my item wasn’t done yet but it will for Wednesday three weeks after receiving the item.
Wednesday comes and a new day a new lie the item wasn’t ready for the delivery that day but it will be here for Saturday at this point I made it perfectly clear that the wedding would be one week away at this pointing needed the work done, promises were made again.
Naively I walked into the shop Saturday hoping they’ve finally done it, alas no it’s not done and they don’t even have it in the shop so I can’t take it elsewhere.
Having no choice it was arranged I’ll have the item the next Wednesday if the work was completed or not. The shop even said they will send the repairer the bits he needs to complete the work, unlike four weeks earlier when that might have been useful.
Wednesday came the repair wasn’t done four weeks later I walk out of the shop with the item looking exactly the same as it did when I first bought it, this is all despite the shop knowing it was for a wedding.
All in all only use Hymans for repairs or alterations if you don’t particularly care about having the work done, if however you don’t mind being jerked about, lied to and want to watch incompetent idiots fail to do a basic job then this is the place to go
For those that are looking for actual work to be completed go elsewhere, the brooch is now with Doltons who having only two days seem to be coming through for me

O & A Hyman sells a vast array of antique and vintage jewellery, pottery, crockery and ornaments. The range of jewellery is quite impressive, with many unusual and interesting pieces at a variety of prices, though generally on the pricier end. They have a glass cabinet full of vintage ornaments, many including their original boxes and mostly animals. One memorable piece was a Humpty-​Dumpty sat precariously on a wall with a comically aghast expression! Some larger ornaments sit on shelves at the back including some quirky dogs with bizarre yet lovable faces.
The shop is small but packed full of glistening goodies to suit a wide range of tastes. The staff are friendly and helpful but are more than happy to let you browse at your leisure. Their product range is diverse and in addition to the items listed earlier, they generally seem to specialize in anything that’s unusual with a bit of history, including medals, trays and pocket watches. A wonderful place to find unique items if, like me, you go for things with character and delight in the fact that a piece has been pre-​loved in a mysterious past life.

I love love love this jewellery shop. It is pure vintage and antique heaven. It’s hard because I always feel a bit guilty visiting O & A Hyman, like I’m playing them off against Year Dot, but really that is quite silly. I am allowed to love more than one jewellery store, it is not cheating.
They always have beautiful and inspiring second hand vintage jewellery on display in their window, often at discounted or competitive rates. Usually there are ring boards which cover all the precious stones — rubies, sapphires, opals, emeralds, diamonds, garnets, amethysts and so on. Those alone are enough to make me stare for ages!
As well as this there are a number of chains, necklaces, pendents, cuff links, watches, ornaments and all other associated items — many more of which you can view inside, with lovely patient staff to help you.
Excellent stock, great staff, lovely prices and all that jazz.

Hidden down a nondescript side street, this tiny shop glitters and shines like some kind of eccentric Englishman’s Aladdin’s cave. Heaven for anyone who’s into steampunk, Victoriana or just unusual jewellery, this shop stocks everything from art nouveau style bracelets and earrings to glass-​fronted gold pocketwatches with all the workings on show. Due to the current boom in gold prices (and the neon sign proclaiming WE BUY GOLD that flickers outside) the shop is often packed with people trying to flog off their family heirlooms, and as such there’s a fair amount of ugly, ostentatious bling amongst the beautiful, delicate antiques, but spend some time having a rummage through and you can easily pick up something you’ll always treasure for less than £20. A good place to pick up a gift for a special someone too, particularly if you’re looking for the wow factor without spending a small fortune.